Title: Microbiologist - Bacteriologist #00615
State Role Title: Scientist I
Hiring Range: $54,106 - $62,635 annually
Pay Band: 4
Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture
Location: WARRENTON LAB
Agency Website: https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Division of Animal and Food Industry Services is seeking a Diagnostic Bacteriologist to perform routine aerobic and anaerobic bacterial isolations and identifications on samples submitted for diagnostic and regulatory purposes at the Regional Animal Health Laboratory located in Warrenton, Virginia. The selected individual will perform identification and susceptibility testing of isolates. Parasitology, virology, and molecular testing will also be required. They will cross-train in Serology and Dairy for regulatory and non-regulatory tests and in water testing. The Bacteriologist will also be responsible for the quality control testing on media and reagents in the microbiology laboratory. Test results are entered into an automated Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). This position works collaboratively, and as a team member, to assist with other related laboratory procedures as needed. Occasional minimal weekend work may be required.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience or considerable knowledge of diagnostic bacteriology, molecular biology, virology, and parasitology along with a variety of laboratory procedures and related instrumentation, media preparation, safety and research knowledge. Ability to perform complex laboratory procedures, follow verbal and written instructions with precision and accuracy, and work harmoniously and collaboratively with co-workers, supervisors, and the public while providing exceptional customer service and communication skills. Ability to independently conduct a variety of analyses and develop logical conclusions; operate microbiology, molecular biology, and other laboratory equipment; plan and organize work assignments; accurately interpret, record and present test results to quality standards, and effectively communicate both orally and in writing. Clinical, diagnostic veterinary or human medical microbiology, laboratory quality control, or regulatory experience desired along with experience working with ISO 17025 or similar laboratory quality management system. Testing formats require precision, manual dexterity and visual acuity. H.S. Diploma/GED required.
Additional Considerations
A combination of related working experience, training, and education indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include knowledge of working in a clinical microbiology laboratory or regulatory experience in animal health technology including bacteriology, molecular biology, parasitology, and virology.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that before we can legally employ an individual, we must verify both the identity and employment authorization of the individual. VDACS uses Form I-9 to satisfy this requirement. Form I-9, instructions, and the List of Acceptable Documents can be found at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9. VDACS does not offer sponsorship for employment purposes; therefore, the selected candidate will need to be able to provide acceptable documents in accordance with Form I-9 (use link above for more details). Additionally, VDACS participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For additional assistance with this requirement, please contact hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov.
Final candidate must successfully complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 Layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.
Contact Information
Name: Human Resources
Phone: N/A
Email: hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.