Technical Specialist - Microbiology

Aerobiology/Pace Analytical Services, LLC., a leading environmental laboratory, has been dedicated to making this planet better for over 40 years. We are looking for a Technical Specialist to join our team at our Dulles, VA facility. If you are interested in a career opportunity with an outstanding and growing company, we are interested in speaking with you.

Why Work at Pace:

Mission Statement: Working together to protect our environment and improve our health.

• Benefits start first of the following your start date!
• Competitive salaries
• Medical, Dental, & Vision
• 401K Retirement Plan with a company match
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Paid Vacation, Sick, Volunteer Time & Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Health savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life, disability and voluntary benefits
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Recognition Program

This position is responsible for providing or overseeing the analysis, administration and oversight of comprehensive policies, programs and practices in area of assignment; provides feedback and guidance to employees and management, using advanced to expert professional and technical knowledge of functional areas or related equipment, testing, and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

• Serves as a lead to staff to include providing work direction, guidance and training.
• Prepares and analysis of environmental microbiology samples (spore traps and direct examination (tape lift, Bio tape, Bulk or swab)
• Ensures that the laboratory maintains compliance with the policies and procedures documented in the Quality Assurance Manual.
• Overseeing or reviewing, completing and processing comprehensive types of forms, documents, databases, and related materials and information.
• Submits all QC data reports as directed and in a timely manner
• Provides advanced to expert analysis, interpretation and counsel to staff, management, and functional leaders regarding area policies, programs and practices; involves comprehensive operations and leading implementation and change.
• Provides comprehensive research, feedback and decisions to resolve management and employee questions and requirements; assists with receiving customer feedback and coordinating resources and responses as required.
• Analyzes and reviews advanced to expert operations, results, feedback and related information on an ongoing to as needed basis to determine trends, draw conclusions, interpret findings, and presents results, proposals and recommendations to management.
• Ensures the accuracy of comprehensive tests, equipment, actions, procedures and operational databases, reports, and related details through audits, queries, and operational reviews; works with teams to resolve discrepancies.
• Recommends measures to improve testing procedures and/or use of equipment.
• Assists with developing or participating in area or cross-functional project or program objectives, which includes proposed budgets, timelines, materials, personnel, and other project requirements, receives direction and presents information to management.
• Interprets and applies department policies and procedures and assists with applicable laws, rules, and regulations; receives guidance within these areas as needed.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the department's service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a work team.
• Promotes and supports the overall mission of Pace Analytical by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with customers and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, or related life sciences; advanced degree desired
• At least five (5) years analytical experience involving analysis of spore traps, direct microscopic exam of bulk/swabs/tapes, viable bacterial, fungal cultures, and/or preparation and analysis of environmental samples using PLM and PCM

KNOWLEDGE:
• Advanced to expert principles, practices and techniques in area.
• Comprehensive understanding of the administration and oversight of area programs, policies and procedures.
• Advanced to expert methods to resolve area problems, questions and concerns.
• Comprehensive understanding of applicable area laws, codes and regulations.
• Understanding of comprehensive testing tools, equipment, and calibration.
• Computer applications and systems related to the work.
• Principles and practices to serving as an effective project team member.
• Methods to communicate with staff, coworkers, and customers to ensure safe, effective and appropriate operations.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.

SKILLS:
• Performing advanced to expert professional-level area duties in a variety of assigned areas.
• Overseeing and administering comprehensive and various area functions.
• Training others in policies and procedures related to the work.
• Serving as a team member and the development and management of projects.
• Operating in a both a team and individual contributor environment.
• Interpreting, applying and explaining applicable laws, codes and regulations.
• Preparing advanced to expert functionals reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established department guidelines.
• Using tact, discretion and prudence in working with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Performing effective oral presentations to large and small groups across functional peers and the department.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a variety of individuals contacted in the course of the work.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Mobility to work in a lab and office setting, use standard office and lab equipment and stamina to sit for extended periods of time; exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a lab and office setting. Work is subject chemicals, fumes, gasses, noxious odors and related items in a lab setting.

OFCCP Statement:

Pace Analytical is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, age, religion, sex, veteran, individuals with disabilities, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

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