Job Page

DEPT OF HEALTH SERVICES The Arizona Department of Health Services promotes and protects the health of Arizona's children and adults. Our mission is to promote, protect, and improve the health and wellness of individuals and communities in Arizona. We strive to set the standard for personal and community health through direct care, science, public policy, and leadership. ADHS promotes alternative work schedules, flexible hours. We have positions that can fit any stage in your career, from entry to senior level. We offer a robust benefit package, including the ADHS Student Loan Assistance Program, where eligible employees can receive up to $437.50 per month for their outstanding student loans. Come check us out and see how you can make a difference in the lives of all Arizonans.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGIST (PHS 1-3)
Job Location:

Address: 250 N 17th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85007

Posting Details:

Salary: $55,902 - $74,778 
Grade: 20

Job Summary:

Position is responsible for isolation and identification of pathogenic microorganisms and toxins deemed to be important by law enforcement and public health agencies for priority biological agents. Performs microbiological and molecular testing of clinical and reference laboratory specimens. Performs quality control, performs quality assurance, maintains laboratory records, provides consultation to clients and colleagues, and performs preventative maintenance on equipment. Will maintain the laboratory reagent and material stocks for testing conducted by the sections, including ordering new supplies as needed. Will participate in on-call rotation pending Department of Justice Security Risk Assessment clearance and requisite training.

Job Duties:

Performs, specialized microbiological and molecular biological testing procedures on specimens/samples submitted for laboratory analysis.
Performs chemical tests to determine presence and/or extent of contamination by toxic, hazardous, and/or regulated chemicals.
Performs quality control testing as required by regulations; maintains appropriate records. Records results of laboratory analyses, including such information as procedure followed, specific laboratory results, final identification, date reported.
Performs preventative maintenance of laboratory instruments. Orders and reorders supplies for work unit as needed.
Works with infectious, toxic, and/or other hazardous materials.
On call duties and other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:
- Microbiological and/or chemical terminology, general biological sciences, chemistry, and related concepts of physics.
- Principles and practices of microbiology and/or chemistry.
- Microbiological and/or chemical laboratory methods, procedures, equipment, and technology.
- Media characteristics and uses.
- Quality control procedures and techniques.
- Federal and State standards applicable to microbiological and chemical test procedures.
- Performance Management (PM), and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Lean methodologies.

Skill in:
- Microbiological and/or chemical laboratory testing and interpretation.
- Using and caring for standard laboratory equipment.
- Applying safety precautions and procedures.

Ability to:
- Establish and maintain effective work relationships.
- Communicate verbally and in writing.
- Maintain accurate laboratory notes.
- Write technical reports.
- Use laboratory and support software, adhere to existing quality assurance quality control protocols, maintain a clean and safe work environment.
- Support a diverse multi-cultural workforce that reflects the community, promotes equal opportunity at all levels of public employment, and creates an inclusive work environment that enables all individuals to perform to their fullest potential free from discrimination.
-Exercise sound judgment.

Selective Preference(s):

Bachelor's degree in a laboratory science including twelve semester hours microbiology, molecular biology, or biochemistry and 2 years experience. Master's degree may substitute for one year of required lab exp. Professional certifications such as ASCP and ASM may substitute for one year of required laboratory experience.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

Driver's License
Candidate must meet the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CUA) minimum requirements for the performance of high complexity testing as defined in the CUA regulations subpart 06171 493.1489(b)(2)(i). See the following link: http://www. cms.hhs.gov/CUA/03_1nterpretive_Guidelines_for_Laboratories.asp#TopOfPage

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply:  Driver's License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits:

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
- Affordable medical and dental insurance plans
- Paid vacation and sick time
- Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
- 10 paid holidays per year
- Wellness program and plans
- Life insurance
- Short/long-term disability insurance
- Defined retirement plan
- Award winning Infant at Work program
- Credit union membership
- Transit subsidy
- ADHS Student Assistance Pilot Program

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program  here . For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Retirement:

To help you build a financially secure future, the State makes monthly contributions to finance your retirement benefit. The State will contribute to the ASRS in an amount equal to your contribution. In other words, you and the State will each pay 50% of the total cost of the benefit. New State employees have a 27-week wait period for contributions to begin.

Contact Us:

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by emailing Tammy.Kaczmarek@azdhs.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. DHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All newly hired employees will be subject to E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.