Public Health Microbiologist 1 (PCN 161021)

About the Department

This Individual Position is Exempt from the Hiring Freeze. Qualified Applicants are Encouraged To Apply.

Welcome to the Department of Health! 

We’d be delighted to have you join our team. 

If you envision yourself in this role and are ready to start an exciting career with us, apply today!

What you will be doing:
You will collaborate with partners to ensure the quality and accuracy of results and support the public health response. This is not just a routine lab job. This is an opportunity to make an impact for Alaskans and the world by using cutting-edge methods, learning from experts, and participating in research. You will also work with diverse viruses and molecular techniques, expanding your virology skills. If this sounds like you, don’t hesitate to apply and join our mission to protect and improve the health of Alaskans.

Our organization, mission, and culture:

The mission of the Division of Public Health is to protect and promote the health of Alaskans.

As a member of our team, you will contribute every day to the improvement of the health of Alaskans and their families.  

The Division of Public Health exemplifies these values: 

• Accountability- We are committed to responsible use of human, financial, and environmental resources.

• Respect- We provide services without discrimination or judgment. 

• Human potential- We are committed to developing each Alaskan's potential as a healthy individual as well as fostering strong, healthy communities. 

• Integrity- We are honest and ethical in all we do. 

• Scientific Excellence- We are committed to adding to and contributing to the body of scientific knowledge and using the best available knowledge and data to set public health policy.

The benefits of joining our team:
You will become part of a dynamic, diverse, and high-performing team working in a state-of-the-art laboratory and receive guidance from experienced mentors who will help you develop your skills and network. You will also have the chance to progress your career within the Public Health Microbiologist class series and take on new roles and responsibilities. We care about your health and wellbeing and respect your work-life balance. That’s why we offer you a stable daytime schedule, breaks, paid holidays and leave, along with retirement benefits. You will also love working in a friendly and supportive environment that promotes collaboration and innovation.

The working environment you can expect:
We are located on the scenic University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) upper campus. You will benefit from the university perks, such as attending virology seminars, eating at campus cafes, and using the extensive 10-kilometer trail system for walking, running, or skiing. You will work with a group of professional staff who share your vision of protecting and improving the health and wellbeing of Alaskans. The division boasts a large and broad range of experienced, dedicated, and supportive staff. 

Who we are looking for:
The ideal candidate will possess some or all of the following position-specific competencies in addition to the minimum qualifications listed below: 

• Genetics: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of genetics, including the biochemistry of DNA, gene interaction, gene expression, gene inheritance, population genetics, adaptation, and evolution.
• Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for own actions and decisions. Complies with established control systems and rules.
• Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving: Uses a logical, systematic, and sequential approach to address problems or opportunities or manage a situation by drawing on one's knowledge and experience base and calling on other references and resources as necessary.

Special Notice:

• Requires demonstration of immunity via vaccination to hepatitis B virus and rabies virus (which will be provided if the applicant cannot demonstrate immunity).
• Preferred candidates will meet the federal criteria for testing personnel in high complexity laboratories described in 42 CFR § 493.1489 – Standard; Testing personnel qualifications.

To view the general description and example of duties for this job class, please go to the following link and search for Public Health Microbiologist 1: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Alaska/classspecs

Position Duties

Competency-Based Minimum Qualifications Instructions
This job class uses competency-based minimum qualifications.  Please ensure your application (through work history, volunteer experience (duties summary), training, education, licenses, certifications, etc.) supports how you have gained the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors (competencies) and that you possess the minimum required competencies for the job class.

Competency Description           
The competency description(s) listed below have been designed to promote a common understanding of the essential elements of the job class.  They highlight the more general and customary knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), tasks, and behaviors used to describe the competency.  They typically list expectations rather than specific tasks and are to be used only as parameters and guidelines.   A competency’s description is not intended to exclusively define every KSA, task, and behavior needed to successfully meet the competency, but rather to provide the manager/agency with a broad reference of options as to how an applicant can meet the job expectation.

