MICROBIOLOGIST
Recruitment #2206-1925-001
List Type | Original |
---|---|
Requesting Department | HEALTH-Clinical Services |
Open Date | 6/29/2022 09:45:00 AM |
Filing Deadline | 7/22/2022 11:59:00 PM |
HR Analyst | Nola Nelson |
Introduction
Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting
with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal
without the big city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our
residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing
together its unsurpassed old world charm with a breathtaking Art Museum,
top-flight arts and cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront
festivals, recreational opportunities, and great restaurants.
The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed
to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion
for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the
following opportunity.
Purpose
Using microbiological
and molecular methods, the Microbiologist performs moderate to high complexity
testing of clinical and environmental specimens for the detection of
microorganisms for the Milwaukee Health Department’s (MHD) laboratories,
clinics, and programs.
This
position may require working with highly pathogenic microorganisms in a Bio-safety
level 2 and 3 (BSL-2/3) laboratory, following state and federal guidelines.
Essential Functions
Technical
- Use microbiological and molecular methods to identify and detect microorganisms in a variety of clinical and environmental matrices.
- Using the laboratory information management system (LIMS), manage, analyze, and process samples through all phases of testing.
- Report and release test results to clients, including those reportable to state and federal agencies.
- Identify, resolve, and document problems related to technical duties and assigned responsibilities.
- Utilize laboratory information management system (LIMS) for pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical phases of laboratory testing.
Laboratory Quality
- Follow established inventory management and audit processes, including receipt and inspection of samples and supplies.
- Recognize and report corrective actions relative to non-conforming events (NCEs) in laboratory processes; participate in root cause analysis and identification of corrective actions.
- Participate in Continual Quality Improvement (CQI) efforts.
- Participate in the MHD medical/clinical branch and sectional meetings.
- Comply with applicable laws, regulations and guidance governing all aspects of laboratory testing, including testing, safety, and patient confidentiality.
- Participate in the method validation/verification process.
- Perform and provide reports on annual proficiency testing.
- Comply with testing policies and procedures regarding protected information (HIPAA).
- Maintain and document annual competency assessments in all assigned work areas.
- Participate in regulatory audits.
- Maintain technical records, assist with data requests, and provide technical support to partners.
Biosafety and Biosecurity
- Follow OSHA safety guidelines, bloodborne pathogen standards, the MHD Laboratory Safety Manual, and other local, state and national standard laboratory safety and best practice guidance.
- Recognize and report all safety incidents and hazards to management.
- Use the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for specific laboratory hazards.
We welcome
qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and
will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance
with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the
Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.
Conditions of Employment
Please be advised that new employees are required to have received either both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine prior to their employment start date or have an approved religious or medical accommodation prior to their employment start date. You can find further information relative to the City’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy here.
- The Microbiologist must be willing and able to do the
following:
- Wear a particulate respirator (N95 or higher), and have a respirator fit test annually;
- Have a TB skin test annually;
- Participate in the Federal Select Agent Program (Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002);
- Obtain FBI background clearance; and
- Lift up to 25 pounds.
- This is a first-shift position; however, public health and security emergencies may require Microbiologists to be available during non-standard hours and/or weekends.
- While performing the duties of this job, employees may be exposed to infectious agents or toxic laboratory chemicals.
- The Microbiologist is considered essential staff during this public health emergency.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, molecular biology, public health microbiology, medical technology, or a closely related biological science from an accredited college or university.
- Recent laboratory experience as a microbiologist, including at least one year independently conducting microbiological testing in a clinical, environmental, and/or public health setting.
- Valid driver's license at time of appointment and throughout employment.
Equivalent combinations of education and
experience may also be considered.
NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your
employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education
as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.
Desirable Qualifications
- One of the following nationally recognized certifications
within one year of employment:
- Microbiology (M) – American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification
- Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification
- Molecular Biology (MB) – American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification
- Specialist in Microbiology (SM) – American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification
- National Registry of Certified Microbiologists (ASM)
- Experience in molecular techniques.
- Skill in using specialized computer applications, such as sequence analysis software.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics
Technical Skills
- Knowledge of general microbiology and the ability to apply diagnostic microbiology procedures to identify and detect microorganisms.
- Knowledge of and the ability to perform quality control and quality assurance practices in a microbiologic laboratory setting.
- Ability to connect components for environmental and/or clinical microbiology with factors impacting public health.
- Ability to use laboratory equipment (e.g., thermocyclers, microscopes, biosafety cabinets) in a clinical, environmental or public health laboratory setting.
- Knowledge of laboratory bio-safety and bio-security, and ability to assure relevant practice.
- Knowledge of basic mathematics and statistics; ability to make accurate calculations.
- Ability to read, follow, and interpret complex documents, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and scientific publications.
Communication Skills
- Verbal communication skills to present and convey information effectively.
- Written communication skills in order to document work and create reports.
Interpersonal Skills
- Ability to work effectively with diverse staff, external agencies, and clients.
- Ability to work cooperatively and fairly with people whose backgrounds may differ from one's own.
- Ability to work well both independently and as part of a synergistic professional team.
- Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
Computer Skills
- Skill in using computer applications such as MS Office software, spreadsheet, the internet, and job-related databases (i.e., LIMS).
Judgement and Analysis
- Analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Judgment and decision-making skills.
- Planning, organizational, and time management skills.
- Ability to stay abreast of best practices in microbiology through ongoing professional development and continuing education activities.
- Ability to respond to sensitive inquiries or complaints effectively.
- Honesty, integrity, and ability to maintain patient and laboratory confidentiality.
Current Salary
The current salary range (2FN) is $49,260-$68,968 annually,
and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents
is $50,738-$71,037 annually. Appointment above the minimum
is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is
subject to approval.
BENEFITS
The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program
that includes the following:
·
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
·
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
·
Health and Dental Insurance
·
Paid Parental Leave
·
Comprehensive Wellness Program
·
Onsite Clinic Services
·
Onsite Employee Assistance Program
·
Alternative Work Schedules
·
Long Term Disability Insurance
·
Group Life Insurance
·
Tuition Benefits
·
Paid Vacation
·
11 Paid Holidays
·
Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
·
Flexible Spending Arrangement
·
Commuter Value Pass
For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee,
please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.
Selection Process
THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one
or more of the following: education and experience evaluation; written, oral,
or performance tests, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee
Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to oral
and performance examinations. Oral examinations may include written exercises.
Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of
the job.
INITIAL FILING DATE: The examination will be held as soon as
practical after Friday, July 22, 2022. Receipt
of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior
notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been
met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the
examination. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not
provide alternative test administration. The applicant is responsible for
attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated
by the City of Milwaukee.
Additional Information
APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting www.jobaps.com/MIL.
- Applications should be submitted no later than the deadline listed above.
- If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
- The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
Conclusion
EEO = 206
The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal
opportunity employer.