Senior Fish Health Microbiologist Microbiologist 4 Permanent

Title- Senior Fish Health Microbiologist

Classification- Microbiologist 4

Job Status- Full-Time - Permanent
WDFW Program- Fish Program
Duty Station- Olympia Washington Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Spring Chinook Smolts Photo Credit: WDFW

Make a difference in fish conservation and fish health statewide.

In this role you will lead a team of microbiology professionals oversee critical laboratory and provide essential fish health services supporting more than 80 hatchery facilities.

Your expertise will help identify and respond to viruses bacteria parasites and other microbes affecting fish populations while directly contributing to the health and sustainability of the states fish resources.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role the Senior Fish Health Microbiologistwill

Plan supervise and coordinate all laboratory activities within the WDFW Microbiology Laboratory including the design and implementation of microbiological investigations:

• Plan assign prioritize and evaluate the work of microbiology laboratory staff to ensure timely completion of diagnostic testing surveillance activities and research projects.
• Conduct performance evaluations establish performance expectations and provide ongoing feedback and corrective action when necessary.
• Lead regular staff meetings to communicate priorities procedural updates quality assurance findings and organizational initiatives. This includes supervising all work of the microbiology staff at all subdisciplines (e.g. virology bacteriology microscopy biochemistry molecular genetics).
• Ensure laboratory activities meet established biosecurity and agency safety standards.
• Ensure all equipment is functioning to specification maintains inventory of laboratory supplies and is responsible for accounts payable database.
• Adapt existing technologies to address emergent problems and conducts quality analysis/control and final review of new protocols.
• Maintain continual surveillance over tests performed to assure adherence to proper technique and necessary standards of accuracy.

Implement virological bacteriological biochemical molecular genetics and gross methods to detect pathogens and parasites:

• Sample processing plating steaking maintenance of cell culture and cell lines culture isolation and the cryopreservation of viral positives and cell lines.
• Conduct microscopy RNA and DNA extractions qPCR PCR RT-PCR Sanger and genomic sequencing viral cytopathic effect (CPE) identification of certifiable aquatic animal pathogens biochemistry assays (e.g. ELISA) antibiotic sensitivity testing API testing necropsies and maintaining logs.

Inform and consult with fish health professions within and external to WDFW:

• Write (or review and validate for staff) and distribute laboratory reports and data to WDFW management WDFW fish health and hatchery staff fish health co-managers and co-operators including tribal local state federal and international fish health partners.

Working Conditions:

Work setting including hazards:

Travel Requirements: Limited - occasionally for meetings and assistance at hatcheries.

Tools and Equipment: Biological safety cabinets microscopes PCR/qPCR instrumentation DNA/RNA extraction and sequencing equipment ELISA analyzers cell culture equipment centrifuges incubators autoclaves ultra-low temperature freezers liquid nitrogen storage systems laboratory glassware and necropsy instruments analytical laboratory equipment computers laboratory information management systems (LIMS) laboratory coat or disposable gown nitrile or latex gloves safety glasses or chemical splash goggles face shield respiratory protection inverted microscope confocal microscope pipettors centrifuge scalpels forceps homogenizer biosafety cabinet ultracold freezers freezers refrigerators incubators sequencer endpoint PCR quantitative PCR autoclave dry-heat sterilizer scale pH meter clock heat block gel rig cameras DI water system dishwasher computers plate-washer optical density spectrometer multi-well plate reader automated dispenser.

Customer Interactions:Limited interaction with public. Daily interaction with hatchery and field staff.

Qualifications:

Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Required Qualifications:

A bachelors degree in science with major study in microbiology pathobiology chemistry biochemistry molecular biology medical technology or closely allied field.

*Including at least 20 semester or 30 quarter credit hours in college coursework in microbiology or related fields.

And the following (experience may be gained concurrently):

• Six (6) years of experience working in microbiology laboratories with demonstrated working knowledge of the following:

  • Molecular methods (PCR sequencing and protocol development)
  • Bacteriology virology chemistry parasitology mycology immunology
  • Laboratory terminology techniques and equipment including standard analyses microscopic examinations and histological staining methods used in the identification of microbes
  • Microbiology research methods and requirements
  • Report preparation and sources of data on current microbiology research

  
  
• At least one (1) year of leadership or supervisory duties including conflict resolution training and development planning and assigning work and evaluating performance.

Please Note:

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

Knowledge of organization and operation of microbiology laboratories including diagnostic tests and techniques in fields of serology and microscopy; current microbiology research for salmonids and other finfish; scientific report writing for salmonids and other finfish.

Experience:

Your application must include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position your relevant skills and experience and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.
• An unofficial or official college transcript.

In addition topayand otherspecial employee programs there are otherbenefitsthat WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the Benefits tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note:

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents please use the following link: - WAFWP:

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit please do the following:

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at .
• Veterans only Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy) NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number position and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 Biologist 1 Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in .

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFWs efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit Agency and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural racial ethnic sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women racial and ethnic minorities persons of disability persons over 40 years of age disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone or email or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at .

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating accessing or completing your application please call NEOGOV toll-free at or.

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position please reach out toand reference job #.

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