NJ Civil Service Navigator

MICROBIOLOGIST 2

Code: 02003 Common Competitive Range: P22 (FY2027)

Career Family: MICROBIOLOGIST

Salary: $69,668.2 - $101,950.9/year FY2027 schedule (last updated 2026-05-08)

Microbiologist 2 sits in the competitive class of New Jersey's state or local civil service, so reaching it runs through testing and an eligible list instead of a straight hire.

It sits mid-series for Microbiologist, one step up from Microbiologist 1 and one below Microbiologist 3. The requirements come down to a bachelor's degree and 2 years of relevant experience. Pay on the FY2027 schedule runs $69,668 to $101,951, and state payroll currently lists about 15 people in the title, most of them at Health and Senior Services.

How to apply

  • Exam

    This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.

  • Exam

    Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.

  • Agency posting

    Department of Health posts its own vacancies directly, often before (or instead of) any civil service exam announcement. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.

  • Agency posting

    Department of Agriculture's employment page may require a click-through to see specific openings. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.

Pay ladder: Microbiologist series

  1. Microbiologist 1 — $65,195 – $91,272
  2. Microbiologist 2 — $69,668 – $101,951 (this title)
  3. Microbiologist 3 — $79,844 – $117,228
  4. Microbiologist 4 — $87,507 – $128,719

Promoting to Microbiologist 3 raises the top of the band by about $15,277. Its top salary lands around the 49th percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.

Rungs are ordered by FY2027 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.

Who employs this title

State payroll records show 15 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $86,027. The agencies employing the most are:

  • Health and Senior Services (13)
  • Agriculture (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.

Definition

Under the limited supervision of a Microbiologist 3 or other supervisory official in the Department of Health or in the Department of Agriculture, or in a county/municipal run laboratory, independently conducts microbiologic, molecular and serologic tests/analyses; prepares reports; may coordinate the work of lower-level microbiologists and laboratory workers; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

  • Independently conducts prescribed microbiologic, molecular and serologic tests on submitted materials/specimens requiring specific routine functions.
  • May take the lead in interpreting test results and preparing and issuing reports.
  • May coordinate the work of lower-level microbiologists and technical laboratory personnel conducting microbiological tests and analyses.
  • Determines and performs supplementary tests when initial test results are unclear.
  • May take the lead in conducting research on microbiologic and related problems.
  • Oversees the acquisition, storage, preservation, recording, and proper use of laboratory equipment, materials, and supplies.
  • Keeps current with literature, practices, and new developments in the field of microbiology. Joint division continue education activities.
  • Prepares 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 includes bacteriology, virology, parasitology, and/or mycology.

Experience

Two (2) years of experience in a public health or clinical laboratory conducting diagnostic microbiological/molecular and serology tests, examinations, and/or research.

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 the 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 on 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/, molecular, serologic tests and analyses containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
  • Ability to provide guidance to lower-level microbiologists and other technical staff.
  • 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.

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.

A Master's degree in Microbiology may be substituted for one (1) year of experience as stated above.

A Doctorate degree in Microbiology may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

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.