6/16/92

City of San José

RESEARCH MICROBIOLOGIST (5119)

CLASS PURPOSE
   Under direction, supervises and performs professional and technical work of a difficult nature, leading professional staff in the qualitative and quantitative biological, microbiological and viral analyses of water, wastewater, reclaimed water, sludge and related materials. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESULTS (Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.)

• Develops and directs biological, microbiological, viral analyses on water, wastewater, reclaimed water, sludges and related environmental samples.

• Supervises and trains professional staff and laboratory technicians.

• Supervises, directs and/or conducts complex applied research in the identification and quantification of microorganisms in water, wastewater, reclaimed water and sludge using sophisticated bioanalytical techniques and instrumentation.

• Monitors and evaluates problems related to plant operations and laboratory analyses and recommends solutions to alleviate such problem situations.

• Modifies and develops technical procedures for microbial and viral monitoring programs.

• Performs microbiological and viral research activities relative to the better utilization of processed and reclaimed waters, stressing the water quality improvement of these waters for beneficial uses and public health protection.

• Determines sampling procedures and programs, implements the quality assurance/quality control program, and recommends methods and procedures for implementation into normal laboratory operations.

• Assists in the planning, preparation and formulation of specifications for state-of-the-art bio-analytical instrumentation and equipment replacements.

• Assists in planning and preparing the five-year Capital Improvement Program and annual Operating and Maintenance budgets regarding laboratory expenditures.

• Makes presentations at hearings, workshops, etc.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
   This is the lead or supervisory professional level class in the Microbiologist series, reporting to the Laboratory Supervisor. Incumbents perform the more difficult microbiological work related to qualitative and quantitative laboratory determinations upon water, wastewater, reclaimed water, sludge, and related materials. This class is distinguished from Microbiologist in that it has supervisory responsibilities over that class.

QUALIFICATIONS
   Minimum Knowledges, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of modern laboratory procedures, techniques and equipment, and the ability to utilize such equipment.

• Knowledge of virology, biochemistry, toxicology and microbiology routinely utilized in a biological/chemical or environmental laboratory.

• Knowledge of local, state and federal environmental regulations.

• Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality assurance methods and procedures.

• Ability to perform specialized research work on problems of a microbiological, biochemical or chemical nature.

• Ability to perform biomonitoring testing requirements with emphasis on benthic, limnological and biological field surveys.

• Ability to prepare clear, accurate and concise written technical reports.

• Ability to critically review environmental literature, technical reports and documents, and data concerning process performance evaluations.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Competency Knowledges, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of biochemical and microbiological methods and their application to environmental analyses.

• Knowledge of administrative, supervisory and management principles with regard to the operation of an environmental laboratory.

• Knowledge of data processing and control strategies utilized in laboratory environments for data storage, manipulation and statistical analysis.

• Knowledge and ability to perform specialized and sophisticated biological, microbiological, and chemical determinations with regard to the environmental characterization of water, wastewater, industrial waste and related materials.

• Ability to train and supervise the work of professional and technical staff.

Training And Experience
   Any combination of training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology, bacteriology, or related discipline, plus three years of professional experience conducting complex microbiological determinations, including at least two years of independent applied research in water or wastewater analysis. A Master of Science Degree is desirable and may be substituted for the required independent applied research experience.

0455P/3411P