MICROBIOLOGIST I

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Public Health is seeking a highly motivated individual to perform the duties of Microbiologist 1. Under direct supervision, performs professional and specialized microbiological analyses on clinical and environmental specimens or samples submitted to the Springfield Public Health Laboratory. Follows established procedures to test samples and specimens.

Benefits Statement

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• Flexible and hybrid work schedules are available in many program areas (when available and dependent upon position). REMOTE WORK NOT AVAILABLE FOR THIS POSITION. 
• Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
• Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System
• Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan
• Optional pre-tax programs -Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP)
• 10-25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment)
• 12 paid sick days annually which carryover year to year
• 3 paid personal business days per calendar year (pro-rated dependent on start date)
• 13-14 paid holidays per year
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

These are just a few of the many perks available to all State employees. For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx.

Essential Functions

• Performs professional and specialized microbiological analytical work and procedures for the isolation, identification, or enumeration of organisms from clinical and environmental specimens, which may include the practice of bacteriology, mycology and parasitology.
• Provides assistance to other units.
• Verifies accuracy of procedures through related quality control and proficiency testing programs.
• Records and reports results of examinations accurately.
• Performs routine and preventative maintenance, calibration and care of standard and specialized laboratory equipment.
• Prepares special culture media, reagents, solutions, and stains for use in microbiological analyses.
• Receives training in lab procedures and documents training.
• Orders commodities used in the lab as needed; determines cost variables between suppliers of those commodities for use by supervisor in budgetary calculations.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology, or a related field from a recognized college or university.

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year of professional laboratory experience in environmental laboratory testing samples of food, dairy products, water, or biological products.
• Working knowledge of federal and state regulations pertaining to laboratory testing of water, dairy, and food samples.
• One (1) year of professional experience in the operation and maintenance of analytical instrumentation and equipment.
• One (1) year of professional experience maintaining laboratory records.
• One (1) year of experience applying sterile techniques to avoid contamination of samples.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is tasked with the oversight of communities within Illinois to achieve and maintain optimal health and safety. With an annual budget of over $2 billion in state and federal funds, 6 regional offices, 3 laboratories and over 1,200 employees, IDPH is equipped to fulfill its mission of protecting the health and wellness of the people of Illinois through the prevention, health promotion, regulation and control of disease and injury.