Laboratory Scientist 1 Bacteriology

State of Ohio; Kentucky; On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Coverage

Dental/Vision Insurance

Paid time off

11 holidays per year

OPERS retirement

Education opportunities

Job summary

Ohio Department of Agriculture in Reynoldsburg, OH seeks a Laboratory Scientist 1 Bacteriology to perform routine diagnostic assays, culture handling, and organism identification using conventional and molecular methods. You will support quality control, SOP drafting, and data reporting in a state food and agriculture lab.

Experience in microbiology and a relevant science degree are required; the role offers full-time hours, a union environment, and comprehensive state benefits in Ohio.

Qualifications

• 30 months pertinent laboratory experience commensurate with job duties to be performed as outlined per approved position description on file.
• Or completion of associate degree in a biological, chemical, natural or physical science; 12 months pertinent laboratory experience commensurate with job duties to be performed as outlined per approved position description on file.
• Or completion of undergraduate core coursework in a biological, chemical, natural or physical science.

Responsibilities

• Performs routine diagnostic assay within Animal Disease & Diagnostic Laboratory including processing clinical specimens for bacterial and fungal culture and organism identification using various conventional microbiological techniques and molecular methods.
• Maintains proper culture environment to support optimal microbial growth.
• Assists veterinary microbiologist in advanced diagnostic workflows.
• Establishes definitive organism identification through both traditional testing as well as advanced methodologies.
• Disposes of materials in accordance with established decontamination and biosafety procedures.

Skills

Active Learning

Adaptability

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Analytical Thinking

Education

Associate degree in biological/chemical/physical sciences

Undergraduate core coursework in biological/chemical/physical sciences

Equivalent Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment

Job description

Job Description - Laboratory Scientist 1 Bacteriology (260005S9)

Laboratory Scientist 1 Bacteriology ( 260005S9 )

Organization

Agriculture

Unposting Date

Aug 27, 2026, 3:59:00 AM

Work Location

Bromfield Building 8995 E Main Street Reynoldsburg 43068-3399

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Licking County-Reynoldsburg

Compensation : $24.88 - $31.47, Based on Qualifications

Schedule

Full-time

Work Hours : 8AM-5PM, Monday-Friday

Union : OCSEA

Primary Job Skill

Laboratory

Technical Skills

Laboratory

Professional Skills

Active Learning, Adaptability, Analyzation, Attention to Detail, Time Management

Agency Overview

Competitive salary: $51,750 - $65,458 Annually

Agriculture is the heart of it all in Ohio!

The Ohio Department of Agriculture protects all Ohioans by safeguarding plants and animals, conserving our natural resources and supporting farmers. ODA is cabinet-level agency reporting to Governor DeWine. Food and agriculture is Ohio’s number one industry, contributing $124 billion to the economy and employing one in eight people. Ohio is home to more than 75,000 farms, with agriculture touching every part of the state. Not only does Ohio rank number one in Swiss cheese production, but we are top three in the nation’s egg production and fifth in soybean production. Ohio’s farmers impact those well beyond state lines, feeding families across the nation.

ODA’s beautiful campus is located in Reynoldsburg on 158-acres. Not only is parking free, but food trucks frequent the campus for coffee and lunch.

You’ll find great coworkers here, who are experts in their field and care about the work they do.

What We Do:

Working for the Ohio Department of Agriculture means strengthening our state with the help of our 19 divisions programs. Our staff ensures the products you consume every day are safe to eat and drink. We protect Ohio’s farmland, improve soil health and water quality, all while keeping our plants, crops, and animals free of pests and disease. We are home to the state’s top food safety laboratory and serve as the hub for a statewide lab safety system. Our folks protect consumers by ensuring you get what you pay for through weights and measures accuracy standards. ODA oversees Ohio’s 94 county and independent fairs, the showcases of our towns and cities, and protects fair goers by inspecting the amusement rides you love to enjoy!

As a member of team ODA, you will be working with people of the highest caliber, doing great work, and making a difference for all Ohioans.

Job Description

What You’ll Do:

No ag background, no problem! You’ll learn all about agriculture from our top-notch experts who dedicate their lives to a cleaner, safer, better Ohio.

