Wildlife Specialist Senior

GAME AND FISH DEPT

Delivering results that matter by providing best in class support services.

Join the only state agency in Arizona responsible for conserving and protecting more than 800 wildlife species. Be part of a passionate group of people who want to make a positive impact on outdoor recreation in Arizona by managing resources for safe, compatible opportunities for current and future generations. From fishing, boating and off-highway vehicle use to shooting sports, hunting and wildlife watching, Arizona Game and Fish supports it all. Our biologists use the best available science in their management actions, and our wildlife managers are on the ground in your communities making a difference every day. Opportunities abound beyond the field at AZGFD, so check us out and see what we're all about! Consider joining our workforce today. AZGFD celebrates the diversity of Arizona's people, landscapes and of course, wildlife. However you choose to enjoy Arizona's wildlife and wild places, the outdoors is open for all.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department manages fish and wildlife in Arizona and under the authority of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, creates and implements scientific methods and regulations to effectively manage fish and wildlife habitat via conservation, enforcement, hunting, fishing, watercraft and off-highway vehicle recreation, and shooting sports. The Arizona Game and Fish Department dedicates itself to excellence, values its employees and supports a culture of stewardship, teamwork and partnerships.

MICROBIOLOGIST

Job Location:

Address: 5000 W. CAREFREE HWY, PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85086

Posting Details:

Hiring Salary Range: $50,000- $70,000

Grade: 22

Closing Date: 08/15/2024

Job Summary:

The Microbiologist will assist with diagnostics and research on all aspects of fish disease, fish health, the use of drugs for treating fish diseases, laboratory maintenance and media preparation. This position is 85% laboratory and 15% field work.

Job Duties:

• Preparation of media for bacterial culture

• Inoculation of plates for bacterial culture

• Bacterial identification

• Performs necropsies and laboratory testing as requested

• Maintains records required by the FDA for VFD medicated feeds.

• Collects biological samples during fish management events and participates in the development of protocols for the detection, control, and eradication of fish diseases

• Produce reports and updates for Department staff as appropriate

• Maintains the Department Fish Health databases and attends and delivers presentations that address fish health management.

Identifies pathogens by PCR and QPCR

• Performs procedures for parasite identification

• Cell culture of fish cell lines.

• Conducts DNA sequencing of biological samples to determine genus and species as needed.

• Develop proficiency in preparing samples for histological examination, immunohistochemistry and in-situ hybridization techniques.

• Performs Quality Control and Quality Assurance procedures

• Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

The candidate must have work experience and a working knowledge of Microbiology or Medical microbiology and all of its associated disciplines, quality control and quality assurance in the laboratory, laboratory safety measures and procedures, computer programs, scientific method and thought, the ability to perform diagnostic tests, knowledge of standard laboratory procedures, epidemiology and public health principles, rules on the use of antibiotics and other chemotherapeutants, animal drugs and pharmacology, animal physiology and pathology. Candidates will be skilled in data processing and analysis, technical writing and English composition, public speaking, handling, and first aid techniques. The candidate will be able to identify bacteria from culture, identify viruses from cell culture, complete immunofluorescence assays, conduct polymerase chain reaction procedures independently, extract DNA or RNA, and conduct eDNA analysis. Must have experience and be proficient in aseptic technique and laboratory safety protocols, be able to follow direction and laboratory standard operating procedures, be able to work alone or in a team setting, form collaborative relationships with other individuals and organizations, work in diverse environments and conditions and synthesize information from many sources and apply it to novel situations.

Selective Preference(s):

The preferred candidate will have three or more years of diagnostic laboratory experience.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

The candidate must have a bachelor's degree in a Biology, Microbiology or closely related field such as Fisheries Science with specialized training in microbiology, virology, bacteriology, and molecular biology. Experience working within a microbiology laboratory is required.

Employment may be contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/physical examination and the agency's ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, then the following requirements apply. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver's license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked or suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

All newly hired employees will be subject to the E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification program.

Benefits:

The Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

Sick leave

Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year

Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).

Health and dental insurance

Retirement plan

Life insurance and long-term disability insurance

Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page.

Contact Us:

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Amy Lacy at alacy@azgfd.gov for assistance.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.