DEPT OF AGRICULTURE

Address:  State Agricultural Laboratory
145 W. 79th Street, Ste. #4, Chandler AZ 

Salary: $24.00 - $24.00 

Grade: 18

Closing Date: September 11, 2025

The Arizona Department of Agriculture is currently recruiting for a Public Health Scientist Associate for the State Agricultural Laboratory; the position is located in Chandler, Arizona.

Under general supervision, the successful candidate will be responsible for technical laboratory testing and analysis on produce, meat, dairy, feed, fertilizer, pesticides, seed and other food product samples that have been submitted to the State Agricultural Laboratory.

Major duties to include but not limited to:

• Perform quality assurance reviews of both chemical and biological analytical results.
• analyze scientific data to produce final test results.
• Participate in the quality assurance, preventive maintenance and loss control program.
• Sample and reagent preparation for daily laboratory examinations.
• Clean and sterilize laboratory equipment.
• Discard finished analyzed samples and general laboratory cleaning and maintenance.
• May require supervision of other laboratory staff members.
• Maintain confidentiality and other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:
• Laboratory practices and principles of chemistry and microbiology
• Laboratory equipment, terminology
• Testing and analysis
• Quality assurance principles
• Safety practices in a laboratory environment
• Supervisory principles
• Good customer service principles

Skills in:
• Use of laboratory equipment
• Computer and computer software
• Oral and written communication
• Organization
• Basic math principles

Ability to:
• Perform analytical laboratory analysis
• Determine if method parameters are met
• Manual dexterity with fine motor control
• Good record keeping
• Write technical reports
• Lead and supervise others

Experience in Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology or other Physical Science in a laboratory setting.

Bachelor’s Degree in Science – Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology or other Physical Science
Certification or the ability to be certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the analysis of dairy products

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Agriculture offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Sick leave
Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
Health and dental insurance
Retirement plan
Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Mandatory condition of Employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in statue. Current contribution rate is 12.00%. Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Melissa Meek at mmeek@azda.gov for assistance. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.