CDA-Food Analyst/Microbiologist

Company: State of Colorado
Location: Denver
Posted on: January 26, 2023

Job Description:

Department Information

Who we are:

Agriculture is a part of all our lives. When you eat, put on clothes, or care for an animal--your life is touched by agriculture. Colorado's food and agriculture industry generated $47 billion of economic activity in 2019 and supports nearly 5% of the state's workforce. CDA is proud to be a part of such an important industry.

Mission:

The CDA's mission is to strengthen and advance Colorado's agriculture; promote a safe and high-quality food supply; protect consumers; and foster responsible stewardship of the environment.

CDA Wildly Important Goals:

To accomplish our mission, CDA focuses on four "wildly important goals:"

Goal 1: Building Economic and Supply Chain Resilience

Goal 2: Advancing Voluntary Stewardship

Goal 3: Supporting the Next Generation in Agriculture

Goal 4: Promoting Animal Health and Welfare

We use these goals to focus and align the daily work of our staff in support of Colorado farmers and ranchers. Learn more about our Department and our wildly important goals in our performance plan on our website.

What you get from us:

In addition to a great work location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

* Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus optional 401(k) and 457 plans (www.copera.org)
* Medical and dental health plans (https://stateofcoloradobenefits.com/)
* Employer supplemented Health Savings Account ($60 per month)
* Paid life insurance, plus additional optional life insurance options
* Paid Short Term Disability and optional Long Term Disability coverage
* 11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave accruals
* BenefitHub state employee discount program
* Employee Wellness program MotivateMe
* Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, remote work opportunities, free parking, professional development and more!

To learn about the total compensation package for State government employment visit: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/totalcompensation

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Learn more about our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion by visiting our EDI Homepage: https://dpa.colorado.gov/about-us/edi. Description of Job

Work Unit:

The Laboratory Services Division performs accurate, timely, fit-for-purpose, and legally defensible chemical, microbiological and instrumental analysis of samples taken by the Department's inspectors and those samples received for analysis under State or Federal grant programs. These samples include water (groundwater/surface water), livestock feed, pet food, fertilizer, human food, vegetation, environmental samples, compost, and soil. The samples are analyzed for a variety of constituents including, but not limited to: pesticide residues, pathogens, nutrients, drugs & vitamins, antibiotics, minerals, toxins, and poisons.

Position:

This position exists to provide analysis of animal and human food for the CDA-ICS Feed Program, CDA-ICS Meat Program, and cooperative agreement programs such as the FDA Laboratory Flexible Funding Model Food Microbiology program. This position performs microbiological and analytical chemistry testing, quality control testing, and proficiency testing. This position conducts peer reviews and approvals of laboratory data, test results, quality events, and related quality control activities in compliance with IS017025:2017 requirements.

Duties:

* Prepare samples prior to instrumental analysis through weighing, grinding, blending, stomaching, incubation, homogenizing, separating and/or concentrating.
* Microbiological media and chemical reagents must be prepared accurately in order to set-up samples for analysis.
* Evaluate the constituents listed for each sample and selects the correct sample preparation process according to internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
* Coordinate, organize, and assist with samples for microbiological and feed chemical analysis through planning, documentation, chain-of-custody and ensure proper storage of prepared samples prior to analysis.
* Assign, coordinate, assist and perform or ensure routine calibration of laboratory equipment such as pipettes, balances, ovens, incubators, pH meters, and autoclaves.
* Independently performs instrumental analyses of samples utilizing real-time PCR, automated immunoassay, bacterial identification systems, ELISA, HPLC or other equipment including computers, incubators, autoclaves and various types of general laboratory equipment.
* Perform cultural isolation and identification of pathogens in test samples and uses approved methodology to confirm the isolated bacteria.
* Perform chemical extractions of animal feed for quantitative determination of antibiotics and amino acids. Independently, determines correct methodologies and techniques to employ to optimize equipment and instrumentation operating conditions.
* Use professional judgment and/or consultation with supervisors, colleagues or other regulatory laboratories, in making decisions.
* Follow written Standard Operating Procedures and follows quality control criteria documented in the laboratory's quality system and in the laboratory's Standard Operating Procedures.
* Evaluate, interpret, and report results of analyses.
* Perform routine and emergency maintenance, repair, and/or calibration of analytical instrumentation and equipment.
* Analyze assigned Proficiency Test samples using written Standard Operating Procedures in order to maintain competency in testing methods.
* Independently review, checks, and performs calculations on raw data from analysis activities.
* Calculate quality control results from sample analyses and prepares analytical data packages and enter results into the laboratory LIMS.
* Prepare and evaluate quality control cultures in qualitative methods and control charts for quantitative methods.
* Evaluate data and results to identify and correct any abnormalities, anomalies, or out of specification work.
* Independently determine samples that need to be re-analyzed or re-run due to quality control or other failures.
* Perform peer reviews of laboratory data analyzed by other team members.
* Perform monthly testing of samples for grant projects as requested by the Department, Division, grant program (e.g., Food Emergency Response Network [FERN], Food and Drug Administration [FDA]), and laboratory management.
* Attend conferences, seminars, training courses, and participates in industry forums with the approval of laboratory Management and the Department.
* Consult with peers, colleagues, and other regulatory laboratories to stay current with industry and analytical laboratory standards.
* Inspect Laboratory Equipment to ensure working order and notifying leadership when equipment is malfunctioning.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Must be a Colorado resident at the time of application.

