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Microbiologist (Project)

State of Wisconsin - Ag, Trade & Consumer Protctn
Madison, WI

Job Details

Full-time
$26.00 - $28.50 an hour

Benefits

Paid holidays
Paid time off
On-the-job training
Loan forgiveness
Retirement plan

Qualifications

Food and beverage product quality management
Quality control product testing
Testing and evaluation
Microbiological culture and identification
Food microbiology
Quality assurance in testing
Microbiological analysis
Food quality control testing
Molecular analysis

Full Job Description

Introduction

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) works hard to protect and promote Wisconsin’s agricultural industries and consumers. As an agency, we strive to serve the people of Wisconsin assuring: safe, wholesome food; consumer protection and fair business practices; animal and plant health; a clean environment; and strong agriculture and commerce. To successfully attain these goals, we recognize our success hinges on the diverse, high quality, dedicated staff we employ.

DATCP currently has an opening for a Microbiologist (Project) position within the Division of Management Services, Bureau of Laboratory Services. This position is a project position with a projected end date of July 26, 2028. Project positions are eligible for benefits including health insurance, but the incumbents do not attain permanent civil service status.

This position is located at the Bureau of Laboratory Services situated on Madison’s southeast side. We are only minutes away from the Beltline Highway, Interstate 90 and Highway 51 for quick access to local restaurants, retail and service locations.

Employee Benefits: This position offers the State of Wisconsin’s excellent benefits package, which includes 3.5 weeks of paid time off to start, 9 paid holidays, accrued sick leave, multiple insurance options and an exceptional retirement plan!

By working for Wisconsin State Government, you may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Please click the link for details.

Click here to see what working for the State of Wisconsin is all about!

Position Summary

The position is a project position located in the Microbiology Unit (MBU) of the DATCP’s Bureau of Laboratory Services (BLS). The position is responsible for the following:

Support for projects as related to the FDA LFFM grant.
Participation in the analyses of food samples for both pathogenic bacteria and indicator organisms by cultural, instrumental and molecular methods.
Confirmation of bacterial isolates by cultural, biochemical and serological methods.
The participation in the Unit’s Quality Assurance program and assisting and maintaining Quality Control (QC) records for the Unit.
The participation in sample and data handling within the Unit.

The position is required to achieve and maintain certification for dairy product analysis; such certification is typically attained through directed training followed by successful analysis of certification samples provided by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and on-site evaluation by FDA-LPET.

This position receives training from the Microbiology Unit Leader and works under the close supervision of the Microbiology Supervisor.

Full Position Description

Salary Information

The classification of this position is Microbiologist, which is in schedule-range 15-04 with a starting pay of $26.00 up to $28.50 per hour based on qualifications.

This position is not represented by a collective bargaining unit. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan at the time of hire.

Job Details

At DATCP, we strive to deliver efficient and effective programs and services to Wisconsin agriculture, consumers, and businesses. The Department has numerous on-the-job training (OJT) opportunities, unique to each Bureau.

These OJT opportunities and transferable skills include direct experience and practice through collaboration with co-workers/supervisor, peer mentoring, and job-specific training modules.

Conditions of Employment:

DATCP does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the selected applicant being able to provide documentation of eligibility to work in the United States.

A criminal background check will be performed on the selected applicant prior to an offer of employment.

Qualifications

Minimally qualified candidates will have each of the following:

Education and/or experience in microbiology or an equivalent combination of education and/or professional experience in a food testing or food safety laboratory.
Experience working within a laboratory setting that utilizes a quality assurance system or ISO accreditation that isn’t ISO 17025.
Experience performing microbiological testing for bacterial pathogens, including culture-based and/or molecular detection methods.

In addition to the minimum qualifications above, highly qualified candidates will have the following:

Experience with quality systems and laboratory documentation practices within an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory.

In addition, highly qualified candidates may have the following:

Experience working with federal regulatory requirements and testing programs under the FDA, USDA, or EPA.

How To Apply

If viewing this posting on an external site (such as indeed.com, etc.), please visit Wisc.Jobs and search for this Job ID: #21368 to complete your application for this posting.

DATCP is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program. For complete information on veterans hiring programs that may benefit you, please visit the Employment page on WDVA's website.

To be considered for this position, you will need to create an account (if you don’t already have one) and apply online via the “Apply for Job” button listed on the top right of the job posting page. You will be required to upload a current resume and a letter of qualifications that clearly describes your qualifications and experience as they relate to the qualifications listed in this job posting. Review the applicant resources, including tips on how to write a resume and letter of qualifications.

Submitted application materials will be evaluated by one or more job experts. Candidates who are deemed eligible will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process, starting with those candidates who are deemed most qualified.

For general Wisc.Jobs user information and technical assistance, please check the Frequently Asked Questions. Please address questions regarding the application process to Jensen Peterson at [email protected].

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply for this position is 11:59 p.m. on July 13, 2026.

Introduction

Position Summary

Salary Information

Job Details

Qualifications

How To Apply

Deadline to Apply

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