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:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

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