Details
Posted: 09-Jun-22
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Type: Full Time
Job Class: Bacteriology Laboratory Specialist
- Who May Apply : This vacancy is open to bidders and to all qualified job seekers. Bidders will be considered through 06/13/2022.
- Date Posted : 06/06/2022
- Closing Date : 06/24/2022
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)
- Division/Unit : Laboratory Services Division / Microbiology Unit
- Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8:30am - 5:00pm
- Days of Work : Monday - Friday
- Travel Required : No
- Salary Range: $24.63 - $36.12/hourly; $51,427 - $75,418/annually
- Classified Status : Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
- FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
- Connect 700 Program Eligible: Yes
Job Summary
This lead worker position will perform routine and complex bacteriological and physical analyses on samples submitted by all laboratory services clientele using established analytical methods for the Microbiology Unit with a strong focus on providing the laboratory with biosafety level 3 expertise. The results of these analyses are used: in food safety and food defense monitoring activities, for certification of products, as evidence in mediation disputes, and as legal evidence for regulatory activities in enforcement of and compliance with state statutes. This position will work on special projects including grant projects, collaborative studies and method validation activities within the department or with outside agencies to validate and establish new technologies within the microbiology laboratory when requested by the supervisor or management team. This position is involved as an equal partner in staffing for rotational weekend and holiday schedules. This position will also assist in media preparation, sample preparation, dishwashing, and other supportive laboratory activities.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.
A Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology or related field and three (3) years working in a microbiology laboratory. A Master's Degree in Microbiology or relate field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
Possess an excellent understanding of the principles of microbiology under biosafety level 3 conditions.
Knowledge of sample handling and analytical methods employed within the microbiology unit including aseptic technique and general microbiological procedures.
Possess good interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
Working knowledge of computer and analytical software programs.
The ability to interpret and follow complex oral and written directions, formulas and procedures.
The ability to evaluate equipment, media and quality control parameter performance in order to determine the suitability of data.
The ability to plan ahead, manage time and be creative in improving work processes.
The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
Preferred Qualifications
The preferred candidate has experience working in an ISO 17025 accredited microbiology laboratory.
Experience working with select agents.
Physical Requirements
This position exists in an analytical laboratory. As such, all potential safety hazards associated with this type of environment are assumed to be present. Hazards such as chemical exposure, hot surfaces, compressed gases and mechanical hazards exist in this section. This position must be comfortable working around these hazards and have sufficient knowledge to recognize and prevent harm to themselves or others. This position must be able to function in this environment and must be comfortable wearing personal protective gear.
Additional Requirements
Job offer is contingent upon passing reference checks. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check for this position may include an Employment Records Check and a Reference Check. The background check may consist of the following components:
- SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
- Employment Reference Check
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
Application Details
Why Work For Us
This position will work in our state-of-the-art laboratory and will help to ensure a safe food supply for the people of Minnesota. This candidate will help us perform pathogen analysis on a wide variety of routine and non-routine samples.
GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays each year.
Our differences make us stronger and leveraging them helps us create a workforce where everyone can thrive. The State of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at our workplace. We do this by developing strong leaders and advocates, increasing cultural competence and understanding among all employees, and removing institutional barriers and attitudes that prevent employees from advancing as far as their talents will take them. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), marital status, familial status, receipt of public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, or age.
How to Apply
Applicants must apply to the MN Careers website http://www.mn.gov/careers Job ID 56292.
If you are unable to apply online, please contact the job information line at 651.259.3637.
Contact
If you have questions about the position, contact Matthew Forstner at matthew.forstner@state.mn.us.
If you are a Connect 700 applicant, please email your certificate and the Job Opening ID to Becky Hierlinger at becky.hierlinger@state.mn.us by the posting close date.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Minnesota is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer. We are committed to providing culturally responsive services to all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance you need.
