Microbiologist ; Guthrie Agricultural Center, Guthrie, WV

West Virginia Department of Agriculture – Position Description

Job Title: Microbiologist I

Division: Regulatory and Environmental Affairs

Headquarters: Guthrie Agricultural Center, Charleston, WV

Reports To: Assistant Director, Laboratory Services

Supervisory Responsibility: None

FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt

Under direct supervision, the full‑time Microbiologist I performs administrative and professional work for the Microbiology Laboratory to include microbiological analyses of samples, specimens, or products specific to the Division and/or Program. The Microbiologist I will also perform related work in the maintenance of a quality assurance program for the Microbiology Laboratory.

• Perform methods consistent with the laboratories’ equipment for analyses of specimens and samples.
• Perform standard bacteriological, chemical, and serological related tests and observations in accordance with scientific principles and techniques determined by a supervisor.
• Analyze, interpret, and record test results in order to assist in the administration of laws, regulations, or specifications relating to the microbiological composition of the products analyzed.
• Prepare official reports and may be called upon to testify before the court or the Commissioner.
• Utilize the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for data entry and other computer operations.
• Handle samples and perform analyses according to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and test methods.
• Maintain quality assurance measures to assure that analytical standards are being met.
• Accurately maintain records of all quality activities as documented in SOPs and test methods.
• Prepare laboratory equipment and/or scientific instrumentation for use in conducting diagnostic procedures.
• Report questionable identifications or findings on work to a supervisor.
• Write SOPs and methods.
• Attend meetings including overnight travel.
• Other duties as assigned.

Laboratory/office environment. 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. May require working with pathogenic microorganisms, hazardous chemicals, and hot surfaces capable of burns. Warm, humid conditions can be found in the laboratory environment. Personal protective equipment is supplied and required to be worn by laboratory staff.

Exposure to unpleasant odors may occur.

• Knowledge of composition and significant properties of materials and substances used or tested by the laboratory.
• Substantial knowledge of the source materials found in the field of bacteriology and chemistry.
• Substantial knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, bacteriology, and related microbiology.
• Working knowledge of standard office equipment.
• 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 complete training on detection technologies including complex instrumentation.
• 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.
• Skilled in maintaining and calibrating equipment.
• Skilled in manipulative techniques and in following standard scientific laboratory methods.
• Skilled in the use of laboratory instruments and equipment commonly used in analytical laboratories.
• Capable of speaking before an audience.

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree. At least 24 semester hours in microbiology and physical sciences including a course in microbiology and 16 hours in chemistry.

Experience: One year of employment carrying out technical work in a microbiology laboratory including one year of supervisory experience.

Substitutions: None.

Licenses/

Certifications:

None.

• 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 the Commissioner of Agriculture and designees.