Microbiologist I

*Pay grade and compensation structure for this position was reclassified effective 9/25/2023.
Summary
We welcome and appreciate your interest in employment with the City of Corpus Christi. We are an equal opportunity employer; no information obtained during the recruitment or selection process is intended for any discriminatory purposes.
Pay
This position is an exempt position at pay grade 203.
Attendance
Non-rotating 40-hour work week, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; must be available to work additional hours as needed.
Who May Apply?
All persons legally authorized to work in the United States
Overview
Perform daily serological, molecular, and PCR tests on salt clinical samples, as well as bacteriological tests on drinking, marine service, and wastewater samples. Maintain lab inventory, conduct laboratory response network activities for a 12-county area with FBI clearance, and provide training and education to hospital and first responder personnel for bioterrorism, chemical terrorism, and other disaster events.
Responsibilities
• Train technical personnel to perform bacteriological and chemical analysis of fresh water, marine water, and wastewater samples by followings standard methods.
• Serve as Technical Manager in the water quality program.
• Execute projects and strategies developed by the laboratory manager of the designed.
• Complete inventory, ordering, and stocking of supplies.
• Assure compliance with the NELAC Institute (TNI) and EPA standards for drinking, surface, and wastewater testing, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards for bacteriological testing with the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in the Seafood Safety Program, the EPA, the Texas General Land Office (GLO) in the Beach Watch Program, and the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), and the Select Agent Program as a Laboratory Response Network (LRN).
• Perform highly complex analyses on material that is suspected of containing WMD, interpret and report results to local, state, and federal partners while maintaining chain of custody and quality of testing to be included in litigation when necessary.
• Remain on call to respond to First Responder Referral to testing of material suspected of containing a biological weapon of mass destruction.
• Complete regulatory testing in call clinics as well as successfully pass proficiency and competency testing.
• Perform Quality Control and Proficiency testing as required to maintain the activities of the Laboratory Response Document quality assurance and quality control as part of a quality system.
Maintain laboratory equipment and accessories by performing routine/proper maintenance tasks as described by the manufacturer or more often as need including making media and clean glassware.
• Perform Colilert, Enterolert, HPC, chemical testing on water samples submitted.
• Utilize technical instrumentation, maintain execute QA/QC procedures and requirements, perform bacteriological analysis of water samples, clinical tests (RPR, TPPA), microscopy, bacterial culture, and GC/CT by PCR on clinical samples according to established SOP, assist in special projects to protect public health, and provide reports via electronic data system.
• Perform and advise hospital laboratories on proper collection, packaging, and labeling, and shipping and chain of custody handling procedures for samples suspected of containing biological, chemical, radiological and/or nuclear agents.
• Take BSL-3 training and maintain certificate as well as train and maintain personal training as ICS Command and other first responder training and respond to public health emergencies when called.
• Approved Security clearance by the Select Agent Program.
• May be asked to perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
• Requires bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in chemical, physical, biological, clinical laboratory science
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in Public Health, medical technology, and related laboratory experience
• A combination of education and pertinent experience may be considered
• Secure FBI security clearance by six (6) months of hire
• A valid driver's license is required; successful out-of-state candidates must be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license within 90 days of hire
Other Information:
Benefits
The City offers an excellent benefit package that includes:
• Texas Municipal Retirement System - TMRS is a required retirement plan for all full-time employees. Each employee automatically contributes 7% of their total compensation. The City will match employee contributions 2 to 1 during retirement.
• Medical/dental/vision/life coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Vacation - 88+ hours per year
• Personal leave - 40 hours per year
• Sick leave - 96 hours per year
• Voluntary 457b deferred compensation plan
• Ten (10) Holidays
• Flexible Spending Account
• City Employee Health & Wellness Clinic & City Employee Fitness Center
• Learning & Development Academy
• Tuition Reimbursement Programs
• Employee Recognition Programs
Basis of Rating
Application review and the City may also conduct additional skill assessment tests, in addition to the panel interview.
Closing Statement
• Selected applicants must be able to pass a background investigation and a pre-employment drug test.
• Any position that lists a minimum qualification for education level and/or license/certification will require the applicant to provide proof of documentation if selected for hire into the position with the City of Corpus Christi. In the event of an emergency, employees are required to work to provide for the safety and well-being of the public, including the delivery and restoration of vital