Environmental Microbiologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$21.96 - $32.94 Hourly
$45,680 - $68,520 Annually
This position is a Pay Band C5
Posting Details
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
Why does the job exist?
This job helps to ensure that the drinking water of New Mexico meets the microbiological criteria standards of the Environmental Protection Agency. This position also assists with ensuring that the dairy products of New Mexico meet the microbiological criteria of the Food and Drug Administration for interstate milk shipping.
How does it get done?
Conducting microbiological testing on drinking water, surface water, and wastewater samples from various sources and public water systems across the state following the standardized methods that are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Assisting the New Mexico Environment Department Drinking Water Bureau by electronically uploading drinking water result files to the New Mexico Safe Drinking Water Information System portal.
Verifying Chain-of-Custody paperwork and coordinating with sample collectors with sample submissions. Conducting microbiological testing of raw milk and dairy product samples following the standardized methodology of the Food and Drug Administration.
Who are the customers?
Citizens of New Mexico, Environment Department, Department of Agriculture, New Mexico Department of Health, Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration.
Ideal Candidate
Bachelor's or master's Degree in biological sciences with an emphasis in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or Chemistry. In addition to a relevant Bachelor of Sciences degree with at least two years of laboratory analysis experience conducting regulatory testing work in the field of Food and Water Microbiology and practices good aseptic technique, who works well independently and in in team settings.
Minimum Qualification
Associate Degree in biological sciences with emphasis on chemistry, mathematics, and/or computer science and two (2) years experience in biology, microbiology, virology, parasitological, and/or molecular biology specialization in a laboratory setting. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements
This position is designated a safety sensitive. Employment is subject to pre-employment and random testing, in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations in relation to alcohol and/or drug testing.
Capable of passing Department of Justice/Federal Bureau of Investigation (DOJ/FBI) security clearance for access to laboratories holding Select Agents, as defined by 42CFR73, ¿Possession, Use, and Transfer of Select Agents and Toxins¿. Must obtain Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccination, able to differentiate colors, use of sterile techniques, and good manual dexterity.
Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive a Defensive Driving Course certificate. In state and out of state travel may be required. Successful completion of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is required.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a fully functional laboratory containing biological, chemical, physical, and radiological hazards. Incumbent will be required to use all applicable safety equipment provided by the employer and follow all safety precautions specified by the employer. There will be extended standing, repetitive trunk/arm/hand/neck movements with computer usage or assay/methodologies utilized. Work involves using high voltage electronic instrumentation, and high-pressure gas cylinders. Ability to lift/push up to 50 lbs.
Supplemental Information
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Agency Contact Information: Sheila Martinez, Sheila.Martinez1@doh.nm.gov, Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.