Microbiology Unit Leader
The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) works hard to protect and promote Wisconsin’s agricultural industries and consumers. As an agency, we strive to serve the people of Wisconsin assuring: safe, wholesome food; consumer protection and fair business practices; animal and plant health; a clean environment; and strong agriculture and commerce. To successfully attain these goals, we recognize our success hinges on the diverse, high quality, dedicated staff we employ.
DATCP currently has an opening for a Microbiology Unit Leader position within the Division of Management Services, Bureau of Laboratory Services.
This position is located at the Bureau of Laboratory Services situated on Madison’s southeast side. We are only minutes away from the Beltline Highway, Interstate 90 and Highway 51 for quick access to local restaurants, retail and service locations.
Employee Benefits: This position offers the State of Wisconsin’s excellent benefits package, which includes 19.5 days of paid time off to start, 9 paid holidays, accrued sick leave, multiple insurance options and an exceptional retirement plan!
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This posting may be used to fill future similar vacancies.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The position is the Unit Leader for the Microbiology Unit of the DATCP’s Bureau of Laboratory Services. The position will be responsible for:
• Coordination of the microbiological analysis of food and dairy products in support of state and federal regulations and guidelines.
• Directing verifications of new methods and matrix extensions for existing methods.
• Compliance with the laboratory’s Quality Assurance system.
• Compliance with regulatory and accreditation guidelines, including ISO 17025 standards.
SALARY INFORMATION:
The classification of this position is Microbiologist-Adv, which is in schedule-range 15-03 with a starting pay of $34.50 up to $38.50 per hour based on qualifications.
This position is not represented by a collective bargaining unit. A 12-month probationary period is required. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan at the time of hire.
JOB DETAILS:
At DATCP, we strive to deliver efficient and effective programs and services to Wisconsin agriculture, consumers, and businesses. The Department has numerous on-the-job training (OJT) opportunities, unique to each Bureau.
These OJT opportunities and transferable skills include direct experience and practice through collaboration with co-workers/supervisor, peer mentoring, and job-specific training modules.
Conditions of Employment:
DATCP does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the selected applicant being able to provide documentation of eligibility to work in the United States.
A criminal background check will be performed on the selected applicant prior to an offer of employment.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Ability to work with a range of chemicals, reagents, live cultures, etc. - some of which may necessitate use of protective equipment.
Occasional weekend work may be required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimally qualified candidates will have each of the following:
- Education and/or experience in microbiology or an equivalent combination of education and/or professional experience in a food testing or food safety laboratory.
- Professional laboratory experience performing routine and complex microbiological analyses and familiarity with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) or equivalent.
- Experience performing microbiological testing for bacterial pathogens, including culture-based and/or molecular detection methods.
- Experience with formal and/or informal leadership, such as directing, assigning, and managing work of others.
In addition to the minimum qualifications above, highly qualified candidates will have the following:
- Experience with quality systems and laboratory documentation practices within an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory.
In addition, highly qualified candidates may have one or more of the following:
- Experience working with federal regulatory requirements and testing programs under the FDA, USDA, or EPA.
- Lead or supervisory experience in a laboratory setting, such as training staff, assigning work, or reviewing work for accuracy and quality.
HOW TO APPLY:
If viewing this posting on an external site (such as indeed.com, etc.), please visit Wisc.Jobs and search for this Job ID: #21026 to complete your application for this posting.
DATCP is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.
The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program. For complete information on veterans hiring programs that may benefit you, please visit the Employment page on WDVA's website.
To be considered for this position, you will need to create an account (if you don’t already have one) and apply online via the “Apply for Job” button listed on the top right of the job posting page. You will be required to upload a current resume and a letter of qualifications that clearly describes your qualifications and experience as they relate to the qualifications listed in this job posting. Review the applicant resources, including tips on how to write a resume and letter of qualifications.
Submitted application materials will be evaluated by one or more job experts. Candidates who are deemed eligible will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process, starting with those candidates who are deemed most qualified.
For general Wisc.Jobs user information and technical assistance, please check the Frequently Asked Questions. Please address questions regarding the application process to Jensen Peterson at jensen.peterson@wisconsin.gov.
DEADLINE TO APPLY:
The deadline to apply for this position is 11:59 p.m. on June 7, 2026.