Salary: $63,216.00 – $82,896.00 Annually
Location: Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type: Project (limited duration)
Department: Dept. of Agriculture
Job Number: 2022-17020

Description
The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities – from ensuring food safety to environmental protection – touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.

The agency includes 780 employees approximately and grows close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.

This Microbiologist 3 position is a project position funded through June 30, 2025. The position supports the mission of the WSDA FSCS Laboratory by conducting analyses of dairy, food, feed, water, and other samples for regulatory purposes. This position will serve as Lead Microbiologist for the federal collaboration laboratory and will be responsible for serving as the principle assistant to a higher level microbiologist.

Duties
The following are examples of some of the duties performed in this role. This is not an exhaustive list, and other duties may be assigned:

• Serves as the Lead in FDA-LFFM Section, one of the main technical sections in the laboratory; analyzes variety of samples for regulatory purpose.

• Assists with research, development, evaluation and validation of new testing methodology or matrix extensions; designs and coordinates ad-hoc research projects within the laboratory sections.

• Coordinates activities of personnel within the laboratory sections ensure that the laboratories are adequately staffed at all time; provides assistance to the lab management and lab quality system.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree with a major in microbiology, public health, biochemistry, medical technology or closely allied field which includes at least 20 semester or 30 quarter credit hours in microbiology.
AND
Four years of professional experience in a microbiology lab or similar lab science laboratory. OR Equivalent education/experience.

Note: A Master’s degree in one of the aforementioned fields may be substituted for one year of experience. A Ph.D. degree in one of the aforementioned fields may be substituted for one year of experience.

Desired Qualifications:

• An advanced degree (Masters or Ph.D.) in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, public health or closed allied fields.

• Five years of professional experience in a microbiology or similar lab science laboratory at a Microbiologist-2 or equivalent level. This experience should be at least a Microbiologist 2 or equivalent position level. A Master’s degree may be substituted for one year of experience, and a Ph.D. degree may be substituted for two years of experience.

• Be able to obtain certification as an analyst in the Interstate Milk Shippers Program Experience with microbiological testing of dairy, feed/food, produce, and environmental samples in a regulatory laboratory, and     experience with microbiological research projects and quality assurance projects.

• Experience with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and Laboratory Information Management System

• Experience with grant writing and applications.

• Strong background in advanced laboratory analytical instrument.

How to Apply
You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application and supplemental questions, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:

• A letter of interest to describe why you are the best candidate and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.

• Current resume detailing experience and education.

By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.
 
Applications with comments “see attachments” will be considered incomplete.

APPLY HERE: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3822266/microbiologist-3

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.
 
Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at Recruitment@agr.wa.gov.
 
Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
 
The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state’s on-line recruitment system.
 
The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.

COVID19: The Washington State Department of Agriculture requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes and should be requested a minimum of (7) seven days prior to the first day of employment. Accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.

Veteran’s Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran’s Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran’s Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.
 
Military Spouse Preference: To take advantage of military spouse preference, you will have an opportunity to identify your status in the questionnaire. We thank you and are grateful for your service!
 
The Department of Agriculture celebrates our differences, and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
 
Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.