Scientist (Microbiologist)

At Orange County Government, we are proud to serve the public with integrity, honesty, fairness, and professionalism. We develop innovative policies and services that impact Central Florida and shape the future of our community. We believe in hiring the very best. Our workplace experience sets us apart and makes us a great place to work. Our goal is to create an environment of exceptional organizational values, customer service standards, and employee satisfaction. Orange County Government is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment and services to all individuals.

The Water Division is seeking a highly qualified Scientist in the Microbiology section of the laboratory. This position is responsible for sample analysis of microbial contaminants by approved EPA or Standard Method procedures and ensures work is being performed according to quality assurance and quality control standards.

General Functions

The position is responsible for performing complex physical, chemical or microbiological tests and analyses according to established principles and techniques and ensures work is being performed according to quality assurance and quality control standards.

Work is performed with independence under the general supervision of the Staff Scientist or designee. Performance is reviewed through periodic audits, observations, conferences, reports and analysis of results achieved.

Representative Duties/Assignments

Duties may vary based on area of assignment. The following are representative duties, it is not the intent to capture all duties performed by this classification.

• Performs sample analysis and documents analytical findings.
• Performs non-routine analyses of a specialized nature.
• Develops, reviews, and/or revises standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Review of analytical data to ensure quality control and assurance compliance.
• Posting data in LIMS and reporting results to project managers and clients.
• Assists in report writing, data handling, and other office tasks as directed.
• Assists in the research and implementation of analytical methods and equipment to support regulatory requirements and changes in water, wastewater, and environmental testing. Maintains and orders laboratory equipment and supplies.
• May supervise and train staff on analytical methods, general laboratory procedures, and quality control procedures.
• Participating in duties related to the cleanliness of the workspace; glassware washing, disposal of samples, etc
• Performs qualitative and quantitative analysis of water, wastewater, soil, sludge or other matrices for detection of (but not limited to) total coliforms, fecal coliforms, E. coli, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium.
• Communicates with managers, project coordinators and clients.
• Preparation of media and reagents.
• Performs other related work as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelors Degree from an accredited institution in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology or a closely related science field and 1 year of laboratory experience in chemical or microbiological analysis or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferences

• Experience in microbiology techniques for detection of total coliforms and fecal coliforms.
• Working knowledge of Standard Methods drinking and wastewater methods.
• Experience in NELAP/TNI certified laboratory.
• Experience with preparation of media, reagents, and standards.
• Experience with analytical equipment and laboratory record keeping.
• Experience with Laboratory Information Systems (LIMS)

Open Date: 12/27/2024
Close Date: 01/04/2025

This posting is subject to close without prior notice.

PG: 16

From $26.16 an hour to $34.01 an hour (Placement is based on Education and Experience)

Disclaimer: Benefits may vary for employees under collective bargaining agreements.

For more information on Benefits visit - https://www.ocfl.net/EmploymentVolunteerism/EmployeeBenefits.aspx

If you are claiming Veterans' Preference, you are responsible for providing the required eligibility documentation by the closing date of the posting. Please scan and upload a copy of your cover letter and supporting documents, to Orange County Human Resources Division via the secure Box.com folder.

Your cover letter should include the Job ID number you are applying for, the title of the position, your full name and the last 4 digits of your social security number. *If you are a current employee returning from active military service, you may be eligible for promotion preference if the active military service qualifies for Veterans' Preference. Please note that Veterans' Preference applies only to a Veterans' first promotion after reinstatement or reemployment, without exception.

If your education was obtained in the United States, the County recognizes degrees or diplomas which are accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). If you have obtained education from a country other than the United States, your degree or diploma must be evaluated to determine the United States equivalency by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Service (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluations (AICE) at your expense.

Laboratory

9124 Curry Ford Road

Orlando, FL 32825

Hours: 40

Working hours are Sunday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The microbiology department operates 7 days a week, candidates must be available to work weekends and holidays as needed.

Selected candidate will be required to successfully complete the pre-employment drug, physical and background check.