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Microbiologist 1 (Temporary)

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Microbiologist 1 (Temporary)

Salary

$25.99 - $39.53 Hourly

Location

Dauphin County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Limited Term Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2025-22862-32410

Department

Department of Agriculture

Division

AG Vtrnry Labs Div

Opening Date

04/24/2025

Closing Date

5/7/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

32410

Position Number

50696750

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

B4

Pay Group

ST06

Bureau / Division Code

00046131

Bureau / Division

Veterinary Labs Division

Worksite Address

2305 North Cameron Street

City

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

17110

Contact Name

Zachary Bender

Contact Email

[email protected]

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

THE POSITION

Are you searching for an exciting career in which you can make a difference through your work with infectious agents? If so, the Department of Agriculture is eager to welcome a diligent and experienced laboratory professional to join the team as a Microbiologist 1. This is a rewarding opportunity to assist with critical scientific lab work to identify animal pathogens. Apply today and use your skills and knowledge to assist in our mission to control and eradicate diseases in livestock and poultry, protecting the health and safety of Pennsylvanians!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

As a Microbiologist 1, you will conduct bacterial and viral disease diagnostic tests including molecular tests, bacterial isolation, phenotypic and biochemical characterization for the identification of animal pathogens. Primary duties include performing animal disease diagnostic tests using molecular methods, entering test results into an electronic system, and performing serological tests such as ELISA for the detection of antibodies and antigens. Within this role, it is essential to adhere to the proper care and maintenance of laboratory equipment and ensure that testing supplies and reagents are ordered as necessary.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD\_NEOGOV.asp?p=50696750) .

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

+ Temporary, full-time employment.

+ Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.

+ Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 1 day per month. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory in Harrisburg.

+ Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.

+ You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

+ A bachelor’s degree in microbiology; or

+ A bachelor’s degree that includes 20 credits in microbiology, cellular biology, molecular biology or bacteriology and 12 credits in chemistry or biochemistry.

+ Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Other Requirements:

+ You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency.

+ You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

+ Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

+ If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

+ Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.

+ Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

+ Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at [email protected] .

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

+ 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

+ Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).

+ Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.

+ Your score is valid for this specific posting only.

+ You must provide complete and accurate information or:

+ your score may be lower than deserved.

+ you may be disqualified.

+ You may only apply/testoncefor this posting.

+ Your results will be provided via email.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning

We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance

We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture

We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks

Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

01

Do you possess a conferred bachelor's degree or higher or are you within three months of conferring a bachelor's degree or higher in Microbiology?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted

If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitinghttps://www.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services link. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.

+ Yes

+ No

02

If you do not have a conferred bachelor's degree or higher, on what date do you expect to receive your degree? Type N/A in the text box if this does not apply.

03

Do you possess a conferred bachelor's degree or higher or are you within three months of conferring a bachelor's degree or higher that includes 20 credits in microbiology, cellular biology, molecular biology, or bacteriology and 12 credits in chemistry or biochemistry?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted

If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitinghttps://www.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services link. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.

+ Yes

+ No

04

If you do not have a conferred bachelor's degree or higher, on what date do you expect to receive your degree? Type N/A in the text box if this does not apply.

05

You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application, or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.

All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each work behavior carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.The "Level of Performance" you choose for each work behavior must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) .

+ Yes

06

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 – PREPARES CULTURE MEDIA AND REAGENTS

Prepares culture media and reagents with the use of aseptic techniques. Uses analytical balances to measure media components, calculates gram molecular weights and percent solutions, measures accurate liquid volumes using calibrated pipettes, uses pH meters to determine hydrogen ion concentration, operates automatic dispensing machines, uses autoclaves to sterilize materials and glassware, and filter sterilizes heat labile solutions.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

+ A. I have successfully completed Biology, Microbiology or Chemistry coursework with associated laboratory work or have professional work experience in which I have used 4 OR MORE of the above listed instruments or methods.

+ B. I have successfully completed Biology, Microbiology or Chemistry coursework with associated laboratory work or have professional work experience in which I have used 1 TO 3 of the above listed instruments or methods.

+ C. I have successfully completed Biology, Microbiology or Chemistry coursework in which the instruments or methods listed above were integral topics but did NOT provide me with the opportunity to apply the knowledge in a laboratory environment.

+ D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

07

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

+ The instrument(s) or method(s) you have used.

08

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

+ College/University

+ Course Title(s)

+ Credits/Clock Hours

09

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - SPECIMEN PROCESSING

Receives incoming samples and reviews laboratory paperwork to confirm information is complete and corresponds with labeling on the sample. Verifies proper collection, transport temperature, and appropriate specimen source per laboratory test.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

+ A. I have successfully completed Biology, Microbiology or Chemistry coursework with associated laboratory work or have professional work experience in receiving samples, reviewing paperwork and evaluating acceptability of samples.

