MICROBIOLOGIST TRAINEE (State)
New Jersey classifies Microbiologist Trainee as non-competitive, which skips the exam-and-list step and turns on whether you meet the minimum requirements.
The main requirement is a bachelor's degree. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $55,691 to $58,222, and state payroll currently lists 2 people in the title, most of them at Health and Senior Services.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
See every real route in, and where to apply. One agency employs it. We don't track live vacancies.
See where to apply for this title →Who employs this title
Microbiologist Trainee appears on the State payroll at one department, Department of Health.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of Health | 2 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 2 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $56,253. The agencies employing the most are:
- Health and Senior Services (2)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the close supervision of a supervisory official in the Department of Health or in the Department of Agriculture, or in a county/municipal run laboratory, as a trainee and productive worker, learns to conduct routine technical microbiologic, molecular and serologic tests/analyses; learns to prepare reports; learns to assist in performing developmental procedures; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
As a trainee and a productive worker: Learns to conduct standardized and prescribed microbiologic, molecular and serologic tests on submitted materials/specimens, interprets tests and analyses, and prepares reports thereon. Learns to assist in performing developmental procedures and overseeing completion of a single routine/standard assay. Learns to assist unit co-workers of varied grades in the accurate and correct completion of assignments. Learns to be responsible for the acquisition, storage, preservation, recording, and proper use of laboratory equipment, materials, and supplies. Learns to prepare and maintain reagents, supplies, and media for specific functions. Keeps current with literature and new developments in the field of microbiology. Learns to assume responsibility for the maintenance of adequate inventories of laboratory unit supplies. Learns to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports of microbiological tests, analyses, and examinations containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Maintains microbiologic records, reports, and files. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in a biological science including or supplemented by twelve (12) semester hour credits in specific microbiological courses in the study of microorganisms, which include bacteriology, virology, parasitology, and/or mycology.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of the precautions to be taken in the use and maintenance of sterile equipment and the minor repair of laboratory equipment. Knowledge of the principles of microbiology and allied disciplines. Knowledge of the equipment, materials, and supplies used in a microbiological laboratory. Knowledge of the media, reagents, equipment, and methodologies used in microbiologic examinations. Knowledge of the precautions to be taken in handling specimens. Knowledge of the procedures and techniques used to conduct microbiologic/serologic tests and analyses. Ability to organize assigned laboratory work, analyze microbiological problems, and develop effective work methods. Ability to conduct tests and interpret and report results. Ability to take measures required to ensure that laboratory areas are maintained in a clean, orderly, and safe condition and that equipment/instruments are maintained in good operating condition. Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports of microbiologic/serologic tests and analyses containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to establish and maintain records, reports, and files. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible. ADVANCEMENT: Appointees who successfully complete the 12-month training period will be eligible for advancement to the title Microbiologist 1 under Civil Service Commission procedures. The inability of an employee in this title to attain level of performance warranting advancement to the title above shall be considered as cause for separation.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. An employee using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Appointees may be required to perform physical activities such as lifting, carrying, and standing for an extended period of time. Appointees may be required to get vaccinations or submit vaccination records. Appointees may be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment.