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:

– Senior Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field. Works independently on moderately complex work assignments under limited oversight, reviews progress, and evaluates results. Monitors work and projects ensuring timeliness, quality, and efficiency. Identifies and mobilizes resources to achieve outcomes. Trains others and reviews progress with management. Presents ideas, concepts, and instructions in a clear and persuasive manner. Develops new techniques, concepts, and approaches and applies them to moderately complex and strategic and/or operational issues.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor 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
– Monitors and tracks budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters moderately complex problems
– Applies specialized knowledge and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations, and impact of potential solutions

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on moderately complex work assignments, reviews progress, and evaluates results
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor
– May review the work of others to verify accuracy 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
– Coaches others in using appropriate strategies for resolving conflict; negotiating reasonable compromises; and proposing and evaluating possible solutions
– Give candid and constructive feedback to others to influence and persuade managers and employees to accept and implement findings and recommendations

• Comp Grade – 8
• Minimum – $51,000.00
• MidPoint – $62,500.00
• Maximum – $74,000.00