This position is responsible for:

• Performs routine diagnostic assay within Animal Disease & Diagnostic Laboratory including processing clinical specimens for bacterial and fungal culture and organism identification using various conventional microbiological techniques and molecular methods Maintains proper culture environment to support optimal microbial growth Assist veterinary microbiologist in advanced diagnostic workflows Establishes definitive organism identification through both traditional testing as well as advanced methodologies Disposes of materials in accordance with established decontamination and biosafety procedures Conducts quality control procedures as described in laboratory Protocols for all assigned tests and prepares reagents & quality-control materials required for testing Provides results to appropriate individuals following agency established guidelines Monitors equipment to assess performance, diagnose malfunctions Performs routine maintenance Troubleshoots & repairs equipment as needed & determine when to contact vendor for assistance Utilize computer systems (including hardware, software and agency’s LIMS accurate data entry, tracking, management, and reporting of diagnostic data Updates and maintains work-related documentation Effectively plans & organizes workflow Cleans & maintains workspace Tracks & orders supplies Drafts standard operating procedures (SOPs) Maintains in-house control samples & reference materials Preserves isolates and organisms for long-term storage Records quality-control data while preparing corresponding control charts Identifies and reports existing or emerging issues or trends based on control‑chart performance to the supervisor Assists bacteriologist in developing and/or validation of new diagnostic assays Under direction of higher-level scientists Assist in research of new assay development/validation, drafting scientific report and SOPs Performs additional related duties across other laboratory sections as assigned

This position shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the OCSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. ODA bargaining unit members have selection rights before non-bargaining unit members. All other applications will only be considered if an internal bargaining unit applicant is not selected for this position.

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

ODA values its internal diversity and pledges to cultivate an inclusive and engaging environment for all employees where differences are embraced and celebrated. The agency commits to building a workforce that champions the advancement of these principles and initiatives. The values on which these efforts are founded are respect, empathy, transparency, equality, and equal access.

What’s in it for you:

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full‑time and part‑time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website ! Our benefits package includes:

Medical Coverage

• Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the Ohio Med PPO plan.

Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance

• Dental, vision and basic life insurancepremiums are freeafter one year of continuous service.

Time Away from Work and Work/Life Balance

• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth/Adoption leave

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

• OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of his/her salary towards his/her retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary. Visit the OPERS website for more information.

Deferred Compensation

• The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information.

Maternity Benefits

• Expanded maternity health care benefits available to state employees enrolled in the Ohio Med PPO and Ohio Med NN (narrow network) medical plan options. Several prenatal, childbirth, and post‑childbirth services are provided at no out‑of‑pocket cost to employees utilizing network providers.
• Examples of services now covered by network providers at 100% include: Prenatal care, including physician visits and examinations. Home health care services designated as maternity care (for expectant members on bed rest). Inpatient claims for all types of delivery. Inpatient NICU claims, from birth through discharge. Postpartum care, including office visits for follow‑up, and procedures/treatments directly related to maternity.
• Medications prescribed for both antepartum and postpartum conditions (e.g., morning sickness, postpartum depression). Medical services provided by non‑network providers will be processed at the applicable coinsurance, deductible, and out‑of‑pocket limits.
• Prescription drugs that are directly related to maternity care are covered with no copay. The State of Ohio has collaborated with the prescription drug third‑party administrator (OptumRx) to provide a list of covered medications that can be approved for zero copay via prior authorization from providers.

Why Work for the State of Ohio

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full‑time and part‑time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website ! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS ) &Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation )

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Qualifications

30 months pertinent laboratory experience commensurate with job duties to be performed as outlined per approved position description on file.

-Or completion of associate degree in a biological, chemical, natural or physical science; 12 months pertinent laboratory experience commensurate with job duties to be performed as outlined per approved position description on file.

-Or completion of undergraduate core coursework in a biological, chemical, natural or physical science.

-Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.

Supplemental Information

If you require an accommodation for the interview process or the position, please notify the assigned recruiter.

Unusual Working Conditions

Exposed to biofluids & tissue, sharps, caustic or toxic chemicals, &/or explosives; may work varying hours.

For Questions Regarding This Posting Please Contact:

Ryan Gunter - [e-mail]

The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

The State of Ohio is a drug‑free Workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non‑medical cannabis). The recommended candidate for this position may be required to take a drug screen as part of their approval process. A candidate who tests positive for illegal or improperly used controlled drugs will not be hired.

ADA Statement

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Drug-Free Workplace

The State of Ohio is a drug‑free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non‑medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.