Review Vacancy
AgencyAgriculture & Markets, Department of
TitleFood Laboratory Specialist 1 or Trainee (NY HELPS) - Microbiology Department
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $53764 to $66951 Annually
Duties Description Position Information:
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking a Food Laboratory Specialist 1 or Trainee to work in the Microbiology Department in Albany. The Food Laboratory Specialist 1 or Trainee receives and prepares samples for microbiological testing and analysis, following proper laboratory protocols related to handling, labeling, and storage; performs laboratory testing methods; calibrates instrumentation to establish and demonstrate appropriate conditions for a particular analysis; operates complex laboratory equipment, instrumentation and electronic data processing and computer equipment; analyzes test results and prepares summaries and reports of analyses to document findings, observations, and results; performs duties in compliance with standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements; and contributes towards method development, process improvement, and/or investigations into new techniques, methods, and instrumentation.
The Food Laboratory Specialist 1 or Trainee is a full-time position working 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday. The position will be based in our Food Laboratory located at 1220 Washington Ave Building 6, Albany, NY 12206.
Salary:
The starting salary for the Food Laboratory Specialist Trainee 1 is $53,764/year, and the hiring salary for the PEF salary grade (SG) 14. This position requires the completion of a two-year traineeship. After successful completion of the first year of the traineeship, the appointee will advance without further examination to the Trainee 2 level SG-16 (starting salary of $59,994). Completion of the second year of the traineeship will result in permanent advancement to the Food Laboratory Specialist 1, SG-18 (starting salary of $66,951) without further examination. Candidates may be eligible for appointment directly to the Trainee 2 or full performance level. For more information, see Advanced Placement below.
The candidate appointed at the Food Laboratory Specialist 1, SG-18 level, will be eligible to participate in the New York State Performance Evaluation Program. Through this program, employees receive yearly performance evaluations. Performance advances are payable to PEF employees whose base annual salary is below the job rate for their current position and who were rated "Satisfactory" or its equivalent on their yearly performance evaluation. Performance advance payments are added to an employee's annual salary. Over time, yearly performance advances may lead to the SG-18 job rate salary of $85,138/year!
Benefits:
This is a PEF-represented position offering a comprehensive and valuable benefits package. You'll benefit from cost-effective health insurance options, fully covered dental and vision care, participation in the secure New York State Pension Plan, and ample paid time off. Your first year includes 5 personal days, 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, and 13 paid holidays – providing excellent work-life balance. Explore additional advantages with programs such as the Deferred Compensation Plan, Flex Spending Account, and NY's 529 College Savings Program. For comprehensive details on these programs, please visit the New York State Office of Employee Relations website.
As a New York State employee, you could potentially qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)! The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your direct student loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan and while working full-time for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets or another eligible employer.
Minimum Qualifications Harvest Your Potential with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets! Join a team committed to cultivating a thriving food and agriculture industry that benefits everyone – from producers to consumers. At the Department, you'll find a dynamic environment where innovation, sustainability, and community engagement are paramount. Explore diverse opportunities, from environmental science to economic development, and discover your path to public service. Cultivate your professional and personal growth while making a tangible impact on a healthier, stronger New York. Plant the seeds for a rewarding career today!
NY HELPS Minimum Qualifications:
Food Laboratory Specialist Trainee 1, NY HELPS Qualifications: A bachelor's or higher degree in analytical chemistry, animal physiology, animal science, aquatics and fisheries science, applied biology, applied nutrition and food technology, biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, computational biology, dairy food technology, dairy production, environmental biology, environmental science, food science, genetics, global and public health sciences, human biology, health and society, inorganic chemistry, microbiology, molecular and cell biology, molecular biology, nutritional sciences, organic chemistry, plant biology, plant physiology, or plant sciences.
Advanced Placement:
Food Laboratory Specialist Trainee 2, NS NY HELPS Qualifications: a bachelor's or higher degree in analytical chemistry, animal physiology, animal science, aquatics and fisheries science, applied biology, applied nutrition and food technology, biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, computational biology, dairy food technology, dairy production, environmental biology, environmental science, food science, genetics, global and public health sciences, human biology, health and society, inorganic chemistry, microbiology, molecular and cell biology, molecular biology, nutritional sciences, organic chemistry, plant biology, plant physiology, or plant sciences and one year of experience using knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, and other sciences to conduct analytical testing in support of food safety, food security, agricultural interests, and consumer interests.
