Microbiologist (Entry or Senior)

Position Summary

This position is an essential position for analyzing samples and reporting results generated by the Microbiology Unit at the Bureau of Laboratory Services (BLS). The Microbiology Unit at BLS supports state food inspection activities to ensure the safety of food in the state of Wisconsin. BLS testing supports the Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection - Division of Food and Recreational Safety and the Department of Health Services - Division of Public Health during food borne outbreak emergencies. This position will participate in the analyses of over 10,000 samples per year including surveillance samples collected and assayed under an FDA federal grant. Test results generated in the Microbiology Unit are used to prevent outbreaks and to guide inspection efforts at both the state and national levels. This position has responsibility for the testing of meat products for disease causing bacteria such as E. coli O157, Salmonella, and Listeria. Test results generated in the Microbiology Unit are used to prevent contaminated meat from entering the food supply and to assure that DATCP is compliant with USDA regulations allowing for interstate shipment of meat products. This position will also have responsibility for the testing of dairy products to assure their safety, and this position is required to hold or obtain FDA certification for Grade A dairy analyses. This testing is very specialized and only food microbiologists hold the dairy certification required at our lab.

Salary Information

The classification of this position is Microbiologist - Entry, which is in schedule-range 15-04, or Microbiologist - Senior, which is in schedule-range 15-03, with a starting pay of $26.00 up to $34.00 per hour based on qualifications.

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.

Conditions of Employment

• A criminal background check will be performed on the selected applicant prior to an offer of employment.
• Obtain and maintain certification for dairy product analysis within the first year; which is typically obtained 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.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work with a range of chemicals, reagents, live cultures, etc. – some of which may necessitate use of protective equipment.

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.
• Minimally qualified senior level candidates will additionally have:
• - Professional laboratory experience performing routine and complex microbiological analyses and familiarity with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) or equivalent.

Additional Qualifications

• Highly qualified candidates will have the following:
• - Experience with quality systems and laboratory documentation practices within an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory.
• 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: #21369 to complete your application for this posting.

Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

Veterans Hiring Programs

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.

Application Process

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.

Deadline to Apply

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