AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy   The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities - from ensuring food safety to environmental protection - touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad. The agency includes 780 employees approximately and grows close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.      The Microbiology Laboratory is recruiting for a non-permanent Administrative Intern!  The WSDA Food Safety & Consumer Services (formerly known as Microbiology) Laboratories Program provides laboratory testing for regulatory agencies and agriculture communities to protect public health. The program tests Food, Feed, Dairy, cannabis products, and environmental samples for surveillance and regulatory purposes.  The Administrative Intern 2 assists in a variety of basic laboratory functions, the laboratory Quality System, and the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). The position is designed to provide college students, or recent high school or college graduates, with hands on experience in employment with the state of Washington. In this position you will receive training in departmental procedures and at the same time will be assigned productive tasks and assignments in a microbiology area. This position is required to work in a laboratory setting, which regularly involves long periods of standing and repetitive hand motions while performing a task.Some of what you'll do:    * Assist in a variety of sample collection, sample check-in, sample set-up, samples testing, data entry, data analysis, QA/QC support, or research tasks; may be assigned to a specific laboratory section continuously or may rotate between sections to gain different kinds of experience. * Autoclave and sterilize laboratory materials. * Clean and sterilize glassware & utensils.  * Mop floors, clean and disinfect incubators and refrigerators. * Prepare media, reagents, and solutions for testing samples in the lab.  * Maintain accurate inventory of media supplies to prevent emergency shortages.  * Assist data mining, report prep, facilities improvement project, PT, research and other admin duties. Required Qualifications:    * Possess or pursuing a degree from an accredited college or university or a technical certificate related to computer science/information technology OR Equivalent education/experience. OR * Recent high school or college graduate. Desired Qualifications: * Complete of at least four semesters or six quarters work (or equivalent) at an accredited college or university. * Experience with Microsoft Office or similar office software.  * Maintain a valid driver's license.  Employee Benefits * A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, and teleworking. * WSDA provides an excellent benefits package beyond traditional benefits. State employment offers Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave; click here for more information. * 12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals. * All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency. * Commute Trip Reduction Program.    For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov. How to apply:    You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, and supplemental questions applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position:      * Current resume detailing experience and education * A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.   By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.    Applications with comments "see attachments" will be considered incomplete.    If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.   The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state's on-line recruitment system.   Equity at WSDA  The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways. We hire amazing people that share in the commitment to our Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) strategic plan, our Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act implementation plan, and our unique needs and desires for belonging, respect, and inclusion. We value the growth and development of our team members by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement.   We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a productive and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities we serve while we are committed to a workplace that celebrates our differences and supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Contact Us Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at Recruitment@agr.wa.gov.    Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.      The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months. Veteran's Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.  Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.