Microbiology Certification Officer

State of Alaska; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Alaska seeks a Laboratory Quality Systems Manager to lead certification programs for Alaska drinking water laboratories and perform on-site audits to ensure testing accuracy and regulatory compliance. The role supports ongoing quality improvements and cross-program collaboration in environmental health.

You will work from Anchorage, engaging with laboratory staff, regulatory partners, and training initiatives to uphold data quality, accountability, and public trust in Alaska’s

Qualifications

• BS degree in microbiology or closely related field.
• At least 2 years of journey professional microbiology experience.
• Willingness to travel within Alaska as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead a statewide program certifying drinking water laboratories to ensure accurate, reliable testing and protect public health across Alaska.
• Serve as a Technical Expert and Field Auditor by conducting on-site audits of laboratories and guiding compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Drive Laboratory Quality and Continuous Improvement by partnering with lab managers and staff to identify deficiencies and strengthen QA/QC.
• Shape statewide laboratory standards and programs by developing certification criteria and coordinating with EPA and partners.
• Support training, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across Alaska’s environmental health programs.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Compliance Inspection

Quality Management

Accountability

Technical Competence

Education

Bachelor of Science in Microbiology / 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:

• Protect Public Health Across Alaska: Lead a statewide program certifying drinking water laboratories to ensure accurate, reliable microbiological testing and protect the health and safety of Alaskans.
• Serve as a Technical Expert and Field Auditor: Conduct on-site audits of laboratories throughout Alaska, evaluate testing practices, and provide expert guidance to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Drive Laboratory Quality and Continuous Improvement: Partner with laboratory managers and technical staff to identify deficiencies, strengthen quality assurance and quality control, and improve testing methods, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Shape Statewide Laboratory Standards and Programs: Develop and interpret certification criteria, coordinate with the EPA and state program partners, and contribute technical expertise to drinking water, dairy, and cannabis laboratory oversight.
• Make a Meaningful Impact Through Diverse Scientific Work: Apply your microbiology and laboratory quality expertise across multiple industries while supporting training, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement in Alaska’s environmental health programs.

Our organization, mission, and culture:

The Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC’s) mission is to conserve, improve, and protect Alaska’s natural resources and environment to enhance the health, safety, economic, and social well-being of Alaskans. The Environmental Health Laboratory (EHL) is a collaborative, science-driven team committed to producing accurate, legally defensible data that supports safe food, drinking water, and environmental health statewide. This position plays an important role in maintaining accountability, data quality, regulatory compliance, and public trust in laboratory operations.

The benefits of joining our team:

As a member of the EHL team, you will work alongside dedicated scientific and technical professionals who value collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. This position offers opportunities to expand technical expertise in laboratory operations, quality systems, regulatory compliance, data management, and laboratory information systems. Staff are supported through training, cross-functional learning opportunities, and participation in process improvement initiatives that directly impact public and environmental health in Alaska. The work is meaningful, mission-driven, and contributes to protecting communities statewide.

The working environment you can expect:

The Environmental Health Laboratory is located in Anchorage near the U-Med district and provides a professional, team-oriented work environment focused on scientific excellence, data quality, and public service. Daily work includes coordination with laboratory scientists, clients, and regulatory partners in a fast-paced setting that supports statewide environmental and public health testing programs.

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

• Attention to Detail:Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
• Compliance Inspection:Knowledge of the guidelines, regulations, and procedures associated with compliance inquiries, including application of compliance rules and criteria and ability to make appropriate decisions and issue citations, fines, or orders
• Quality Management:Knowledge of the principles, methods, and tools of quality assurance, quality control, and reliability used to ensure that a project, system, or product fulfills requirements and standards.
• Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, for independent daily tasks. Accepts responsibility for own actions and decisions. Complies with established control systems and rules.
• Technical Competence:Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.

Special Notice:

• This position requires frequent travel within the State (approximately one trip monthly), 0-2 nights with travel by commercial planes, small planes or driving a vehicle
• This position requires the successful application, acceptance, out of state travel to attend training, and passing to acquire Federal certifications from the EPA and FDA for retention.

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.

Two years of journey professional experience performing microbiological testing as a Microbiologist 2 with the State of Alaska, or the equivalent elsewhere.

Special Note:

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

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:

Kelly Snyder

Laboratory Quality Systems Manager

907-375-7799

[e-mail]