MICROBIOLOGIST II

MICROBIOLOGIST II

Salary

$23.91 - $31.30 Hourly

Location

2250 Holcombe Blvd

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

39420

Department

Houston Health Department

Opening Date

08/27/2026

Closing Date

9/4/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications Accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Division: Public Health Science and Surveillance

Section: Laboratory

Workdays & Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

• Subject to change*

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Microbiologist III position plays a critical role in advancing public health surveillance by leading complex

microbiological and molecular based testing, particularly in wastewater-based epidemiology.

Job Responsibilities:

• Conduct routine analysis of wastewater samples to detect and quantify pathogens associated

with communicable diseases, including COVID-19, influenza, RSV and other emerging targets.

• Perform sample accessioning, preparation, and processing following established laboratory

protocols.

• Execute quality assurance and quality control procedures to ensure accuracy and reliability of

wastewater surveillance results.

• Monitor laboratory inventory, receive and log incoming materials, and maintain accurate records

to support procurement planning and traceability requirements.

• Carry out general laboratory support activities, including routine equipment maintenance,

calibration checks, autoclaving waste and cleaning of laboratory glassware and instruments.

• Maintain adherence to laboratory safety procedures, regulatory standards, and biosafety

guidelines to ensure a safe and compliant work environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position occasionally requires stooping or bending. Occasional very light lifting, such as three or four reams of papers or books (up to 20 pounds or an equivalent weight) may be required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

A Bachelors degree in Biology, Bacteriology, Microbiology or a closely related field is required.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

One (1) year of experience in laboratory work dealing with bacteriology, serology or virology is required.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

None.

PREFERENCES

Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.

The Microbiologist II position plays a critical role in advancing public health surveillance by leading complex

microbiological and molecular based testing, particularly in wastewater-based epidemiology.

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED

None. The selection process will involve application review and/or interview.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION Yes

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

Pay Grade 17

SALARY INFORMATION

GRANT FUNDED

Grant positions are dependent upon continued available funds. If funding is no longer available, employee may be laid off or transferred. Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidates qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-4888.

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832-393-4888). (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individuals sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

01

Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?

• Yes
• No

02

Please indicate your level of education and experience:

• A Bachelors degree in Biology, Bacteriology, Microbiology or a closely related field and one (1) year of experience in laboratory work dealing with bacteriology, serology or virology
• A Masters degree in Biology, Bacteriology, Microbiology or a closely related field and one (1) year of experience in laboratory work dealing with bacteriology, serology or virology
• I have a degree, but not in Biology or a related field
• I do not have a degree

03

How many years of experience do you have working in a laboratory?

• Less than 1 year
• 1 year, but less than 3 years
• 3 years, but less than 5 years
• 5 years or more

04

Do you have experience performing any quality control procedures? Please list any quality control procedures you have performed.

05

Do you have any experience with wastewater testing? Please list your experience.

06

Please describe your experience with RNA extraction and PCR testing. Include the types of samples you have worked with, methods or kits used, instruments operated, and the setting in which the work was performed (e.g., academic lab, clinical lab, research institution).

Required Question

Employer City of Houston

Address 901 Bagby St

Houston, Texas, 77002

Website https://www.houstontx.gov/