Salary Range:

$28.47 - $34.17 Hourly

$59,220.00 - $71,064.00 Annually

Minimum Requirements:

Education:

* Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Physical Sciences, or closely related field. A copy of your education transcripts must be attached to your application.

Experience:

* 1 years of professional experience in working in food or environmental microbiology and/or HPLC (Drug and Vitamin).
* Part Time experience will be prorated.
* See substitutions below.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Experience working as a microbiologist.
* Experience working in an ISO 17025 accredited facility
* Colorado State service experience related to the duties of this position.

Substitutions:

* Professional experience related to the position that provided the same kind, amount and level of knowledge acquired in the required education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the bachelor's degree.

OR

* Master's or doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Physical Sciences, or a degree closely related to the assignment may be substituted for the bachelor's degree and one year of general experience.

Conditions of Employment:

* Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License with the ability to independently travel.
* Circumstances may require position to work outside of regular business hours.



Required Competencies:

* Knowledge of good laboratory practices related to microbiology


* Excellent interpersonal skills.


* Project management skills: ability to multitask, problem-solve, prioritize, create systems and processes and collaborate with and engage others.


* Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and juggle multiple priorities, and able to react and adjust quickly to changing conditions.


* Deeply committed to quality results.


* Detail oriented.


* Excellent communication skills; able to communicate effectively and articulately in writing and orally with diverse individuals. Proactive approaches to problem-solving and with strong decision-making capability.


* Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently.



Important Information:

Part of, or the entire selection process for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application materials. Therefore, it is paramount that in the experience portion of your application, you describe the extent that you possess the education, experience and competencies outlined in the job announcement as well as the special and/or preferred qualifications. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions may prevent you from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.

Please submit the following:

* Online application (completed fully) describing how you meet the minimum qualifications
* OR If you are not able to submit an online application, a paper application is available at this link: PDF State Paper Application. Paper applications must be received (either by US mail or email to mary.hunt@state.co.us by the closing date and time of the application period listed on this announcement.
* DD214 (if applicable)
* Unofficial copy of transcripts (if applicable)

Factors that will be assessed:

* Technical Competence - Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement.
* Depth and Breadth of Experience - Experience that covers multiple areas outlined in this job announcement. Experience should be varied and not one dimensional and demonstrate a wide range of community involvement.
* Job Fit - Experience will be evaluated to determine how well your past experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position. Current experience is preferred.

APPEAL RIGHTS:

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action.

For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

Supplemental Information

Important Information: Part of, or the entire exam for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application material. Applications are considered complete and accurate at the time of submission. Therefore, additional information may not be solicited or accepted after your application has been received. Therefore, it is very important that you clearly describe all of your relevant experience on the application itself. Applications left blank or marked "SEE RESUME" will not be considered.

All applications that are received by the closing date of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement by a Human Resources Specialist. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may proceed to the next step. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.

ADAAA Accommodations: Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact by phone or email at least five business days before the assessment date to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.

The Department of Agriculture is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Mary Hunt, at mary.hunt@state.co.us or call 303-869-9006.

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt upload (attach) it.

Keywords: State of Colorado, Denver , CDA-Food Analyst/Microbiologist, Professions , Denver, Colorado