Microbiologist I (#MGBG01)
$48,182.00 Yearly Min / $64,243.00 Yearly Mid / $80,304.00 Yearly Max

Microbiologist II (#MGBG02)
$57,897.00 Yearly Min / $77,196.00 Yearly Mid / $96,495.00 Yearly Max

Microbiologist III (#MGBG03)
$65,456.00 Yearly Min / $87,275.00 Yearly Mid / $109,094.00 Yearly Max

This class series uses three levels in the Agriculture, Natural Resources and Sciences occupational group and Sciences occupational series and describes laboratory work in performing microbiological examinations to study growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other micro-organisms. Work involves various microbiological analysis of clinical or environmental specimens to determine the presence, absence or concentration of analytes, the identification of causative

Note: This career ladder series incorporates Microbiologist I and II. The Microbiologist I level is to provide entry for hiring new employees into the class series but does not preclude hiring new employees at higher levels. Employees may be promoted through the career ladder in accordance with minimum qualifications and promotional standards. Promotional standards, a selection document under separate cover, sets forth the criteria that defines and describes the requirements that must be met at each level. Advancement of employees through the career ladder is dependent on an agency’s/department's operational needs and distribution of work.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Performs microbiological examinations on a variety of clinical specimens in order to identify and detect the presence or absence of opportunistic or pathogenic microorganisms.
   
• Performs quality control procedures.
   
• Maintains accurate records of test procedures and results of tests performed.
   
• Prepares reports of microbiological procedures performed.
   
• May participate on special response teams, involving epidemics or medical emergencies.

Microbiologist I

This is entry level work performing routine microbiological and other laboratory tests and analysis.

• Work is performed with general supervision of a technical supervisor.
• Receives and processes specimens.
• Prepares culture media, stains, reagents and solutions.
• Performs routine microbiological and other tests. May maintain tissue cultures.

Microbiologist II

This is the full performance level performing complex microbiological and other bioanalytical laboratory testing and analysis to provide and confirm specific test results.

• Work is performed with limited supervision from an administrative or technical supervisor.
• Performs complex microbiological, virological, immunological, serological, bacteriological, biochemical and/or other biological tests and analysis.
• Completes analytical and statistical reports for tests and studies.
• Instructs and/or assists others in technical procedures.
• Participates in meetings, seminars and training sessions related to laboratory procedures and operations
• May participate in the care, breeding and inoculation of laboratory animals.
• May participate in developing and implementing plans, methods, standard operating procedures, quality control and quality assurance data.
• May specialize in one or more area of a laboratory.

Microbiologist III

This is the lead level providing administrative and technical support to a laboratory manager and performing the most complex microbiological and/or other bioanalytical laboratory testing, analysis and research.

• Work is performed under the direction of a technical/administrative superior.
• Assists in the day-to-day administrative and technical operation of the laboratory to include such activities as participating in developing, modifying and implementing new diagnostic techniques and procedures; ensuring record and report requirements are met; ordering supplies and equipment; and/or assisting with grant preparation or development, administration and monitoring of contracts.
• Serves as the first point of contact in problem resolution for other staff and provides technical guidance and assistance in addition to instructing or assisting others in routine and new procedures.
• Conducts advanced laboratory testing and research requiring the most complex analysis and participation in research, decision-making and supervision.
• May oversee the care, breeding and inoculation of laboratory animals. 

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA's listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of principles and practices of biological/microbiological sciences.
• Knowledge of standard microbiological, serological and immunological testing and analysis.
• Knowledge of the use and care of laboratory instruments, equipment, media and reagents.
• Knowledge of universal safety precautions for laboratories.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of statistical analysis.
• Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control guidelines and procedures.
• Ability to prepare specimens and reagents for examination.
• Ability to maintain sterile living cell lines.
• Ability to analyze and interpret test results.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to keep accurate records and prepare statistical reports.
• Ability to follow written procedures.
• Ability to operate a computer to store, retrieve and/or analyzes data.

In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Microbiologist II requires

• Skill in preparation of specimens and reagents for examination.
• Skill in maintenance of living cell lines.
• Skill in analyzing and interpreting test results.
• Skill in use and care of FA microscope.
• Ability to read and interpret cytopathological effects.
• Ability to instruct laboratory personnel in technical procedures.
• Ability to dissect animals and test tissue samples.
• Ability to understand, interpret and explain technical procedures and test results.
• Ability to work independently and to organize and plan workflow.

In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Microbiologist III requires

• Knowledge of animal brain anatomy.
• Knowledge of supervisory methods and techniques.
• Skill in reading and interpreting cytopathological effects.
• Skill in instructing laboratory personnel in technical procedures.
• Skill in compiling analytical and statistical data.
• Skill in dissecting and analyzing animal brains and other tissue.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Microbiologist II
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Possession of an Associates degree or higher in Life or Physical Science or related field.
2. Six months experience in laboratory procedures for preparation, isolation, identification or characterization of viruses, parasites, bacteria or metabolic disorders.
3. Six months experience in analyzing and evaluating scientific data.
4. Six months experience in applying Universal Safety Precautions for laboratories.
5. Six months experience in technical report writing.