Title: Microbiologist Supervisor #00064

State Role Title: Scientist II

Hiring Range: $60,000 - $83,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: HARRISONBURG LAB-OFFICE

Agency Website: https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services seeks a Microbiologist Supervisor for the Harrisonburg Regional Animal Health Laboratory. This laboratory runs an average of 15,000 tests monthly and has been at the forefront of fighting animal disease outbreaks. The Microbiologist Supervisor will oversee four laboratory sections, with a total of seven direct reports.
Duties include but are not limited to: supervising staff performing testing; performing laboratory diagnostics, coordinating workflow and coverage of test disciplines and serving as the technical testing specialist', serving as site quality coordinator (with responsibility for adherence to internal and external quality standards); overseeing daily laboratory testing procedures; Ordering and maintaining supplies and equipment; and overseeing the validation of new testing procedures. The successful candidate must be able to work collaboratively as a team member to assist with laboratory procedures as needed. They must be able to work in a fast-paced, often high-pressure environment while prioritizing projects and meeting deadlines. Essential is the demonstrated ability to manage repolls respectfully and professionally, providing timely feedback and correction.

Minimum Qualifications

Considerable knowledge in the basic principles, information sources, and laboratory applications of fields including bacteriology, parasitology, hematology, dairy microbiology, molecular testing and serology in relation to diagnostic and regulatory testing; knowledge of safety hazards and quality control measures within a laboratory; and knowledge of test validation and comparison procedures. Experience with staff supervision and lab workflow management. Maintain effective working relations with employees and co-workers in a team environment as well as with clients, and management. Exceptional oral and written communication and customer service skills. Ability to evaluate testing procedures, develop logical conclusions, establish quality control and diagnose and correct problems; Demonstrated computer proficiency to include basic software and laboratory information management systems, along with skill in the use and maintenance of laboratory equipment. Physical demands of the position include excellent visual and manual abilities, the potential for lifting and manipulating heavy objects, and other conditions needed for working safely in a laboratory. H.S. Diploma or GED required.

Additional Considerations

A combination of related education, training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include knowledge of medical technology, chemistry, biological science, or related subject. Advanced knowledge in Microbiology, Biology, or a closely related scientific field is preferred along with familiarity with ISO 17025 quality standards and experience in clinical microbiology and/or molecular diagnostics as well as work within laboratory quality control systems. Supervisory experience in a veterinary diagnostic or human clinical diagnostic laboratory is preferred.

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: 804.786.3531

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.