Biosafety Officer

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Biosafety Officer 
Job Title: Microbiologist IV 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Quality Assurance 
Posting Number: 19001 
Closing Date: 03/09/2027 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 
Salary Range: $6,168.54 - $7,707.01 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 230X,43BX,43TX,71A,SEI12 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under the direction of the Laboratory Safety Group Manager and assisting the Safety Officer V Team Lead, this position will perform highly complex (senior level) work ensuring adequate biosafety training and practices to avoid potential hazards associated with the handling of biological materials, the spread of multi-drug-resistant pathogens and threats of emerging pathogens. Ensures review of current safety protocols, risk assessments and risk mitigation plans for the DSHS Laboratory. Provides guidance and technical assistance to laboratory staff. Educates and trains staff on topics such as, but not limit to, working safely with infectious materials. Conducts laboratory area reviews to evaluate compliance with biosafety regulations and develops action plans to address gaps. Leads as an active member on the Laboratory Safety Committee to provide education and training on how to build an effective biosafety program. May be required to work outside regular business hours, on holidays and weekends. This position will work under limited supervision and with extensive latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1 (25%)

Assists the Safety Officer ensuring adequate biosafety training and practices to avoid potential hazards associated with the handling of biological materials, the spread of multi-drug resistant pathogens and threats of emerging pathogens. Analyzes the current biosafety programs in the laboratory and develops plans to improve program consistency in all areas performing BSL1 - BSL3 procedures. Ensures review of current safety protocols, risk assessments and risk mitigation plans for the DSHS Laboratory. Oversees the development of policies and procedures that help to ensure the safety of laboratory staff and the provision of a safe physical environment to meet biosafety requirements mandatory for laboratory accreditation, certification and/or permits. Performs respiratory fit testing on laboratory staff to ensure Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (29 CFR 1910.134) requirement is met prior to respirator use in the workplace. Encourages a culture of safety and reporting of actual and potential safety issues which may place staff and others at risk; assesses those risks; and implements redundant systems to keep risks to the absolute minimum.

EJF 2 (25%)

Acts as the backup contact for the Laboratory Building Coordinator during laboratory building emergencies, such as power outages, and water leaks; may be required to respond to emergencies during non-business hours and on weekends and holidays. Provide guidance and technical assistance to laboratory staff of the consequence of infectious diseases. Educates and trains staff on topics such as, but not limit to, working safely with biological materials. Provides training on the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), implementing decontamination procedures following exposure, packaging and shipping of infectious agents, and reviewing waste management plans, including methods for recycling and disposal of biological hazards.

EJF 3 (25%)

Conducts laboratory area reviews to evaluate compliance with biosafety regulations and develops action plans to address gaps. Consults with staff to identify training needs to address the identified gaps. Maintains documentation of area activities and required follow-up activities in regards to quarterly reports. Develop evaluation tools for determining program effectiveness and use statistics and trends to resolve problems. Provide written reports detailing performance in meeting requirements and identifying deficiencies.

EJF 4 (20%)

Leads as an active member on the Laboratory Safety Committee to provide education and training on how to build an effective biosafety program. Provides input on emergency management and response policies and assists in implementation of processes and procedures in coordination with laboratory management. Must be able to left, push, pull and carry 50 lb items such as equipment, boxes, etc.; for all items over 50 lbs., assistance is required.

EJF 5 (5%)

Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to: actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location; and safe operation of either a state owned vehicle or personal is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901. Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Comprehensive knowledge of bioterrorism agents and the select agent regulations.

Knowledge of microbiology and especially useful is knowledge of bacteriology and virology as related to disease transmission.

Knowledge of laboratory training techniques.

Ability and skill in coordinating training and educational activities for biological and chemical threat agents.

Ability to utilize computer programs for spreadsheet analysis, word processing, and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

Skill in performing BSL1 - BSL3 procedures as part of a laboratory biosafety program.

Skill in using computer software such as word processing, database, spreadsheet and graphic presentation software.

Skill in effective customer service practices.

Skill in synthesizing and analyzing complex information for a variety of purposes.

Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution.

Skill in systems development and evaluation.

Skill in developing and evaluate policies and/or standard operating procedures.

Ability to present complex information to a variety of audiences verbally and in writing.

Ability to organize and prioritize heavy workloads and meet deadlines.

Ability to establish goals and objectives.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with managers, co-workers, the public, stakeholders and partners.

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, analyze data, and devise solutions to problems.

Ability to prepare concise reports, to develop and evaluate policies and procedures, and to plan for following action needed.

Ability to facilitate meetings and projects and work effectively with teams.

Ability to adapt to a changing work environment.

Ability to left, push, pull and carry 50 lb items such as equipment, boxes, etc.; for all items over 50 lbs., assistance is required.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

A Bachelor's, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree in a science related field from an accredited college or university and specialized course work plus two years of full-time experience performing microbiology procedures. CDC authorization to work with select agents is a condition of employment for this position. Knowledge of BSL3 operations and practices. Safety related certification is preferred.

Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state.

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree in a science related field from an accredited college or university and specialized course work, required.
2. Two years of full-time experience performing microbiology procedures, required.
3. Two years of full-time experience performing BSL-3 microbiology procedures, preferred.
4. Experience in conducting risk assessments and/or risk mitigation plans preferred.
5. Experience in laboratory safety (protocols, plans, actions, etc.)
6. Experience in developing policies, procedures, and reports.
7. Experience in laboratory related emergency response activities preferred.
8. Experience in conducting respiratory fit testing, preferred.

Additional Information:

Work Schedule: Must be able to work holidays and weekends. Must be able to work hours other than 8am – 5pm.

Transportation: Employee must provide transportation. If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in the performance of their official duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas driver’s license for the appropriate type vehicle. Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business, applicants will have their driving records checked through the Department of Public Safety and applicants must have a valid Class C Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.  Employees/Applicants are responsible for providing a copy of their driver’s license prior to beginning employment.

Immunizations: Compliance with DSHS Laboratory Exposure Control Plan required: vaccine requirements are consistent with current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations and other national guidelines for employee groups based upon job duties and tasks.

CDC authorization to work with select agents is a condition of employment for this position. This position is subject to medical surveillance procedures and review in accordance with federal and state laws and agency policy. This position requires a Security Risk Assessment to be performed by the FBI and may include enrollment into ongoing suitability assessments in order to work with or access Tier I select agents.

NOTE: When completing your application, include details about your job experience as it relates to the essential job functions, knowledge/skills/abilities, and initial screening information provided on this Position Description. Additional tips on completing the Application are available on-line at http://www.dshs.texas.gov under "About DSHS - Jobs". Location: 1100 W 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756, Laboratory.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form