Laboratory Technician

NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

NOTICE OF JOB VACANCY

TITLE: Laboratory Technician

ANNOUNCEMENT #: 39-25

ISSUE DATE: 10/16/25

CLOSING DATE: 10/30/25

SALARY RANGE: $42,236.54 to $62,340.34

LOCATION: Division of Plant Industry, Ewing, NJ 

[ X ]  GENERAL PUBLIC

ELECTRONIC FILING INSTRUCTIONS

Interested candidates must email a cover letter, including the announcement number, resume and transcripts by the closing date of this Notice of Job Vacancy to njdajobs@ag.nj.gov.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the supervisory official in the Division of Plant Industry, Department of Agriculture, Laboratory Technician performs and assists with laboratory technical work in a chemical and molecular laboratory; Does other related duties as required. This position provides laboratory support for hemp regulatory testing, seed testing, chemistry analysis of feed and fertilizer, mycotoxin analysis, apiary, FERN (Food Emergency Response Network), FDA grant and assists other programs in the Department. Some responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assist in performing routine and complex molecular testing, including DNA/RNA extraction and PCR, and evaluate results to determine interference, inhibition, or other problems that arise during extraction and amplification.
• Perform PCR proficiency testing to maintain compliance with regulatory agencies. 
• In accordance with AOSA guidelines, assist in the laboratory testing and analysis of seed material through germination and purity testing; leaf tissues will be extracted and analyzed using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay and PCR; mix and divide seeds for testing. 
• Assist the State apiarist with laboratory testing and diagnosing of Honeybee related diseases. 
• Assists with Hemp plant sample preparation and laboratory analysis and testing. Assist in testing regulatory Feed samples for Protein, Fat, and Moisture and Fertilizer samples for N/P/K. 
• Receiving, drying, and grinding regulatory samples for Hemp, Feed, and Fertilizers. 
• Receives, documents, and performs scientific data input of seed licenses, applications/registration for seed sales within New Jersey. 
• Unpacks laboratory specimens and containers; organizes and labels specimen samples. 
• Operates and maintains laboratory machines and equipment including HPLC's, GC's, large ovens, automatic pipette plugging machines, prepares pipettes and/or pours dilution of medium for testing. Handles, sorts, and washes laboratory glassware.
• Inspects glassware and other laboratory equipment for breakage, cleanliness, and fitness for use.
• Maintains essential laboratory records and files for assigned program; prepares reports as required.

SPECIAL NOTE: This position will be hired PROVISIONALLY PENDING OPEN COMPETITIVE PROCEDURES (PAOC)

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: Successful completion of sixty (60) semester hour credits from an accredited college or university, including or supplemented by twenty-four (24) semester hour credits in the biological, chemical, and/or physical 

sciences.

NOTE: Successful completion of a certificate program in Clinical Laboratory Technology may be substituted for the above education.

NOTE: Applicants who do not possess the required education or certificate in Clinical Laboratory Technology, but possess the specialized credits outlined above may substitute experience as a technician in a public health, hospital, clinic, or research laboratory performing various types of tests, for the remaining education (years to complete the credits) on a year-for-year basis.

LICENSE: Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

FOREIGN DEGREES: Degrees and/or transcripts issued by a college or university outside of the United States must be

evaluated by a reputable evaluation service at your expense. The evaluation must be included with your submission, and failure to submit the required evaluation may result in an ineligibility determination.

NOTE: All college degrees (both U.S. and non-U.S.) and/or transcripts from a college or university must be evaluated for accreditation by the closing date of this posting. Transcripts must be submitted with a resume. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in ineligibility.

AUTHORIZATION TO WORK:  Selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States according to the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations. 

NOTE:  The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorships for permanent residency to the United States or work visa. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Effective September 1, 2011, NJ PL 70 (NJ First Act), requires all State employees to reside in New Jersey, unless exempted under the law, or current employees who live out-of-state and do not have a break-in service of more than 7 calendar days, as they are "grandfathered."  New employees or current employees who were not grandfathered and who live out-of-state have one year after the date of employment to relocate their residence to New Jersey or request an exemption.  Current employees who reside in NJ must retain NJ residency, unless an exemption is obtained. Employees who fail to meet the residency requirements or obtain an exemption will be removed from employment.

SAME PROGRAM INFORMATION

SAME APPLICANTS: If you are applying under the NJ “SAME” program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter), must be submitted to njdajobs@ag.nj.gov along with your resume, cover letter, announcement number, and transcript (if position has a degree requirement) by the closing date indicated above. For more information on the SAME Program visit their website at: https://nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml, email: CSC-SAME@csc.nj.gov, or call CSC at (609) 292-4144, option 3

BENEFIT(S)*

*Pursuant to the State/Department’s policy, procedures and/or guidelines.

Statewide benefits include:

Deferred Compensation

Health and Life Insurance

Flexible and Health Savings Accounts (FSA) (HSA)

Alternate Work Week available for some positions

Paid Time Off

State Holidays

Up to $250 in rewards for Wellness Program

Telework available for some positions

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer