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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
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POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING |
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Position Number: 50694209 |
Description Activated On: 3/3/2025 1:59:05 PM |
Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. This is an entry-level, seasonal position in the field of environmental microbiology that supports the Bacteriology, Plankton and Protozoan Laboratories. Work involves preparing samples for analysis, conducting analyses on water and wastewater for sanitary indicator bacteria, plankton and pathogenic protozoans. Work also involves data entry and assisting with other activities in the Biological Services Section. Work will be assigned by the Section Chief. This position may require scheduling on one Saturday per month from 08:00 to 11:30am to meet the workload requirements. |
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Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor. - Prepare samples for analysis by performing the following responsibilities: receive and log in samples, sample preparation, perform specialized concentration, isolation and purification of samples according to standardized methodology. - Perform analysis of environmental water samples (water and wastewater) to support the workload of the section during the entire harmful algal bloom season. - Analysis work may include the following methodologies: chromogenic/fluorogenic enzyme substrate assays, membrane filtration, heterotrophic plate count, and microscopic analysis of bacteria colonies and harmful algae - Prepare microbiological media, reagents and laboratory equipment necessary for all phases of bacteriological analyses. Quality Control/Assurance: - Perform quality control/assurance tests and maintain records on all media, reagents, and sample containers as required by EPA and NELAC requirements. - Conduct scheduled analyses of proficiency tests on purchased samples. - Conduct initial and on-going demonstrations of capability of analytical procedures. - Assists with the annual review of Standard Operating Procedures that are utilized in the bacteriological, protozoan and plankton laboratories. - Read, understand and perform the most recent version of the Standard Operating Procedure for the test methods that the analyst is responsible for. Analytical and Computer Training: - Assists with training new employees in all analytical procedures utilized in the bacteriological lab. - Assists with training new employees in media preparation, media quality control and disposal of contaminated samples. - Assists with the training of new employees with the documentation of laboratory activities including data entry of analytical results. Consulting: - Interacts with DEP field staff on issues relating to microbiology and analytical techniques. DEP Mission: - Promotes the Department’s mission. - Inputs appropriate data in a prescribed format to meet data quality standards set forth by guidance, training, and policy across all of DEP’s electronic data systems; to include ensuring accuracy and completeness of entries, and where available, the use of system specific tools to ensure duplicative entries and data quality issues are minimized. Miscellaneous: - Record and compile data for all tests conducted by the bacteriological laboratory using worksheets, spreadsheets and computer applications. - Performs routine maintenance of standard laboratory equipment, including the Nano-Pure Water System, vacuum water collection reservoir, and autoclaves. Performs minor repairs on equipment/instrumentation as needed. - Sterilize and dispose of all contaminated supplies and samples on a weekly basis. - Initiate purchase requests for supplies necessary to maintain appropriate inventories of materials for the uninterrupted performance of laboratory analyses. - Maintain assigned laboratory area in a clean, safe and orderly condition. - This job description in no way states nor implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employee will be required to follow any other job-related instruction and perform any other tasks requested by the supervisor. |
Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature. General assignments will be made by the individual Section Chief. Refer all questions and protocol variations to the Section Chief |
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Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License Experience: None Licenses, registrations, or certifications: 1. N/A 2. N/A 3. N/A 4. N/A 5. N/A 6. N/A |
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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
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