8174C3
Pay Grade: 27
DEFINITION OF WORK
Summary
This is advanced specialized, professional work in microbiology for a laboratory.
Work involves performing a variety of standard and advanced microbiological analyses of clinical or environmental specimens. Work requires the application of analytical procedures to determine the presence, absence or concentration of analytes, the identification of causative agents of an infectious disease, or the presence or absence of a contaminant.
Standard Classification Factors
Supervision Received - LEVEL C: "Under direction…" Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to established policies and requirements.
Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average… Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category.
Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation.
Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant.
Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required.
Physical Demands - LEVEL B: The work requires light physical exertion. The employee may be required to perform handling activities with lightweight or easily moved items (e.g. books, file folders, boxes of office supplies, small machine parts, etc.); perform moving activities for brief periods; operate light equipment; perform repetitive motions for brief periods; confined to a work area.
Environmental Conditions - LEVEL B: The work environment involves moderate hazards, risks or discomforts. Exposure to minor deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is normal. Minor to serious injuries are possible.
Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL B: Involves functional leadership responsibility. As a "senior worker", performing essentially the same or similar work as those overseen, responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling and reviewing. As a "project leader" may be responsible for a phase(s) of a single project which includes planning, coordinating and reviewing the work of others. This level may also involve limited administrative responsibility such as participating in the evaluation of work performance.
Distinguishing Features
Differs from the Microbiologist I class in which the incumbents perform professional microbiological work through standard microbiological analyses of clinical or environmental specimens.
Differs from the Microbiologist III class in which the incumbents supervise a specialized unit of a laboratory section and/or perform highly specialized microbiological laboratory tests that require special knowledge, training and skills.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
Performs microbiological examinations to aid in the diagnosis, control and treatment of infectious diseases, and reviews the results of these examinations for accuracy and reliability.
Performs complex assays such as Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assays (ELISA), Radio-Immuno Assays (RIA), electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, biofluorescence assays, and biochemical assays.
Performs advanced bacteriological, serological, and microscopic examinations of clinical, industrial, and forensic specimens or samples.
Isolates, selects and performs tests on cultures to determine final identification and drug susceptibility results.
Performs quality control procedures, evaluates results, and corrects out-of-range data.
Prepares, reviews, and releases laboratory reports.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS
Knowledge
*Knowledge of the basic principles and practices of microbiology and of the laboratory methods of diagnosis of communicable diseases.
*Knowledge of laboratory methods and techniques in microbiology, such as ELISA, RIA, and genetic probes.
*Knowledge of modern microbiology laboratory materials, equipment, safety procedures, and laboratory computer usage.
*Knowledge of laboratory quality control procedures and appropriate statistical methods.
Abilities
*Ability to use and care for complex laboratory instruments.
*Ability to perform various tests, to adapt techniques as required, and to perform complex computations.
*Ability to assist in the development of new or improved methods/techniques to be used in laboratory analysis.
*Ability to prepare scientifically accurate and thorough reports.
*Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
*Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow workers, supervisors, and the public.
*Necessary at Entry
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology or Chemistry or other related fields and six months of experience in microbiology. Additional experience may be substituted for education as determined relevant by the agency.
NC: 06/93
REV: 12/95
REV: 10/98
REV: 02/00
REV: 06/03
REV: 08/03
REV: 08/05
REV: 06/07
REV: 06/08