Microbiologist I - Corpus Christi, TX

Overview · The Microbiologist I conducts daily serological, molecular, and PCR tests on clinical samples as well as perform bacteriological tests on drinking, marine, surface, and wastewater samples. This position maintains laboratory inventory. The incumbent follows FBI clearanc ...

Job description

Overview

The Microbiologist I conducts daily serological, molecular, and PCR tests on clinical samples as well as perform bacteriological tests on drinking, marine, surface, and wastewater samples. This position maintains laboratory inventory. The incumbent follows FBI clearance and will conduct Laboratory Response Network activities covering a 12-county area. This position will respond to training and educating hospital and first responder personnel for events relating to bio terrorism, chemical terrorism and other man-made and natural disasters.

Responsibilities

• Trains technical personnel to perform bacteriological and chemical analysis of fresh water, marine water, and wastewater samples by following standard methods

• Serves as Technical Manager in the water quality program

• Executes projects and strategies developed by the Laboratory Manager or the designee

• Completes inventory, ordering, and stocking of supplies

• Assures compliance with The NELAC Institute (TNI) and EPA standards for drinking, surface, and wastewater testing

• Follows the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards for bacteriological testing with the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in the Seafood Safety program, EPA and the Texas General Land Office (GLO) in the Beach Watch program, Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), and the Select Agent Program as a Laboratory Response Network (LRN)

• Performs highly complex analyses of materials that is suspected of containing WMD

• Interprets results and reports results to local, state, and federal partners while maintaining chain of custody and quality of testing to be included in litigation when necessary

• Remains on call to respond to First Responder Referral for testing of material suspected of containing a biological weapon of mass destruction

• Completes regulatory testing in all clinics as well as successfully pass proficiency and competency testing

• Performs Quality Control and Proficiency testing as required to maintain the activities of the Laboratory Response Document quality assurance and quality control as part of a quality system

• Maintains laboratory equipment and accessories by performing routine/proper maintenance tasks as described by the manufacturer or more often as needed

• Performs Colilert, Enterolert, HPC, chemical testing on water samples submitted

• Utilizes technical instrumentation, maintains, and executes QA/QC procedures and requirements, performs bacteriological analysis of water samples, clinical tests (RPR, TPPA), microscopy, bacterial culture, and GC/CT by PCR on clinical samples according to established SOP

• Assists in special projects to protect public health, and provides reports via electronic data system

• Performs and advises hospital laboratories on proper collection, packaging, labeling, shipping, and chain of custody handling procedures for samples suspected of containing biological, chemical, radiological and/or nuclear agents

• Takes BSL-3 training and maintains certificates

• Trains and maintains personal training as ICS Command and other first responder trainings and responds to public health emergency when called

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

• Exempt – Full-Time – Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm

· Must be available to work additional hours as needed

· Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays is a schedule requirement

· In the event of an emergency, employees are required to work to provide for the safety and well-being of the public, including the delivery and restoration of vital services

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.

Minimum Qualifications

· Bachelor's Degree (BA/BS) in a chemical, physical, biological, clinical laboratory science, medical technology, or public health

· Two (2) years of experience

· Two (2) years of related Lab experience

Licenses and Certifications

Required

• A valid driver's license is required; successful out-of-state candidates must be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license within 90 days of hiring

Required within six (6) months of hire

· FBI security clearance

Employment Testing

Employment is contingent on passing any post-offer pre-employment screening as listed below:

• Criminal Background Check: Yes

· Motor Vehicle Record Check: Yes

· Drug Screening: Yes

· Physical Exam: Yes

· FBI Background Check: No

· Police Background Check: No

· Clearing House Query (CDL): No

Basis of Rating

A recruitment consultant will evaluate all applications against the posted qualifications. The city may also conduct additional skill assessment tests, in addition to the panel interview

Supplemental Information

• Any position that lists a minimum qualification for education level and/or license/certification will require the applicant to provide proof of documentation if selected for hire into the position with the City of Corpus Christi

The City of Corpus is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please request assistance from the Human Resources Department.