Microbiology Quality Assurance Officer

NYC Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP); New York (NY); On-site; USD 97,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

NYC Department of Environmental Protection invites applications for the Associate Laboratory Microbiologist. The role focuses on quality control, data defensibility, and regulatory compliance in the Newtown Creek Microbiology lab.

The candidate will develop and review SOPs, perform internal audits, ensure training, and support lab operations while upholding EEO standards and safety requirements.

Qualifications

• Accredited bachelor’s degree in medical technology or a chemical, physical, or biological science with one year of lab technologist experience.
• Or ninety college credits plus one year of relevant laboratory experience.
• Pre-1963 training: chemistry and biology credits meeting specific minimums.
• Post-1963: chemistry, biology, and math credits meeting specified requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee quality management and environmental health & safety in the microbiology lab.
• Review laboratory data for defensibility and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain and update standard operating procedures and quality manuals.
• Conduct internal audits and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Train lab staff and maintain training records; monitor EHS issues.
• Procure laboratory consumables and support lab operations.

Education

Baccalaureate degree in medical technology or in one of the chemical, physical, or biological sciences

One year of laboratory experience at the technologist level

Ninety college credits with qualifying laboratory experience

28+ credits chemistry and biology combined (pre-1963) with specified requirements

16 credits chemistry + 16 credits biology + 3 credits mathematics (post-1963)

Job description

***IMPORTANT NOTE: Candidate(s) selected for the Associate Laboratory Microbiologist position through this posting will be hired on a provisional basis. To be considered for permanent employment in this role, provisional employees will need to take and pass the next civil service examination for Associate Laboratory Microbiologist and obtain a list number issued by the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services. Please be aware that employees who do not take and pass the exam, may not be able to continue in the provisional position.***

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) enriches the environment and protects public health for all New Yorkers by providing 1.1 billion gallons of high quality drinking water, managing wastewater and stormwater, and reducing air, noise, and hazardous materials pollution. DEP is the largest combined municipal water and wastewater utility in the country, with nearly 6,000 employees. DEP's water supply system is comprised of 19 reservoirs and 3 controlled lakes throughout the system’s 2,000 square mile watershed that extends 125 miles north and west of the City.

The Bureau of Wastewater Treatment (BWT) is responsible for the operation and maintenance of all facilities related to the treatment of sewage within the five boroughs of the City. This includes 14 wastewater treatment plants, sludge dewatering facilities, collections facilities (pumping stations, combined sewer overflow retention facilities, regulators, tide gates, etc.), wastewater laboratories and harbor vessels.

Under general direction, with wide discretion for independent action and decision making, the selected candidate will work under the general supervision of the Chief of Quality Management and Environmental Health & Safety Section. The selected candidate will serve as a focal point for and will be responsible for the oversight and review of quality control within the assigned laboratory operated by the Bureau. Responsibility will include reviewing laboratory data for defensibility and compliance with analytical and regulatory standards. In addition, the selected candidate will be responsible, with input from the lab, for writing, reviewing and keeping Standard Operating Procedures, Quality Manuals and other quality documents current and in compliance with analytical and regulatory standards; periodically observe analytical analysis and work with the lab in correcting deficiencies; conduct periodic internal audits of the entire technical operation and safety practices and notify management of deficiencies in the quality systems and assure that proper and timely corrective actions are taken; assure adequate training of the lab staff and maintain training records; monitor the laboratory environmental health and safety issues; and perform purchasing of laboratory consumable items.

Job Tasks/Duties

• The candidate is responsible for the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) of the Newtown Creek Microbiology lab.
• Assure that laboratory data complies with relevant analytical, and regulatory standards
• Review of audits performed by external assessors and unsatisfactory proficiency test results
• Familiarization and revision of Quality Documents
• Support service and tasks related to laboratory operations
• Demonstrates knowledge of and support for EEO standards and procedures
• Prepare, maintain, and archive quality documents
• Prepare investigative and corrective action reports

ASSOCIATE LABORATORY MICROBIOL - 21514

Minimum Qualifications

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in medical technology or in one of the chemical, physical, or biological sciences, and one year of laboratory experience at the technologist level in the appropriate laboratory specialty or specialties; or
• Ninety college credits from an accredited college or university including or supplemented by either (a) or (b) below, and one year of laboratory experience at the technologist level in the appropriate laboratory specialty or specialties.
• For those whose training was completed prior to September 15, 1963: a total of at least 24 credits in chemistry and biology courses combined, including at least nine credits in chemistry, of which six credits must be in inorganic chemistry; and including at least 12 credits in biology courses

pertinent to the medical sciences.

• For those whose training was completed after September 15, 1963: 16 credits in chemistry courses acceptable towards a major in chemistry, including at least six credits in inorganic chemistry; and 16 credits in biology courses acceptable towards a major in biology; and three credits in mathematics.

Preferred Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including words, excel 2. Strong understanding of quality systems, microbiological testing 3. Strong understanding of regulatory requirements, and laboratory operations 4. Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills 5. Strong organizational, writing and communication skills 6. Strong communication skills, written and oral

55a Program

NOTE: This position is open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate on your resume or cover letter that you would like to be considered under the 55-a Program. This position is also open to non 55-a Program candidates who meet the education and experience requirements as listed in the job posting notice.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

, $97,401.00 – $137,806.00