Lab Technician Intern MA-0990

DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION: 

The Central Federal Milk Marketing Area is an affiliate agency of the United States Department of Agriculture and is one of 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders across the U.S. The Central Order administers a milk pricing system that calculates and announces the applicable prices for milk that applies to both dairy farmers and plants processing dairy products regulated under the provisions of the Order. The Order operates a marketing services program to assure the accurate weights and tests of producer milk. Additionally, the office audits the books and records of plants and/or dairy cooperatives to assure compliance with pricing and reporting requirements.

 AREA OF CONSIDERATION? All interested people. This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service. You must be a U.S. Citizen to be considered for this position. Additional selections may be made from this announcement.

 WHAT ARE THE MAJOR DUTIES? The intern may expect to work and gain experience in the laboratory environment. Responsibilities may include but are not limited to performing routine laboratory tasks necessary for the preparation and shipment of control milk standards used for checking the accuracy of infrared milk analyzers. Performing routine testing of milk and dairy products. Visit farms, dairy plants, and stores to obtain supplies of milk. Prepare laboratory reports based on test results and observations. Must be able to lift 50 pounds. Must be able to work inside a cooler with 40-degree Fahrenheit temperatures for short periods of time. 

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED? The applicant must be a recent graduate within two years or currently enrolled, with at least one year of coursework from an accredited college or university with a major field of study in a physical or life science program. Agricultural and dairy industry background is a plus but not required for the position. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS? Must be a U.S. Citizen. Valid Driver License. Occasional travel may be required. Per diem and mileage are paid for official travel. This internship may be structured to work within parameters of college class schedules or specified internship timeframes. Pay will be based on intermittent hours worked. A not-to-exceed appointment may be terminated by either party at any time during the one-year term. The successful applicant has the potential to be converted into a full-time position without having to re-apply for the position at the conclusion of the internship. 

HOW TO APPLY? You must meet all qualification and application requirements as they relate to these duties and expectations by the closing date of the announcement. Applicants must submit a photocopy (original is NOT required) of your college transcript(s), and a detailed and comprehensive resume which fully identifies your qualifications and illustrates how your skills might be used to address the significant duties of the position. Please describe how your specific knowledge, skills and abilities address the job duties, qualifications, and requirements outlined above. Applicants will be rated on the information provided. Applications which do not address these qualifications will not be considered.

VETERANS PREFERENCE: To claim veterans’ preference, veterans need to provide a copy of their DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other proof. Veterans with service-connected disability and others claiming 10-point preference will need to submit Form SF-15, Application for 10-point Veterans’ Preference. 

You may address questions concerning the position, terms, etc. to the contact listed below.

Please submit all requested information by mail or email to:

Denise Johnson 

Administrative Officer 

Milk Market Administrator Office 

PO Box 14650 

Shawnee Mission, KS 66285 

Direct phone: 913-495-9338 

Confidential Fax: 913-495-9309

Email: Denise.Johnson@fmmacentral.com

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.