Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Agricultural and Environmental Lab

The Agricultural and Environmental Lab Technologist provides analytical services to clients; determines appropriate testing methods to meet client needs; prepares and analyzes samples and batch reports; ensures quality control criteria are met; generates client reports with test results and interpretation. 

• Execute and facilitate components of a specific analytical testing program, including sample analysis planning and reporting, test methods, quality control documentation and proficiency testing, and client consultation

• Receive, prepare, and analyze samples for specialized services, including soil, media, water, plant, manure, compost, or biosolids testing programs; evaluate and assess samples to ensure quality

• Determine the appropriate analysis methods based on sample characteristics and client needs; schedule the analysis plan to meet deadline requirements

• Perform tests specific to designated program; interpret results; document samples and results; generate reports to summarize results; review reports for accuracy

• Review analytical results and ensure standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality control criteria have been met; perform continual quality control audits and proficiency testing to ensure consistency and compliance

• Communicate with clients regarding available services, analytical procedures and capabilities, and test results

• Ensure optimal function of laboratory instruments; maintain inventory; order supplies; prepare reagents and analytical standards

• May serve as laboratory safety officer; oversee safety inspections, training requirements, and best practices related to hazardous materials

• May supervise staff members, including hiring, training, development, and performance management

Level:

– Supervisor

Base Description:

– Supervises direct reports, but primarily completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates appropriate knowledge to perform own work; spends majority of time on tasks related to own job responsibilities. Demonstrates baseline planning, organizing, directing, and facilitating skills. Reviews completed work of others to verify accuracy and quality. Follows recommended approaches to assigned work. Supervises assigned staff and coordinates routine work activities. Monitors employee interactions and facilitates a productive working environment. Communicates instructions and policies in a consistent, effective and timely manner. Identifies and addresses concerns appropriately. Makes recommendations for possible solutions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Typically oversees at least 2 full–time direct reports or equivalent team of part–time and/or student workers (for Support track, performs work at Senior Support level or higher; for Professional track, performs work at the Advanced Professional level or higher)

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets for specific area and/or grant(s)

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows standard operating procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems
– Applies proven and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on difficult work assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– Organizes work of direct reports and may set priorities within general guidelines established by manager
– Reviews the work of others to verify accuracy, quality, and conformance to required procedures and special instructions

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and the University
– Communicates with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Collaborates closely with team members; may interact with other staff outside of area
– Utilizes a communication style that is appropriate for a given situation
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials

• Comp Grade – 6
• Minimum – $42,100.00
• MidPoint – $51,600.00
• Maximum – $61,000.00