West Virginia Department of Agriculture
                                                    Position Description
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Job Title:              Microbiologist III
Division:              Regulatory and Environmental Affairs
Headquarters:   Guthrie Agriculture Center, Charleston WV
Reports To:         Assistant  Director, Laboratory Services 
Supervisory
Responsibility:   None
FLSA Status:       Non-Exempt

Nature of Work:
Acts as technical lead in the performance technical analyses of food, feed, milk, milk products, environmental, food contact surface, water, cultures, swabs, specimens, and animal tissue samples. Will also perform related work in the maintenance of a quality assurance program for the laboratories.

Examples of Work:

• Develops and maintains quality assurance measures to assure that analytical standards are being met.
• Develops 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 findings 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.
• Acts as a Subject Matter Expert when reviewing new or revised methods.
• Conducts and contributes to the design of research project development and conducts related bench work.
• Conducts training with new laboratory staff on detection methods and SOP’s.
• Prepares in-house proficiency check samples, when necessary, for other laboratory staff.
• Provides professional advice and guidance in new or revised existing laboratory methods.
• Perform technical lead duties.
• Writes, monitors, and manages grant proposals. Presents research findings through scientific papers, lectures, and presentations.
• 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; and warm, humid conditions can be found in the laboratory environment. Personal protective equipment is supplied to laboratory staff. Some jobs require employees to be exposed to unpleasant odors.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, bacteriology, and related microbiology.
• Knowledge of composition and significant properties of materials and substances used or tested by the laboratory.
• Knowledge of the source materials in the field of bacteriology and chemistry.
• Knowledge of photocopiers, computers, telephone equipment, fax machines, and other office equipment found in the office environment.
• Knowledgeable and authorized for use on all detection methods associated with the laboratory.
• Skilled at writing, monitoring, and managing grants.
• Skilled at maintaining and calibrating equipment.
• Skills in manipulative techniques and in following standard scientific laboratory methods.
• 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.
• Ability to speak before an audience.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education:  Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with at least 25 hours in microbiology and physical science courses including a course in microbiology and 16 semester hours in chemistry. Master’s degree in Microbiology preferred.
Experience:  Five (5) years’ experience performing technical work in a microbiological or related laboratory.
Substitutions: None
Licenses/ Certifications:

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license is required.
• 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.

              This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of theCommissioner of Agriculture and designees.
                                             West Virginia Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer.