Competitive Title

Civil Service Examination Required

Starting Salary - Step A *per CBA $61,484.80

**THIS IS A PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENT AND IS SUBJECT TO A CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION PRIOR TO ANY PERMANENT APPOINTMENT**

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:        The work involves responsibility for overseeing and actively participating in the performance of a variety of microbiological tests in the Water Authority’s laboratory. The work is of a technical nature performing routine and special microbiological tests on drinking and source water samples. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Drinking Water Quality and supervision is exercised over a small number of technical laboratory employees. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

  • Oversees and actively participates in routine and specialized microbiological tests on drinking and source water samples;
  • Performs complex examinations, which involve the application of advanced microbiological testing techniques, materials and equipment;
  • Reviews reports and renders technical assistance with difficult analyses;
  • Implements and oversees quality assurance/quality control and chain-of-custody records procedures Monitors work activities to ensure that tests are performed promptly and that results are accurately reported; Conducts research and special studies to develop new analytical methods and techniques and to evaluate current methods;
  • Maintains records and prepares reports on laboratory tests;
  • Ensures that an appropriate amount of supplies and equipment are available for use; Checks and adjusts analytical instruments and equipment to ensure proper functioning; Assists in training staff on current or new microbiological testing methods and procedures.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Thorough knowledge of the principals, practices, instruments and methods of microbiological laboratory work as applied to the collection and analysis of water; thorough knowledge of environmental microbiology; good knowledge of the current developments and trends in the microbiological analysis of water; ability to evaluate analytical test results and make detailed reports, verbal and written; ability to plan and supervise the work of others; a high degree of advanced microscopic skills; ability to readily distinguish all colors; sound professional judgment; initiative and dependability; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A)  Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Master’s

Degree in Microbiology; or:

B)   Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered (4) year college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology or Biology and three (3) years of experience in performing microbiological laboratory work; or:

C) An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B).