Senior Laboratory Assistant (SLA)

Are you looking to begin or continue a fulfilling career with the State of California? The Senior Laboratory Assistant (Senior Lab Assistant) position is a rewarding career in the sciences. The Fish Facilities and Entrainment unit (FFE) is looking to hire a motivated individual to fill a recent vacancy. This limited-term (LT) position has secure funding for two years. The LT position could transition into a permanent position depending on State organization and budget changes occurring in the next two years.

This unique opportunity will train you in a variety of valuable career building techniques in the marine and freshwater sciences through a combination of laboratory and database management work. Aquatic field work may also be available for interested individuals. The hired individual will learn the use of several fisheries sampling gear, aquatic ecosystem monitoring, fish and zooplankton identification, chemical care and handling, microscope use as well as valuable data management skills including data entry and database quality control. Individuals that have worked within the Senior Lab Assistant position often find themselves prepared for future promotions in the State, ideal candidates for private industry work, or as competitive applicants for higher education opportunities. For more information on the tasks performed by this position, please download and review the duty statement attached to this advertisement. We look forward to reviewing your application.

Prospective applicants who meet the Minimum Qualifications for the Senior Laboratory Assistant classification (see link above) through Pattern II of the Classification Specifications must upload a copy of their (unofficial) transcripts. Those who meet the MQs through Pattern I may bypass the transcript requirement in the uploads page and enter the following reason: I meet the MQs for this classification through Pattern I of the Senior Laboratory Assistant Class Specs.

This position is posted in the following counties: Contra Costa, San Joaquin, Sacramento . You only need to apply to one county.

This position is a 12-month Limited Term (LT) and may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent.

If you currently have permanent status in your position and have passed probation, you have mandatory reinstatement rights into your former position at the end of this LT appointment. If you have not had prior permanent or probationary civil service status, you will be separated from state service.

During this 12-month Limited Term assignment, you will receive full health, dental, and vision benefits! You will also earn State Service and accrue monthly leave credits.

In order to be eligible for this position, you must either be transfer eligible or take and pass the following exam.

Class Title: CalCareers

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions
Must possess a valid driver's license, be able to operate a motor vehicle and equipment, and be prepared to travel using a State vehicle. Driving may be for long distances, often in heavy traffic and early in the morning. Must be able to carry up to 40 pounds.
Field conditions may involve a variety of inclement weather conditions including rough seas, high temperatures, cold & fog, and occasional exposure to wildfire smoke. Field days will involve early starts, and late returns and may involve long commutes to the field location. Research vessels often work in remote locations and crews may be asked to spend 8 hours or more outdoors. Must be able to safely board and maintain balance on a seagoing vessel.

Laboratory work can involve sitting for long periods of time using a microscope or computer, 8 hours a day for 5 days a week. Individuals in this position will need to regularly handle preservative chemicals including formaldehyde and ethanol. Handling chemicals requires the wearing of personal protective equipment including gloves and masks/respirators. Training provided in the proper handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals.

This position is located at the Bay Delta Region office in Stockton, California.

This position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Accrual Credit

Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR LABORATORY ASSISTANT

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-453172

Position #(s):
565-323-7878-013

Working Title:
Senior Laboratory Assistant (SLA)

Classification:
SENIOR LABORATORY ASSISTANT $3,808.00 - $4,765.00

# of Positions:
1

Work Location:
Sacramento County

Telework:
In Office

Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term - Full Time

Department Information Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) employees are committed to managing and protecting California's diverse wildlife and the habitats upon which they depend.

California is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. As such, CDFW values diverse employees working together to protect nature for all Californians. CDFW is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all backgrounds, cultures and personal experiences can thrive and connect others to our critical mission.

Join us and begin a meaningful new career!
Department Website: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov

Special Requirements

Must be able to safely board and maintain balance on a seagoing vessel.Must be fluent in English to communicate with team members and crews.

Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 10/30/2024
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Fish and Wildlife
HRB Mailing Address
Attn: Human Resources Branch
P.O. Box 944209

Sacramento , CA 94244

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Fish and Wildlife
Closed Drop Off Location
Human Resources Branch
Temporarily Closed
See Filing Instructions
Sacramento , CA 95814

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Other -
  A valid driver's license is required. Please include the following Driver's License (DL) information on a separate piece of paper along with a photocopy of the front and back of the license: Name as stated on license, issuing state, DL number, class, and expiration.
  
• Statement of Qualifications - In order to be considered for this position, you must provide responses to the supplemental questionnaire below with your State application. Applicable experience may include both paid or unpaid experience. Please keep your collective answers to no more than one (1) page, single-spaced, using 12-point Arial font.
  
  After reviewing the Duty Statement attached to this advertisement, please provide a 1 page statement detailing your interest in freshwater, estuarine or marine ecosystems. Within this short essay, highlight or list any skills and relevant techniques that make you ideal for this position.
  

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
Experience in: Aquatic monitoring and sampling techniques; juvenile fish, larval fish, and zooplankton identification; performing laboratory procedures accurately and consistently; manipulating (e.g. with a probe or forceps), counting, and measuring biological organisms using a dissecting microscope; Excel and Access Databases.

Should have strong organization skills and an ability to focus on tasks that require concentration and self-motivation.

Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Timothy Malinich
(209) 403-0748
timothy.malinich@wildlife.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Civil Rights Office
(916) 902-9211
civilrights@wildlife.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Filing Instructions

You must reference Position Number 565-323-7878-013 and RPA Number E-R3 SO 24-010 in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) for Which You Are Applying section of the State Application Form (Std. Form 678). Applications that do not list the Position Number and RPA Number may not be considered.

It is recommended that Application Packages be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at https://jobs.ca.gov . If applications are mailed, we recommend applications are sent certified mail as we are unable to verify receipt.

Applications that do not follow the Filing Instructions may not be considered.

This advertisement may be used to fill additional vacancies for this JC.

Resume - Resumes will be reviewed in addition to the STD 678 for employment history. Resumes must include the complete to and from dates (MM/DD/YYYY) and hours worked per week.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.