Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

Kansas Department of Health and Environment:

Our agency is led by Secretary Janet Stanek, who was appointed by Gov. Kelly in Dec 2021. KDHE is comprised of three divisions: Public Health, Environment, and Health Care Finance (which includes the State’s Medicaid program, KanCare). We are the only agency in the nation to have these three entities under one roof which allows us to take a holistic approach to improving and protecting the health and well-being of all Kansans.

Verification of identity and employment eligibility to work in the United States is required by federal law. For a list of acceptable documents that establish these criteria, please refer to the federal Form I-9. KDHE does not provide sponsorships for this position.

E-Verify: Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For additional information regarding E-Verify, please click here. For additional information regarding Immigrant and Employee Rights (IER) please click here.

http://www.kdhe.ks.gov/

About the Position

• Who can apply: Anyone (External)
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (Flexible schedules available)
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veterans' Preference Eligible: Yes
• Sponsorship: KDHE does not provide sponsorship for this position.

Compensation:

• Pay Range:
  • Microbiologist I - $28.18 per hour
  • Microbiologist II - $29.20 per hour
  • Microbiologist III - $30.22 per hour
  • Microbiologist IV - $31.25 per hour
• Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Employment Benefits

Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage

Sick & Vacation leave

Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave

Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)

Fitness Centers in select locations

Employee discounts with the STAR Program

Retirement and deferred compensation programs

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information…

Position Summary & Responsibilities

Position Summary:

The position (K0231118)

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required for this role as it is a requirement set by EPA.

Serve as testing personnel (high and moderate complexity testing), as defined by CLIA, for bacteriology and mycobacteriology areas. Perform technical duties in the identification of bacteria and report results in an accurate and timely manner. Bacteriology testing involves laboratory isolation of bacterial pathogens from human clinical samples and identification of cultures using biochemical analysis, microscopy, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight spectroscopy (MALDI-ToF), PCR, and serological tests. Mycobacteriology testing involves isolation and identification of mycobacteria using culture, fluorescent microscopy, MALDI-ToF, and nucleic acid amplification. As delegated, assist with the evaluation and implementation of new and alternative test methods for bacteriology and mycobacteriology areas.

Assist with accessioning of samples and the processing of clinical specimens and cultures as needed. Help track consumables to ensure that supplies and reagents are maintained and ordered as needed. Ensure measures for safety are practiced and completed, including trash pickup, keeping lab benches clean, and restocking supplies. Perform quality control tests and maintain related records. Prepare and update written standard operating procedures and test methods as necessary to reflect current technology and methods. Participate in appropriate proficiency testing programs. Once eligible, serve as general supervisor or technical supervisor, as defined by CLIA, for applicable testing services and carry out the duties assigned to those roles.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

Serve as a point of contact for the Bureau of Epidemiology and Public Health Informatics during foodborne outbreaks and other disease investigations relating to the Diagnostic Microbiology lab. Collaborate with other units to ensure PCR and other molecular testing of outbreak samples is completed. As delegated, prepare shipments of outbreak specimens to the CDC and other laboratories as necessary. Maintain current packing and shipping certification for Category A and B infectious substances

In the event of a natural or man-made event, work through extended shifts to help testing personnel maintain a 24 hour, 7 day a week testing period. Assist and support staff members carrying out the Laboratory Response Network protocols for the analysis of suspect materials and the confirmation of environmental or clinical specimens, as part of the bioterrorism program.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or other related field. Must have at least 24 semester hours of science that include 6 semester hours of Biology, 6 semester hours of Chemistry, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical technology in any combination.
• Licensing & Certification:
  • Valid Driver's License - Incumbent is required to have and maintain a valid driver's license when operating a state vehicle, a private vehicle, or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State.
• Minimum Qualifications:
  • Microbiologist I
    • Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or other related field. Must have at least 24 semester hours of science that include 6 semester hours of Biology, 6 semester hours of Chemistry, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical technology in any combination.
  • Microbiologist II
    • Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or other related field. Must have at least 24 semester hours of science that include 6 semester hours of Biology, 6 semester hours of Chemistry, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical technology in any combination.
    • AND 1+ years of experience in a clinical laboratory setting.
    • AND must be a general supervisor (as defined by CLIA) within 6 months of hire.
  • Microbiologist III
    • Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or other related field. Must have at least 24 semester hours of science that include 6 semester hours of Biology, 6 semester hours of Chemistry, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical technology in any combination.
    • AND 4+ years of experience in a clinical laboratory setting.
    • AND must be a technical supervisor (as defined by CLIA) within 6 months of hire or be cross-trained into an additional laboratory unit.
    • AND must be a member of an APHL community of practice that is relevant to their laboratory work.
  • Microbiologist IV
    • Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or other related field. Must have at least 24 semester hours of science that include 6 semester hours of Biology, 6 semester hours of Chemistry, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical technology in any combination.
    • AND 10+ years of experience in a clinical laboratory setting.
    • AND must be a technical supervisor (as defined by CLIA) within 6 months of hire.
    • AND must be a member of an APHL community of practice that is relevant to their laboratory work.
    • AND must be assigned writing, tracking, and reporting responsibilities for a health grant project related to their work.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master’s degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry or biochemistry.
  • PhD in microbiology, biology, chemistry or biochemistry.
  • ASCP certification in Microbiology or Medical Technician
  • Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
  • Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
  • Experience in working under BSL-3 laboratory conditions.
  • Six months experience in the lead role for microbiology testing services in a CLIA regulated lab
  • Experience in identifying bacteria, mycobacteria, or fungi
  • One year experience in a clinical Microbiology laboratory
  • 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical technology in any combination
  • 24 semester hours of science that include 6 semester hours of Chemistry, 6 semester hours of Biology
• Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements:
  • Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate: A valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate is a condition of employment for all employees of the State of Kansas. Applicants (including non-residents) who receive a formal job offer for a State job, are required to obtain a valid Tax Clearance within ten (10) days of the job offer. A Tax Clearance can be obtained through the Kansas Department of Revenue who reviews individual accounts for compliance with Kansas Tax Law. If you have a missing tax return(s) or you owe taxes to the State of Kansas, please know that the Kansas Department of Revenue will work with you. The Kansas Department of Revenue can set you up on a payment plan to receive a Tax Clearance so you can get a job working for the State of Kansas. The Kansas Department of Revenue can be contacted at 785-296-3199. Kansas Department of Revenue - Tax Clearance Frequently Asked Questions

Recruiter Contact Information

Name: Kyle Sanders

Email: kyle.sanders@ks.gov

Mailing Address: 1000 SW Jackson St. Suite 580 Topeka, KS 66612

Job Application Process

• First Sign in or register as a New User.
• Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.
  • Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.
• Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.
  • Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page
  • Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions"

Required Documents for this Application to be Complete

Upload these on the Careers - My Job Applications page

Transcripts

DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)

Upload these on the Attachments step in your Job Application

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents”

How to Claim Veterans Preference

Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference

How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference

Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference

PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person's eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be sent either by fax to (785)296-7712, scanned and emailed to Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed/delivered in person to:

ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator
Office of Personnel Services
Landon State Office Building
900 SW Jackson, Rm 401
Topeka, KS 66612

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.