Microbiologist I

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Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Microbiologist I 
Job Title: Microbiologist I 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Microbiology 
Posting Number: 14366 
Closing Date: 03/16/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Range: $4,106.30 - $4,927.56 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-17 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL) 
Other Locations: Austin 
MOS Codes: 230X,43BX,43TX,71A,SEI12 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description: 

Under moderate supervision of the Consumer Microbiology Group Manager and in coordination with the Consumer Microbiology Team Leads, follows standard protocols, performs moderately complex and some complex microbiological analyses on food/dairy/shellfish products and water samples. Performs quality control procedures following FDA, TNI, ISO 17025, USDA/FSIS and EPA guidelines.  Participates in all proficiency testing, secures and maintains certification in milk, food, water, and shellfish testing, and participates in  on-site evaluations by EPA, TNI, A2LA, USDA/FSIS and FDA. Participates in the weekend rotation. Assists with any other support work.  Duties are performed with moderate latitude to interpret standard protocol, and with moderate use of initiative, scientific knowledge, and independent judgment.  Duties are performed with limited latitude to interpret standard protocol and limited latitude for the use of initiative, scientific knowledge and independent judgment. 

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1: Examines meat, shellfish and other types of food items for the presence of foodborne pathogens following FDA, AOAC, and/or USDA/FSIS approved protocols which include screening and confirmatory procedures to prepare samples, isolate and identify microorganisms.  Evaluates submitted material for integrity and initiates resolution of problems with samples.  Evaluates data and test results according to standard operating procedures and determines if retesting is necessary. Records results based on standard operating procedures.  Identifies abnormal results and refers to Team Lead.   Enters test results in laboratory information system.  Performs mouse bioassay for the presence of brevetoxin during  red tide blooms.  Assists with the caging, upkeep, and euthanization of mice for the mouse bioassay for the presence of brevetoxin during red tide blooms.  Prepares some routine quality control materials.  Performs moderately complex troubleshooting .   Serves as an authority on selected tests  or procedures as assigned.  (25%)

EJF 2: Examines dairy samples for quality of dairy products following FDA-approved procedures employing both manual and automatic techniques.  Achieves and maintains certification by FDA as an approved milk analyst.  Prepares reagents for milk and dairy procedures.  Records results, and  releases uncomplicated results based on standard operating procedures.  Identifies abnormal results and refers to Team Lead.   Enters test results in laboratory information system.  Prepares some routine quality control materials.  Performs moderately complex troubleshooting .   Serves as an authority on selected tests or procedures as assigned. (25%)

EJF 3: .  Performs assigned quality control measures according to EPA, TNI, ISO 17025, USDA/FSIS and FDA regulatory guidelines. Performs Quality Control of Media and Reagents for the Laboratory Services Section.  Performs preventive maintenance as assigned.  Performs moderately complex troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.  Performs instrument troubleshooting and makes routine adjustments as instructed.  Recognizes problems with instruments or reagents and refers to Team Lead.  Performs validation studies of new protocols or technologies as assigned.  Assists Team Lead with the documentation and investigation of Quality Assurance issues in the laboratory. (25%)  

EJF 4:  Performs microbiological examinations of environmental water and drinking water following TNI and EPA approved procedures. Microbiological examinations include presence/absence tests for total coliforms and Escherichia coli. Achieves and maintains certification by EPA and/or TNI as an approved water analyst. Records results in the laboratory information system based on standard operating procedures. Identifies abnormal results and refers to Team Lead. (20%)

EJF 5: Assists in performing laboratory evaluations of new procedures and the writing and updating of procedures to be included in procedure manuals.  Performs general laboratory procedures and other tasks in support of the assigned duties. Maintains inventory of our office supplies and orders items as necessary when needed. Reviews literature for articles pertinent to the Consumer Microbiology Lab.  Participates in weekend/holiday rotation duties. Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory.  Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or continuity of operations (COOP) activation.  Such participation may require  an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

General knowledge of food and environmental microbiology, including aseptic and pure culture technique, the use of various identification keys and biochemical tests to accurately identity bacteria, and general laboratory safety. General knowledge of the expected reactions of basic culture media with known quality control organisms.  Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; follow written and verbal instructions. Ability to use various items of laboratory equipment, including use of a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis and results reporting.of microbiological and chemical techniques and procedures. Ability to interact effectively with staff, work independently, work in harmony with other team members, and follow standard operating procedures and protocols.  Skill in animal inoculation.  Skill in manipulating standard laboratory equipment with speed, accuracy and safety.  General knowledge of FDA, EPA, TNI, USDA, ISO 17025, CAP and CLIA requirements for testing food and environmental samples along with applicable QC procedures.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
None

Initial Screening Criteria:

Have earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution or have earned an associate’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution.  Experience and education may be substituted as defined by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA ’88) Standards. (Required)

Must be willing to work weekends and holidays in a rotational basis. (Required)

Must be willing to work hours other than 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. (Required)

Experience in research, clinical, or environmental testing. (Preferred)

Experience working in a Food Microbiology Lab (Preferred)

Experience working with Food, Water, Dairy, and Shellfish testing procedures. (Preferred)

Experience with working with regulatory agencies such as FDA, USDA/FSIS, TNI, EPA, CAP, CLIA, and requirements established by ISO 17025. (Preferred)

Experience with quality assurance functions. (Preferred)

Experience with quality control of culture media and reagents. (Preferred)

Experience with spreadsheet or database programs. (Preferred)

Experience using various items of laboratory equipment. (Preferred)

Experience with inventory of supplies in laboratory setting. (Preferred)

Experience in validation and/or verification studies (Preferred)

Skill in animal inoculation (Preferred)

Additional Information

Moderate risk of typhoid fever; low risk of meningitis. The immunization program is monitored by the TDSHS Safety Group.

Applicants must either be certified for milk analysis or become certified within one year of selection. TDSHS will provide necessary training and experience to meet this certification requirement.

Applicants must indicate how they meet the initial selection criteria on the State of Texas Application in the summary of experience.

Interviews will be conducted in person.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form