Please ensure your application (through work history, training, education, licenses, certifications, etc.) supports/demonstrates that you possess the minimum required competencies for the job class.  Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the applicant with competencies in:

 

• Biology: Knowledge of the environment, plant and animal living tissue, cells, organisms, and entities, including their functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
• Chemistry: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of the composition, structure, and properties of substances, and of the chemical processes and transformations, including uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
• Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Integrates best research practices with clinical expertise and patient values for optimum care and participates in learning and research activities to the extent feasible.
• Public Health: Applies knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, methods, and tools associated with protecting and improving the health of people and their communities, including promoting healthy lifestyles, researching disease and injury prevention, and detecting, preventing, and responding to infectious diseases.

equivalent to those typically gained by:

 

Bachelor of Science degree or higher from an accredited institution in Medical Technology, Microbiology, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Biological Science, or Chemistry, with training and/or course work in Medical/Clinical Laboratory Sciences;
AND
Experience conducting, analyzing, and evaluating clinical microbiological tests.
 

Special Note: 
 Positions in this class may require a background investigation. Applies only to work covered under the Public Health Security and Bio-terrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 or other relevant state or federal law.
 
Positions in this class require the incumbent to be immunized against infectious diseases.

 

“Training” and “education” in this guidance are synonyms for the process of acquiring knowledge and skills through instruction. It includes instruction through formal and informal methods (such as classroom, on-line, self-study, and on-the-job), from accredited and unaccredited sources, and long-duration (such as a post-secondary degree) and short-duration (such as a seminar) programs.

“Professional experience” means work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the power or right to decide or act according to one's own judgment.

“Progressively responsible” means indicating growth and/or advancement in complexity, difficulty, or level of responsibility.

Minimum Qualifications

At the time of the interview, please provide the following:

1. Three (3) professional references, whom we may contact by phone, are required. One (1) of these references must be your current or most recent supervisor, if not already provided in the application. 
2. Current performance evaluation, if available.
3. A copy of academic transcripts (unofficial is okay; please ensure that the institution name/URL is listed on the transcripts) is used to support that you meet the minimum qualifications competencies.
4. Copies of professional licenses, if available

If chosen for the position, the candidate will be required to provide the following items before employment:

1. Proof of Hepatitis B (immunity or a signed declination statement)
2. The incumbent must meet requirements set forth in 42 CFR 493 Subpart M
3. Valid Driver's License

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS
For your application to be evaluated, you must answer the Supplemental Questions. 
The State of Alaska uses four proficiency levels to measure and describe an applicant's competence in applying specific behaviors, knowledge, skills, and abilities to accomplish a specific task. The four proficiency levels are Mastery, Fluency, Literacy, and Discovery. You must rate your proficiency level for each competency listed in the supplemental questions.


MULTIPLE VACANCIES
This recruitment may be used for more than one (1) vacancy. The applicant pool acquired during this recruitment may be used for future vacancies for up to ninety (90) days after this recruitment closes. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply to each recruitment notice to ensure consideration for all vacancies.

APPLICATION NOTICE
You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or via a hard copy application. If you accessed this recruitment bulletin through a job search portal such as AlaskaJobs or another database, you MUST use a Workplace Alaska online or hard-copy application to apply successfully. Instructions on how to apply with Workplace Alaska may be found on the Workplace Alaska "How to Apply" webpage, found here: http://doa.alaska.gov/dop/workplace/help/.

NOTICE
Questions regarding the application process can be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 800-587-0430 (toll-free) or (907) 465- 4095. If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure that your email address is correct on your application and that your spam filter will permit emails from the 'governmentjobs.com' domain. For information on allowing emails from the 'governmentjobs.com' domain, visit the Lost Password Help page at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword.

EEO STATEMENT
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities who require accommodations, auxiliary aids, or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-4095 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.

WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE
Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll-free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to [email protected].

For assistance with applying for a password, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword.

Other Qualifications

Benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.

For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)

Insurance Benefits

• Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
  • The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State:   See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information.
    • AVTEC
    • Confidential
    • Correctional Officers
    • Marine Engineers
    • Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
    • Supervisory
    • Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
    • Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
  • The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts.  Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
    • General Government
    • Labor, Trades and Crafts
    • Public Safety Employees Association
    • Masters, Mates & Pilots
• Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)

• Group-based insurance premiums for
  • Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
  • Long-term and short-term disability
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  • Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
  • Supplemental Survivor Benefits
• Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses

Retirement Benefits

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
• Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
• Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
• Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
• Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
• Note:  The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options

Paid Leave & Other Benefits

• Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
• Twelve (12) paid holidays a year

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerState of AlaskaAddress PO Box 110201

Juneau, Alaska, 99811 Phone(800) 587-0430 (Statewide toll-free number)
(907) 465-4095 (Juneau and out-of-state callers)Website http://workplace.alaska.gov/