Laboratory Microbiologist II

About the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

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.

Job Summary

The Bureau of Water Supply seeks to hire a Laboratory Microbiologist II for a position in the Water Quality North Division, Drinking Water Operations Directorate in Kingston, New York. Under general direction of an Associate Laboratory Microbiologist III, the Laboratory Microbiologist II will be responsible for performing microbiological and inorganic chemical analyses on water and wastewater.

Duties

• Performing microbiological and inorganic chemical analyses on water or wastewater following approved methods and instrumentation.
• Performing the necessary support functions to ensure efficient operations of the laboratory, including performing preparatory steps on samples to be analyzed for phytoplankton, pathogens and infectivity by more senior level analysts.
• Support quality control procedures according to Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP) protocols and maintain accurate log records of Quality Control (QC) data.
• Adhere to Agency & Bureau Policies and Procedures.
• Comply with applicable environmental, health & safety (EH&S) laws and regulations, and DEP's EH&S policies and procedures.
• Compiling, reviewing and reporting water quality and associated data in accordance with standard operating procedures and by specified deadlines.
• Carrying out the necessary support functions to ensure efficient operations of the laboratory.
• Performing quality control procedures according to Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP) protocols and maintain accurate log records of Quality Control data.
• Familiarity with performing physical, biochemical, and microbiological analyses including turbidity, fecal and total coliform analysis through membrane filtration, phytoplankton identification, and E. coli identification.

Physical Activities and Working Conditions

Some of the physical activities performed by Laboratory Microbiologists and environmental conditions experienced are exposure to hazardous chemicals, pathogens, and carcinogens. Laboratory Microbiologists will have protection during such exposure. Laboratory Microbiologists may be required to wear non-latex gloves, a face mask, or a respirator. Laboratory Microbiologists may be required to work various shifts including nights, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

Preferred Skills

• A general knowledge of laboratory equipment and standard water quality instruments
• Experience using basic hand tools
• MS Office 365
• Good communication skills (written and oral).
• Good time management.
• Committed to honesty, data integrity, and support to others
• Ability to train on database systems such as the Agency’s LIMS data management systems

Hours and Shift

35 Hours per week. Day shift; may be required to work Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

Work Location

71 Smith Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401

Minimum Qualifications

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in the biological, chemical, or physical sciences or medical technology, and one year of experience as a microbiologist performing at the technician or higher level in a clinical or environmental laboratory setting; or An associate degree in medical technology, or sixty college credits from an accredited college or university, including six credits in mathematics and six credits in either chemistry or biology and three years of experience as described in “1” above; or A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent plus any combination of college education and experience described in “1