Associate Laboratory Microbiologist I

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) enriches the environment and protects public health for all New Yorkers by providing 1.1 billion gallons of high quality drinking water, managing wastewater and stormwater, and reducing air, noise, and hazardous materials pollution. DEP is the largest combined municipal water and wastewater utility in the country, with nearly 6,000 employees. DEP's water supply system is comprised of 19 reservoirs and 3 controlled lakes throughout the system’s 2,000 square mile watershed that extends 125 miles north and west of the City.

Requirements

The Bureau of Water Supply seeks to hire an Associate Laboratory Microbiologist I for a position in Microbiology section Watershed Water Quality Operations (WWQO) Laboratory located in Hawthorne, New York. Under general direction, of the Microbiology Supervisor, the Associate Laboratory Microbiologist I will performing qualitative and quantitative analyses of drinking water and environmental water samples in accordance with regulatory requirements for drinking water and environmental water testing using methods approved by New York State. Specific duties include:

• Performing microbiological analyses of reservoir water, drinking water, stream water and storm water within Watershed Water Quality Operations (WWQO), including microcystins analysis.
• Performing phytoplankton enumeration, bacterial isolation and identification using a variety of automated and manual systems.
• Ensuring efficient operations within the laboratory such as maintaining appropriate laboratory quality control (QC), media and solution preparation and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)work
• Performing routine analytical testing using approved methods following written protocols, ensuring that analyses are performed in accordance with regulatory requirements for water samples and conduct routine laboratory quality control procedures according to Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP), The National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference Institute (TNI) protocols and the WWQO Quality Assurance Manual.
• Reviewing data
• Preparing standards and reagents
• Obtaining satisfactory proficiency test results
• Preparing method Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) under direction of supervisor
• Preparing reports and special projects
• Preparing and maintaining inventory of equipment and supplies
• Ensuring compliance with all EH&S regulations
• Adhering to Agency & Bureau Policies and Procedures
• Complying with applicable environmental, health & safety regulations, and DEP’s policies and procedures
  
  

(This is a brief description of what you might do in this position and does not include all the duties of this position.)

A Certificate of Qualification issued by the regulatory authority is not required.

Minimum Qualifications

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in medical technology or in one of the chemical, physical, or biological sciences, and one year of laboratory experience at the technologist level in the appropriate laboratory specialty or specialties; or
• Ninety college credits from an accredited college or university including or supplemented by either (a) or (b) below, and one year of laboratory experience at the technologist level in the appropriate laboratory specialty or specialties.
• For those whose training was completed prior to September 15, 1963: a total of at least 24 credits in chemistry and biology courses combined, including at least nine credits in chemistry, of which six credits must be in inorganic chemistry; and including at least 12 credits in biology courses
  
  

pertinent to the medical sciences.

• For those whose training was completed after September 15, 1963: 16 credits in chemistry courses acceptable towards a major in chemistry, including at least six credits in inorganic chemistry; and 16 credits in biology courses acceptable towards a major in biology; and three credits in mathematics.
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint and One Drive - Familiarity with data compilation protocols, including use of data reporting programs associated with laboratory information management systems i.e., STARLIMS. - Ability to ensure data entries in notebooks and files of computer output are complete and legible. - Ability to promptly submit data for review by specified deadline. - Ability to maintain accurate electronic and written records. - Analytical ability - Communication skills (written and oral) - Interpersonal skills (interacting with fellow employees and well as individuals outside DEP) - Time management skills - Organizational skills - A commitment to honesty, integrity, and support to others - Ability to adhere to all standard operating procedures and following good lab practices
  
  

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is not required for this position.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.