Job Title: Microbiologist I

Division: Animal Health

Headquarters: Guthrie Agricultural Center Charleston, WV

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary: $30,000 - $35,000

Nature of Work: Under general supervision performs analyses of food, feed, pet food, milk, milk products, environmental, food contact surface, water, cultures, swabs, specimens, and animal tissue samples. The employee will also perform related work in the maintenance of a quality assurance program for the laboratories.

Examples of Work:

• Maintains quality assurance measures to assure that analytical standards are being met.
• Performs methods consistent with the laboratories' equipment for analyses of food, milk, milk products, environmental, water, cultures, and animal tissue samples.
• Performs standard bacteriological, chemical and related tests, and observations in accordance with scientific principles and techniques determined by a supervisor.
• Reports questionable identifications or finds on work to a supervisor.
• Attends meetings which may include overnight travel.
• Utilizes a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for data entry and other computer operations.
• Analyzes and interprets test results in order to assist in the administration of laws, regulations, or specifications relating to the chemical and microbiological composition of the products analyzed.
• Handles samples and performs analyses according to SOPs and test methods.
• Writes SOPs and test methods.
• Accurately maintains records of all quality activities as documented in SOPs and test methods.
• Performs related work as required, such as assisting other division analysts as needed.
• Prepares official reports and may be called upon to testify before the court or the Commissioner.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to sit, stand, and/or walk for extended periods of time; frequently bend, squat, reach above shoulder level, push, pull and handle objects and capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Employment may require working with pathogenic microorganisms, hazardous chemicals such as disinfectants, acids, bases, mutagens, teratogens, and solvents; hot liquids, steam, and hot solid surfaces capable of burns. Also, warm, humid conditions can be found in the laboratory environment. Personal protective equipment is supplied and required for laboratory staff.
• Some jobs require employees to be exposed to unpleasant odors.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, bacteriology, and related microbiology.
• Completes training on detection technologies including complex instrumentation.
• Knowledge of composition and significant properties of materials and substances used or tested by the laboratory.
• Extensive knowledge of the source materials in the field of bacteriology and chemistry.
• Advanced skills in manipulative techniques and in following standard scientific laboratory methods.
• Comprehensive skills in the use of laboratory instruments and equipment commonly used in analytical laboratories.
• Ability to understand and to follow oral and written instructions, formulas and charts.
• Ability to prepare analytical reports and to organize and present scientific information in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to do original research and devise new methods of testing.
• Ability to operate an autoclave sterilizer.
• Ability to operate a computer with office and laboratory related software.
• Knowledge of photocopiers, computers, telephone equipment, fax machines, and other office equipment found in the office environment.
• Skilled at maintaining and calibrating equipment.
• Reports deficiencies or malfunction to the Supervisor.
• Identifies and records nonconformities on Corrective Action Requests.
• Identifies and recording potential nonconformities on Preventive Action Requests.
• Corrects nonconformities and potential nonconformities.
• Improves laboratory and/or quality activities on a continuous basis.
• Ability to speak before an audience.

Qualifications:

Training: Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university. The particular position being filled will dictate the specific requirements such as, a major in chemistry or microbiology or a minimum number of hours in a particular field of study such as 24 hours of microbiology or 16 hours of chemistry.

Experience: One (1) year experience in performing laboratory technical work related to microbiology or chemical analyses depending on the particular position being filled.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid Driver’s License.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.

This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner and designees.