Qualification Substitution: A master’s degree in a related field can substitute for one year of experience.
This will reduce the traineeship time by one year.
Food Laboratory Specialist 1, SG-18 NY HELPS Qualifications: A bachelor's or higher degree in analytical chemistry, animal physiology, animal science, aquatics and fisheries science, applied biology, applied nutrition and food technology, biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, computational biology, dairy food technology, dairy production, environmental biology, environmental science, food science, genetics, global and public health sciences, human biology, health and society, inorganic chemistry, microbiology, molecular and cell biology, molecular biology, nutritional sciences, organic chemistry, plant biology, plant physiology, or plant sciences and two years of experience using knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, and other sciences to conduct analytical testing in support of food safety, food security, agricultural interests, and consumer interests.
Qualification Substitution: A master’s degree in a related field can substitute for one year of experience, and a doctorate in a related field can substitute for two years of experience.
Preferred Qualifications: Previous microbiology lab-related experience or a degree in microbiology is preferred.
Alternate Minimum Qualifications:
You may also be eligible for appointment to this position if you meet any of the following minimum qualifications.
70.1 Transfer Qualifications to Food Laboratory Specialist 1, G-18: Applicants may be appointed to this position permanently if they have: one year of permanent, competitive service in a title designated as appropriate for transfer under Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law. Such titles include but are not limited to: Administrative Specialist 1, G-18, and Human Resources Specialist 1, G-18.
Special Requirements for 70.1 Transfer: Applicants must have a bachelor's or higher degree in analytical chemistry, animal physiology, animal science, aquatics and fisheries science, applied biology, applied nutrition and food technology, biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, computational biology, dairy food technology, dairy production, environmental biology, environmental science, food science, genetics, global and public health sciences, human biology, health and society, inorganic chemistry, microbiology, molecular and cell biology, molecular biology, nutritional sciences, organic chemistry, plant biology, plant physiology, or plant sciences.
70.4 Transfer Qualifications to Food Laboratory Specialist Trainee 1, NS: Applicants may be appointed to this position permanently if they have: one year of permanent, competitive service in a Grade 11 title or higher.
AND
A bachelor's or higher degree in analytical chemistry, animal physiology, animal science, aquatics and fisheries science, applied biology, applied nutrition and food technology, biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, computational biology, dairy food technology, dairy production, environmental biology, environmental science, food science, genetics, global and public health sciences, human biology, health and society, inorganic chemistry, microbiology, molecular and cell biology, molecular biology, nutritional sciences, organic chemistry, plant biology, plant physiology, or plant sciences.
AND
Received a passing score on the most recent Professional Career Opportunities (PCO) Select Title examination.
Reinstatement Under Rule 5.4: Applicants may be appointed to this position permanently if they were previous permanent New York State employees who resigned their positions may be reinstated to their former positions, or to positions to which they were eligible for transfer or reassignment without further examination. Employees separated from their positions may be reinstated within one year of the date of their separation. Employees separated from their positions who have also been separated from state service for more than one year may be reinstated upon approval by the state Civil Service Commission.
55-b/c Qualifications: Applicants may be appointed to this position permanently if they meet these qualifications: A bachelor's or higher degree in analytical chemistry, animal physiology, animal science, aquatics and fisheries science, applied biology, applied nutrition and food technology, biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, computational biology, dairy food technology, dairy production, environmental biology, environmental science, food science, genetics, global and public health sciences, human biology, health and society, inorganic chemistry, microbiology, molecular and cell biology, molecular biology, nutritional sciences, organic chemistry, plant biology, plant physiology, or plant sciences.
Information about the Workers with Disabilities 55-b and the Veterans with Disabilities employment program 55-c can be found at 55b/c Recruitment Resources Center (ny.gov).
Additional Comments NY HELPS Program:
This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).
For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.
At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address HarvestYourPotential@agriculture.ny.gov
Address
Notes on ApplyingTo apply for this position, you must copy and paste the link below into your web browser. This link will lead you to our online employment application:
https://recruitingbypaycor.com/career/SubmitResume.action?clientId=8a7883d07a219b0d017a53a2e3bb0f9a&id=8a7883a8a03fc28901a0436584424211&specialization=
Please upload your resume, transcript, and cover letter within this online application. The deadline to apply is September 6, 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact Cheryl Carman in the Division of Human Resources at (518) 457-3216 or HarvestYourPotential@agriculture.ny.gov.