Salary: $52,100.00 - $54,000.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: Temporary Grant - Full-Time
Job Number: 181352
Agency: SCDPH-PH Central Office
Opening Date: 10/28/2025
Closing Date: 11/16/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: ED40
Position Number:: [click to reveal phone number]61008436
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN09
Hiring Range - Min.: $52,100.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $54,000.00
Opening Date: 10/28/2025
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: If you meet the requirements of the position and would like to be considered, you must submit a state application online. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume may be uploaded for review but will NOT be used to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position or substitute for completing any section of the application. Supplemental questions are considered part of the application and must be completed. The quality of the application presented (completeness and accuracy as well as grammar and spelling) will be considered prior to the offer of an interview. A criminal records check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the stated closing date.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

Job Responsibilities
Careers at DPH: Work that makes a difference!

Embracing Service, Inspiring Innovation, Promoting Teamwork, Pursuing Excellence, and Advancing Equity
Under the general supervision of the Food Microbiology Unit Manager of the Microbiology Division Section Director, performs and leads activities for the purpose of detecting microorganisms in food for retail meat and seafood surveillance and support ISO related testing.

Performs and interprets methods for microbiological testing of retail meats for the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS). Performs quality assurance procedures including instrument preventative maintenance and quality control of media and reagents in accordance with ISO 17025, where applicable. Under the guidance of the Food Microbiology Supervisor, assists in implementing new testing procedures for the NARMS program. Reports testing results and sends positive isolates involving retail meat testing to FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM). Reports testing results involving retail to national surveillance database. Shares final isolate testing results with appropriate South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH) agencies and partners. Performs other duties as necessary.

Minimum and Additional Requirements
State Minimum Requirements: A bachelor's degree in a related medical or scientific discipline; or an associate degree or equivalent training in a related medical, scientific or technical discipline and journey-level work experience in a related field.

Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.

Additional Comments
EEO: The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

STATE DISASTER PLAN: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

DRIVING RECORD: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for Temporary Grant positions that includes:

15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
15 days Sick Leave per year
13 Paid Holidays
Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click for additional information.
S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available
Retirement benefit choices *
- State Retirement Plan
- State Optional Retirement Program

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

HYBRID WORK: The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01

Do you have a bachelor's degree in a related medical or scientific discipline?

02

Do you have an associate degree or equivalent training in a related medical, scientific or technical discipline and journey-level work experience in a related field?

03

Please explain your experience in Microbiology.
04

What is your understanding of public health laboratory testing?
05

Would you be willing to accept a salary of $52,100 - $54,000?

06

Are you a current or former SCDPH employee?

07

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. The application and not an attached resume will be reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. I have read and acknowledge the above statement.

08

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring. I have read and acknowledge the above statement.

09

If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record. I have read and acknowledge the above statement.

10

How did you hear about this position?

State NeoGov website (jobs.sc.gov)
LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook
Employee Referral/Agency Recruiter
College Job Board
External Job Board (SC Works, Indeed, Association)
Other

Required Question

Food Microbiologist - 61008436

Food Microbiologist - 61008436

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