Position/Project Specifics:Microbiologists perform diagnostic tests and do limited consultation regarding microbiology in regards to aquatic animal pathogens and aquatic nuisance species.
Typical responsibilities: performs parasitological, bacteriological, virological, serological, mycological, and microbiological examinations on clinical, environmental, and reference samples using standard testing procedures; interprets results and reports findings; maintains host cell systems for viral, parasitic, mycological, and pathogenic bacterial samples; processes and reads slides of animal, or plant tissue; prepares media, reagents, stains, standards, and quality control solutions; prepares and calibrates laboratory equipment and instruments for operation; stains, examines, and interprets smears from various animal, and plant tissues; identifies pathogenic, parasitic, and contaminating bacteria, evaluates and determines need for further testing; uses molecular biological technology to determine pathogen DNA sequences (PCR and qPCR); determines antibiotic susceptibility of pathogenic bacteria to antibiotics, performs quality-control testing of materials and samples; calculates finished data; evaluates the validity of samples; researches, evaluates, implements, and standardizes new methods and instrument operation problems; reviews/analyzes test results to locate malfunction and maintain objective tests; performs minor repair and maintenance on laboratory equipment; insures glassware and equipment are properly sterilized; autoclaves and disposes of hazardous materials; orders and maintains supply of standard solutions and reagents; may train/instruct other personnel regarding sample collections, preservation, testing procedures and interpretations, and equipment operation; consults with health professionals, other agencies and the public regarding laboratory practices and procedures, testing, and results; responds to inquiries regarding testing and procedures; maintains records, charts, and supply of standard solutions and reagents.
Participates in development of a Quality Management System (QMS) of the Eagle Fish Health Laboratory, including development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
Essential Functions:
- Make standardized observations such as species identification, length, weight, behavior, growth, survival, reproductive condition, and/or signs of parasites, diseases or pathogens, fin clips or tags.
- Lead and perform data entry for data from representative biological samples. Error check the data, maintain and update database, analyze and organize data in the appropriate format (table, spreadsheet, memorandum, or report) necessary for transfer to individuals, agencies, and organizations. Modify software programs and perform data queries. Prepare summary reports to transfer data.
- Assist researchers in investigations of long term and short term fisheries resource management problems. Collect biological samples, record data, perform routine analyses of data, and contribute draft sections to scientific papers for publication.
Knowledge Required by the Position:
- Knowledge of fishery biology (including knowledge of particular species of fish).
- Knowledge of fish husbandry.
- Knowledge of aquatic habitats.
- Knowledge of the scientific method.
- Knowledge of personal computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, publishing software, presentation software, database software, topographic software, bibliographic software, and statistical analysis packages.
- Knowledge of technical writing protocols.
- Knowledge of statistics and mathematics.
- Knowledge of database management.
- Knowledge of programming languages such as SQL.
Additional Mandatory Skills:- elec. detection technology
- lift 40-50 lbs.
- valid driver's license
- fish species ID skills
- compile and collect neat and accurate data
- specific software skills (spreadsheet, word processing, database, GIS, statistical)
- oral communication skills
- written communication skills
Physical Demands:
Demands can range from sedentary, to moderate --where there is walking, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching, lifting, and bending, to rigorous. In the latter case, the employee must be able to handle buckets of water or gear weighing up to 50 pounds. Long daily periods of hiking, carrying equipment, swimming, and/or standing may be required.
Work Environment:
Work is performed in an office/ laboratory setting with adequate lighting, heating and ventilation. Typical laboratory hazards exist.
Minimum Qualification Requirements:
A range of education and experience may be presented. At the lower end of the range, candidates must present successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major in biological science with at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects and at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences. An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.
At the upper end of the range, candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience** OR a year of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position.
**Specialized Experience is experience that equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.