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Click HERE for Video{tabindex="0"} * Who we are.*We protect lives.The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to proudly protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in diverse communities statewide. We are committed to preventing disease, injury, and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing the State of Georgia for responding to disasters.

What we offer.As a member of the Georgia Department of Public Health team, you will join a passionate group of individuals who are dedicated to making an impact. No matter your role, you will individually contribute to protecting the lives of all Georgians while receiving a wide range of benefits, so you can:

• Make a Professional Impact- Build your career where it matters and protect lives in the community where you live, work, and play
• Enjoy Workplace Flexibility- Experience flexibility in how you work so you can be your best self for you and Georgia Residents
• Work witha Dynamic and Diverse Team- Collaborative and inclusive way of working where employees share ideas and leverage collective strengths
• Achieve Career Longevity- Countless opportunities for continuous learning/development that support a long-term career
• Take Part in a Hands-on Working Culture- Unique culture of active engagement and problem-solving, no matter your role
• Feel Pride in Where you Work- Be part of making an impact in public health alongside dedicated people just like you

As an accredited public health department, we're seeking a highly qualified candidate for the position ofEnvironmental Microbiologistto join the Division of Medical-Clinical Services, Public Health Laboratory located in Decatur, GA.

This position will support outbreak investigations and surveillance activities for water borne pathogens of public health concern in the State of Georgia.This position is responsible for the day-to-day testing supporting National Wastewater surveillance activities and serve as a clinical technologist within the Bacteriology unit supporting the surge capacity.

This is aGRANT FUNDEDposition and is subject to available grant funds.

Job Responsibilities

Provide technical skills and assures the activities are congruent with the goals of the Division of Clinical Microbiology and ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulatory standards such as the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), OSHA, other federal and state regulations. Primary responsibilities include wastewater surveillance testing for Flu/RSV/SC2 pathogens not limited to packaging and shipping containers to the facilities in a timely manner supporting CDC National Wastewater Surveillance (NWSS) initiatives. The incumbent will be conducting environmental testing using molecular methods such as digital PCR and whole genome sequencing for environmental pathogens. The incumbent will be directly reporting to the Environmental Specialist Supervisor and work collaboratively with State NWSS epidemiologists on data sharing for real time surveillance and outbreak investigations. Incumbent will also support wet lab activities within the Bacteriology unit supporting clinical testing as assigned by the supervisor thereby supporting GA DPH outbreak investigations. Assist with method validation and performance verification of laboratory methods to expand the testing capacity for environmental pathogens causing human disease. Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulatory standards such as the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and other federal and state regulations. Performs and documents quality control and quality assurance in all testing areas. This includes but is not limited to: o Interprets QC data prior to reporting results. o Examines QC data over time to establish QC ran es and limits. o Collects data for reporting on QA indicators and processes. o Document Non-conforming events and Corrective action reports in compliance with GPHL quality management systems Performs steps in the pre-examination, examination, and post-examination phases of testing. This includes but is not limited to: o Reviews test results to make sure they are accurate and reports results in a timely manner. o Interpret complex or ambiguous results. o Instructs others in policies, processes, and procedures for sample management. o Participate and perform PT and alternative assessment. o Applies waste management policies, processes, and procedures for safety disposal. o Troubleshoots instrumentation and testing problems. Assists with work force developmental activities such as training new staff, CDC and APHL fellows. Assist with the weekly inventory for reagents and chemicals for the continuity of laboratory operations in both environmental and clinical bacteriology laboratories. Adheres to policies and principles regarding the use and storage of laboratory reagents and supplies. Equipment use adheres to policies and principles regarding the use, maintenance, and calibration of laboratory equipment. Performs preventative maintenance based on the manufacturer's instructions. Complies with policies, processes, and procedures regarding protected information. Complies with institutional biosafety policies while handling clinical specimens and cultures in BSL 2 and enhanced BSL2 laboratories. Adheres to policies, processes, and procedures regarding storage of microbiological materials. Performs packing and shipping of Category B infectious substances. Adheres to policies, processes, and procedures regarding the identification, handling, safety, appropriateness, and triage of samples containing agents of concern. Participates in required workplace trainings such as drills etc regarding safety and maintenance of the physical environment, Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate degree in a related science area from an accredited college or university, certification as a Medical Technologist, MT (ASCP), and three (3) years of job-related science experience; or Associate degree and two (2) years of experience at the lower level Medical/Clinical Specialist 2 (LSP011) or equivalent position.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related science area from an accredited college or university**AND Two years of experience in a clinical laboratoryAND Certification as aMedical Technologist (MT) by a nationally accredited certifying agency such as American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), the American Medical Technologists (AMT), the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA), the American Association of Bioanalysts (ABB), or another agency approved by the Department.

OR**

Completion ofONE of the following academic and/or training requirements listed below, in order to be temporarily classified as a technologist for eighteen (18) months to afford the opportunity to successfully complete an approved qualifying MT examination to earn a ASCP, AMT, AAB certification or equivalent listed above as required of the position:

Successful completion of a full course of study which meets all academic requirements for a bachelor's degree in medical tech