BACTERIOLOGIST III 2213

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class performs administrative, supervisory and scientific duties in directing the activities of a major laboratory subunit. The Bacteriologist III performs and supervises both routine and difficult microbiological analyses to determine the extent of microbiological contamination in drinking water, marine waters, beaches, wastewater, soil and other environmental samples. The incumbent supervises and participates in the use and general maintenance of sophisticated modern laboratory equipment. A Bacteriologist III may act as the technical director for microbiological and/or biological testing based on certification requirements. Supervision is exercised over all personnel in the subunit. Supervision is received from an administrative supervisor through conference, written reports and observation of laboratory operations. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTVITIES

Plans, supervises, and participates in performing microbiological analyses on a variety of environmental samples to detect microorganisms; may handle analyses involving an unusual degree of complexity;

Supervises and assigns duties to professional, technical, and clerical staff;

Prepares highly technical reports of analyses and experiments performed;

Develops, evaluates and implements new methods, procedures, and quality control standards; monitors standards of performance and validity of analyses performed to ensure reliable data;

Reviews and updates Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

Assigns work to staff and establishes priority of samples to be tested to increase efficiency and establish proper work flow;

Assists in the selection and purchase of scientific instruments;

Ensures that adequate inventories of laboratory supplies are maintained;

May assist in planning and administering the laboratory’s operational budget;

May testify and render opinions in legal matters on the basis of laboratory examinations.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Comprehensive knowledge of the theory, principles, techniques, procedures and applications of environmental microbiology and laboratory techniques; thorough knowledge of modern laboratory methods, procedures, equipment and administration; thorough knowledge of the quality assurance/quality control procedures that are required by the New York State Department of Health - Environmental Laboratory Approved Program (ELAP); good knowledge of relevant federal, state and local public health standards pertaining to methods for the analysis of environmental samples; good knowledge of the trends, developments and current literature in the field of environmental microbiology; skill in laboratory manipulative techniques; ability to oversee and direct the activities of a professional, technical and clerical staff in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to analyze and evaluate data, and to prepare accurate and comprehensive reports; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain good relationships with State, County and municipal agencies and the general public; ability to do original research; demonstrates patience and persistence; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Bachelor's Degree in Bacteriology, Biochemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or one of the Natural or Medical Sciences which includes sixteen (16) credit hours in the biological sciences, including one course in Microbiology, and five (5) years of professional experience* as a bacteriologist, biochemist, biologist or microbiologist which includes marine water testing, at least one (1) year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity.

NOTE: *Professional experience is defined as experience involving independent responsibility for the analysis of evidence or specimens, and includes the signing and issuing of reports. Qualifying experience must have been gained within the last ten (10) years.

Additional graduate education in Biological, Public, or Environmental Health Science will be substituted for non-supervisory experience on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of one (1) year.

PROMOTIONAL: Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as a Bacteriologist II.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Possession of a valid New York State driver's license at the time of appointment; appointees must maintain a valid license throughout employment in this title.

1/1/18

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive