Microbiologist (Dairy & Lab Evaluation Officer) #00197

Title: Microbiologist (Dairy & Lab Evaluation Officer) #00197

State Role Title: Scientist I

Hiring Range: $51,000 - $65,000

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: HARRISONBURG LAB-OFFICE

Agency Website: www.vdacs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Laboratory Services provides high quality veterinary diagnostic laboratory services to Virginia livestock producers and animal industries and is seeking an individual to serve as Microbiologist (Dairy & Laboratory Evaluation Officer) at the Harrisonburg Regional Animal Health Laboratory location. This individual would perform difficult and complex microbiological testing on submitted regulatory and diagnostic samples with primary emphasis on dairy submissions. Testing is provided to aid in the control and prevention of food borne illness, as well as livestock and poultry diseases. In addition, this individual will be expected to perform inspections of dairy facilities throughout the state as a Laboratory Evaluation Officer and meet quality control and assurance as detailed by the Office of Laboratory Services, the FDA, and the EPA.

Minimum Qualifications

Considerable knowledge of microbiological and laboratory procedures, techniques and methods used to carry out examinations with an emphasis on dairy microbiology and diagnostic bacteriology; knowledge of general safety procedures necessary in a clinical laboratory. Skill in the use of microbiological and laboratory techniques and equipment necessary to carry out the various procedures used. Exceptional oral/written and customer service skills; computer proficiency. Ability to understand, interpret and report presently used or new developmental procedures, techniques, or methods in the field of Microbiology; to follow oral and written directions with precision and accuracy; to work independently; and to develop logical conclusions and to work collaboratively within a team environment. Must maintain certifications to test dairy and water samples. Current/recent experience in a veterinary or medical clinical laboratory providing customer service to the public is preferred. Testing formats required precision, manual dexterity, and visual acuity. The selected applicant must have and maintain a valid driver’s license with a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety. Candidate must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position. HS Diploma/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 Biology, Microbiology or related science preferred. Regulatory and laboratory experience in animal health technology including FDA/IMS milk testing, serology, bacteriology, parasitology and/or mycology preferred along with Certification in the examination of dairy products.

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.

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: 804-371-8066

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.