LTNP Microbiologist 1

State of Alaska; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 56,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Alaska seeks a Long-Term Nonpermanent Microbiologist 1 in Anchorage to perform microbiological testing of foods, water, and related samples to support public health and regulatory programs. You will prepare samples, conduct analyses, and review data to produce accurate, defensible laboratory results.

Join the Environmental Health Laboratory to support food safety, water quality, and regulatory testing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, medical technology, laboratory science, or chemistry.
• Experience in microbiology testing and/or regulatory laboratory work preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological testing of foods, dairy, shellfish, seafood, water, and other samples to support public health and regulatory programs.
• Prepare samples, conduct analytical testing, and review data to produce accurate, defensible laboratory results.
• Support foodborne illness investigations, laboratory QA, proficiency testing, and certification requirements.
• Maintain laboratory operations through media preparation, QC, equipment and workspace decontamination, SOP updates, data entry, and peer review.
• Participate in training, audits, and other laboratory activities, including animal care and mouse husbandry.

Skills

Adaptability

Reasoning

Interpersonal Skills

Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving

Quality Assurance

Education

Bachelor of Science in Microbiology or closely related field

Job description

This position is open to Alaska Residents only.

Please check our residency definition to determine if you qualify.

This position is being recruited for in Anchorage.

What you will be doing:

Put your microbiology skills to work protecting Alaska’s public health. As a Long-Term Nonpermanent (LTNP) Microbiologist 1 with the Environmental Health Laboratory in Anchorage, you’ll:

• Perform microbiological testing of food, dairy, shellfish, seafood, water, and other samples to support public health and regulatory programs.
• Prepare samples, conduct analytical testing, and review data to produce accurate, reliable, and legally defensible laboratory results.
• Support foodborne illness investigations, laboratory quality assurance, proficiency testing, and certification requirements.
• Maintain laboratory operations through media preparation, quality control, equipment and workspace decontamination, SOP updates, data entry, and peer review.
• Participate in training, audits, and other laboratory activities, including animal care and mouse husbandry.

Our organization, mission, and culture:

The Department of Environmental Conservation’s mission is to conserve, improve, and protect Alaska’s natural resources and environment to enhance the health, safety, and well‑being of Alaskans. The Environmental Health Laboratory (EHL) supports this mission by providing analytical and technical information for environmental health programs that monitor food, seafood, water, and zoonotic diseases. Through accurate, timely, and legally defensible microbiological testing, this position helps protect public health, support regulatory programs, and ensure the safety of food and drinking water throughout Alaska.

The benefits of joining our team:

Join a supportive laboratory team where you can build your microbiology skills while doing work that matters to communities across Alaska. You’ll gain hands‑on experience with a variety of sample types, opportunities for training and professional development, and experience working both independently and collaboratively with other laboratory professionals. Our team values knowledge sharing, accountability, and continuous improvement. Your work will directly support public health, food safety, and industries that depend on reliable laboratory testing. Be part of a team whose work makes a meaningful difference in protecting Alaskans.

The working environment you can expect:

The EHL is located in its own building near Anchorage’s U‑Med district, offering free parking, access to public transportation, and proximity to Far North Bicentennial Park and Campbell Tract trails with frequent wildlife viewing. The facility includes bike racks, shower amenities, and well‑equipped laboratory spaces that support a mix of independent and collaborative work, making it easy to incorporate alternate transportation, lunchtime exercise (walk, run, ski or bike, etc.), or outdoor breaks into your day.

We are looking for a candidate that has experience in the following areas:

• Adaptability: adjusts planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands and competing priorities in a changing environment.
• Reasoning: Identifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions.
• Interpersonal Skills: Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.
• Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving: Uses a logical, systematic, and sequential approach to address problems or opportunities or manage a situation by drawing on one’s knowledge and experience base and calling on other references and resources as necessary.
• Quality Assurance: Knowledge of the principles, methods, and tools of quality assurance and quality control used to ensure a procedure fulfills functional requirements and standards.

Special Notice:

• This position requires performing a terminal bioassay on live mice and is expected to participate in weekend/holiday rotation for mouse care.
• This position will be exposed to pathogenic organisms such as, but not limited to, E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Vibrio, and Brucella; common allergens including shellfish, crustaceans, rodents, and feathers; as well as dead animals, whole carcasses, tissues, bodily fluids; live animals, including mice and potentially poultry; parasites such as ticks, in specimen containers; and areas where corrosive chemicals such as hydrochloric and nitric acid are used. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.
• Valid Alaska driver’s license is desired

Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college in microbiology, medical technology, a laboratory science, a biological science, or chemistry, or a closely related field.

Special Note:

Some positions in this class require the incumbent to be immunized against infectious diseases.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

• To demonstrate the required education, please attach transcripts. Unofficial are acceptable, please ensure that the institution and URL name are listed on the transcripts.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF THE INTERVIEW

• Three (3) professional references with phone numbers and email addresses.
• Last two (2) performance evaluations. A supervisor’s letter of recommendation may be used as a substitute for each evaluation, if unavailable.

EEO STATEMENT

The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or [phone] in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.

For specific information about the position please contact the hiring manager:

Tamara Rentz

EH Biological Analysis Manager

907-375-8204

[e-mail]