+ B. I have successfully completed Biology, Microbiology or Chemistry coursework in which sample requirements, collection and transport were integral topics but did NOT provide me with the opportunity to apply the knowledge in a laboratory environment.

+ C. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

10

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

+ The type(s) of samples you received, reviewed paperwork for, and evaluated.

11

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

+ College/University

+ Course Title(s)

+ Credits/Clock Hours

12

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 – SPECIMEN TESTING

Performs standard operating procedures for laboratory testing such as culture, bacterial identification, drug susceptibility testing, microscopy, PCR, and ELISA for antigen or antibody detection on clinical or food samples.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

+ A. I have successfully completed Biology or Microbiology coursework with associated laboratory work or have professional work experience in which I have performed 4 OR MORE of the procedures listed.

+ B. I have successfully completed Biology or Microbiology coursework with associated laboratory work or have professional work experience in which I have performed 1 TO 3 of the procedures listed.

+ C. I have successfully completed Biology or Microbiology coursework in which the procedures listed above were integral topics but did NOT provide me with the opportunity to apply the knowledge in a laboratory environment.

+ D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

13

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

+ The type(s) of procedures you have performed.

14

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

+ College/University

+ Course Title(s)

+ Credits/Clock Hours

15

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - CONDUCTS QUALITY CHECKS

Performs quality control checks on equipment, media, reagents and procedures to ensure reliability of media performance and test results. Perform periodic quality control checks including the use of biological indicators where appropriate, preventive maintenance on various laboratory equipment such as autoclave, refrigerators, freezers, incubators, and water baths, perform sterility checks and performance checks on media and reagents using the appropriate quality control organisms. Maintains stock cultures of selected quality control organisms.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

+ A. I have successfully completed Biology, Microbiology or Chemistry coursework with associated laboratory work or have professional experience in which I have performed 4 OR MORE of methods or instruments listed.

+ B. I have successfully completed Biology, Microbiology or Chemistry coursework with associated laboratory work or have professional experience in which I have performed 1 TO 3 of methods or instruments listed.

+ C. I have successfully completed Biology, Microbiology or Chemistry coursework in which quality control and quality assurance were integral topics but did NOT provide me with the opportunity to apply the knowledge in a laboratory environment.

+ D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

16

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

+ The type(s) of methods or instruments you used.

17

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

+ College/University

+ Course Title(s)

+ Credits/Clock Hours

18

WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - PACKAGE AND SHIP SPECIMENS

Performs activities in packaging and shipping of laboratory specimens including: evaluation of the specimen to determine proper shipping category, packages samples, completes all necessary paperwork to accompany the sample, and labels the shipping container to adhere to all shipping requirements.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

+ A. I have completed coursework related to Microbiology, Chemistry, Laboratory Safety, Universal Precautions, Blood Borne Pathogens or Transportation of Infectious Substance with associated laboratory work or professional work experience performing 3 OR MORE of the tasks listed.

+ B. I have completed coursework related to Microbiology, Chemistry, Laboratory Safety, Universal Precautions, Blood Borne Pathogens or Transportation of Infectious Substance with associated laboratory work or professional work experience performing at least 1 OR 2 of the tasks listed.

+ C. I have successfully completed coursework related to Microbiology, Chemistry, Laboratory Safety, Universal Precautions, Blood Borne Pathogens or Transportation of Infectious Substance but this coursework did NOT provide me with the opportunity to apply the knowledge in a laboratory environment.

+ D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

19

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

+ The type(s) of packaging tasks listed that you performed.

20

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

+ College/University

+ Course Title(s)

+ Credits/Clock Hours

21

WORK BEHAVIOR 6 - DATA ENTRY

Utilizes laboratory information management system to accession samples, enter demographics, input laboratory results, create a list of test samples, or monitor workload.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

+ A. I have completed coursework related to Laboratory Information Systems or computer data entry with associated laboratory work or professional work experience performing 3 OR MORE of the tasks listed.

+ B. I have completed coursework related to Laboratory Information Systems or computer data entry with associated laboratory work or professional work experience performing at least 1 OR 2 of the tasks listed.

+ C. I have successfully completed coursework related to Laboratory Information Systems or computer data entry but this coursework did NOT provide me with the opportunity to apply the knowledge in a laboratory environment.

+ D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

22

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

+ The type(s) of data entry tasks listed that you performed.

23

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

+ College/University

+ Course Title(s)

+ Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question

Employer

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Address

613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120

Website

http://www.employment.pa.gov