MICROBIOLOGIST 53072

12/01/93 B

This is the second class in the Microbiologist series. Positions in this class are responsible for independently conducting and reporting the results of routine and non-routine microbiological analyses for use in the diagnosis of diseases or identification of disease agents. Testing categories include, but are not limited to, bacteriology, environmental bacteriology, immunohematology, immunology, serology, mycobacteriology, mycology, parasitology, virology, and metabolic diseases. This class is distinguished from the Microbiology Assistant class by its responsibility to independently perform non-routine microbiological analyses and independently report typical results of non-routine analyses and atypical results of routine analyses. This class is distinguished from the Microbiologist Senior by the latter's role as lead microbiologist or by the Microbiologist Senior's higher degree of independence and expertise. It is distinguished from the Microbiologist Supervisor by the latter's responsibility for supervising daily testing operations.

Complexity of Work: Work is of moderate difficulty, requiring independent laboratory analysis of a variety of specimens or environmental samples. Isolation and identification of disease agents are performed using well-established, documented standard testing methods and quality control procedures. Duties relating to analysis typically involve initiating and prioritizing own work; recommending additional testing; reporting and validating results; determining suitability of specimens for testing; reviewing case histories and unusual laboratory findings to determine need for additional tests and specimens; advising users of proper methods of specimen collection, types of specimens needed for diagnosis, capabilities of laboratory to provide diagnosis, and interpretation of results; preparing daily workload reports; and, under supervision, evaluating new products. Non-routine analyses require compilation and interpretation of data, such as case histories, previous test results, additional test results, unusual positives, and borderline positives/negatives. May be required to ensure chain of custody for samples; maintain inventory of reagents and supplies; inspect other state and private laboratories for quality assurance and certification; and instruct staff.

Supervision Given: Positions typically do not supervise others, but may provide work direction and guidance to lower level positions involved in media preparation and routine analysis.

Supervision Received: Works under the direction of a higher level microbiologist or other technical position. Positions are expected to work independently and consult with the supervisor in unusual situations.

Scope: Work affects ability of the laboratory to provide routine and non-routine test results for diagnosis of disease and identification of disease agents in individuals, specified populations, and the environment for Virginia's public and private laboratories, health departments, state agencies, hospitals, and physicians.

Impact of Actions: Work has a moderate impact on the accuracy and timeliness of routine and non-routine tests, and on the accuracy of testing documentation and information reported to laboratory users. Inaccurate and/or late test results can lead to misdiagnosis of symptoms, inappropriate treatment, retesting of specimens, environmental health hazards (unidentified contamination of foods, water, and milk) and economic loss of regulated industries.

Personal Contacts: Frequent contact with local, state, and federal agencies, hospitals, physicians, veterinarians, private clinics, and private individuals to report and interpret results, provide advice about specimen collection and handling, request additional specimens, and explain test limits.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of the theory and application of microbiological methods and instrumentation related to the field of assignment.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to independently conduct a variety of routine and non-routine analyses; operate microbiology laboratory equipment; plan and organize work assignments; accurately interpret, record, and present laboratory test results; and establish and communicate with federal, state, and local agencies, public and private laboratories, hospitals and clinics, physicians, veterinarians, and private individuals.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

License or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from a college or university with major course work in microbiology or a closely related scientific field that is supported by course work in microbiology.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience conducting microbiological analyses.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was established in January, 1989, as part of the Classification Review/ Specification Update Program. The class specification was amended in December, 1993, as a result of the reorganization of the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services.