Job Description

Job Title: Cannabis Sampling Technician

Job Description:
The Division of Laboratory Services at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is seeking qualified individuals for Laboratory Technician II positions to support the Utah Medical Cannabis Program as well as other UDAF programs. The incumbents will primarily be responsible for collecting medical cannabis samples from producers across the state and preparing the samples for analysis at the lab. We are looking for individuals with outstanding integrity who are detail-oriented and have exceptional interpersonal communication skills.

Pursuant to Utah Code §§ 4-41-107 and 26-61a-111, this job includes duties that arise from or directly relate to the Utah Medical Cannabis Act. Duties may require conduct which is in violation of the criminal laws of the United States with respect to the manufacture, sale, or distribution of cannabis. As a condition of employment, candidates who are selected to fill this position will be required to sign an Acceptance of Duties Under the Medical Cannabis Act Acknowledgment Form.

Principal Duties
As a Cannabis Sampling Tech, you will:

• 
  Work under the direction of senior laboratory staff.
• Travel to medical cannabis producer locations to collect samples of harvest lots and products using aseptic techniques.
• Collect samples for other UDAF programs as needed.
• Perform procedures to prepare the samples for analysis, including grinding, weighing, and diluting samples.
• Maintain detailed records of sampling and laboratory procedures.
• Perform essential laboratory housekeeping functions, including temperature tracking, solution preparation, data entry, and cleaning.
• Follow established laboratory practices, procedures, and safety guidelines.
• Help maintain laboratory equipment.

The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate has:

• Advanced knowledge of common office software and data systems.
• The ability to effectively manage their own time and the time of others.
• At least a High School diploma and some college-level experience/coursework in microbiology, biology, or related field of study.
• Proficiency in performing basic calculations for preparing precise solution. concentrations and sample dilutions.
• The ability to follow established SOPs.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to work in a team environment.

Why You Should Join Our Team:
This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the mission of the Division of Laboratory Services at Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, which is to ensure the wholesomeness and safety of Utah's food supply and agricultural products through laboratory testing. This position is also an excellent opportunity to learn and contribute to the development of the rapidly growing cannabis industry and ensure the safety of medical cannabis products. As an employee of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, you will receive excellent health and retirement benefits as well as generous paid time off, which contributes to a favorable work-life balance. You will be working as part of a small team in a clean, modern laboratory environment with access to current advanced analytical instrumentation and data systems.

The Agency:
For more information about the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, click here.

Supplemental Information

• Risks found in potentially dangerous or unusual environmental stress situations, e.g. working at great heights, working in extreme outdoor weather conditions, being subject to possible physical attack, etc.
• The work requires considerable and strenuous physical exertion such as frequent climbing, lifting heavy objects over 50 pounds, crouching or crawling in restricted areas, defending oneself and/or others against physical attack.
• Have a current driver’s license.
• Have a safe driving record.
• Be capable of driving a motor vehicle for extended periods of time.
• Have some basic knowledge of chemistry/microbiology safety and terminology.
• Have at least a high school degree and some laboratory experience.
• Be able to work while sitting or standing.
• Be able to lift 50 lbs.