Microbiologist

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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

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL)

Other Locations: Austin

MOS Codes: 230X,43BX,43TX,71A,SEI
12

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.

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…