MICROBIOLOGIST SUPERVISOR 53073

12/01/93 B

This is the fourth class in the Microbiologist series. Positions in this class are responsible for supervising daily testing operations in a state microbiology laboratory and conducting a variety of non-routine microbiological analyses for use in 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 Microbiologist Senior class by supervision of daily testing operations. It is distinguished from the Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor class by the latter's responsibility for managing a microbiology laboratory. This class is distinguished from the Microbiologist Principal by the latter's recognition as the central authority in a particular area of testing. It is distinguished from the Consolidated Laboratory Group Manager by the latter's responsibility for the management of statewide services requiring a large group of laboratory staff comprised of multiple specializations in the analytical chemistry and/or microbiology fields.

Complexity of Work: Work is of considerable difficulty, requiring the supervision and coordination of microbiological laboratory work activities; analysis and interpretation of atypical test results; and the performance of a variety of non-routine microbiology analyses. Responsible for ensuring the accuracy, timeliness, and efficiency of daily testing operations. Reviews test results and records of subordinates in testing procedures, scientific principles, and interpretation of typical and atypical results for routine and non-routine tests; validates positive test results and, if necessary, authorizes further testing or additional specimens; identifies error trends in testing results; assigns work; and recommends employee actions, such as performance evaluations, hiring, firing, and grievance responses to supervisor. Evaluates and monitors performance of public and private laboratories participating in Proficiency Testing Programs; evaluates new products and techniques; drafts and edits quality control and standard sample procedures; recommends and develops automated system specifications; and recommends and develops new testing procedures or modifications to existing procedures.

Supervision Given: Supervises Microbiologists, Microbiologist Assistants and laboratory support personnel who are responsible for conducting a wide variety of routine and non-routine microbiological analyses.

Supervision Received: General direction is received from a Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor or a higher level technical or administrative position. Positions independently supervise and conduct tests, consulting with supervisors in unusual situations only.

Scope: Work affects ability of a microbiology unit or other laboratory users (public and private laboratories, health departments, state agencies, hospitals, physicians, and veterinarians) to provide test results for diagnosis of disease and identification of disease agents in specified populations or environments.

Impact of Actions: Work has a serious impact on the accuracy, volume, and timeliness of unit test production; transfer of information between laboratory unit and service users; the availability of scientific laboratory evidence for diagnosis of diseases or identification of disease agents (including the identification of epidemics and contaminants in food, water, and milk); compliance with safety, quality control, and standard testing procedures; and the laboratory's credibility. Work may affect the economic condition of regulated industries.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contact with local, state, and federal agencies, hospitals, physicians, veterinarians, private clinics, and private individuals to explain laboratory services, report findings, discuss interpretation of results, sample collection and preservation techniques, and request specimens. Positions may have contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to discuss the status of cultures and to obtain technical information.

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

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to plan and organize workload; supervise, train, and review the work of others; independently perform a variety of complex analyses; operate and troubleshoot microbiology laboratory instruments; accurately record, interpret, and present results; and establish and maintain working relationships with state agencies, public and private laboratories, hospitals and clinics, physicians, veterinarians, and private individuals.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

License or Certification: None.

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

Level and Type of Experience: Progressively responsible 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 a result of the Classification Review/Specification Update Program. It replaces the Microbiologist B class. The class specification was amended in December, 1993, as a result of the reorganization of the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services.