Public Health Microbiologist I

This examination is being given to fill 1 part-time vacancy in the Public Health Services department and to establish a referral pool for future temporary/part-time needs.

About the Role

This is a part-time position within the Public Health Services department.

Responsibilities

• Performs immunology, microbiology, serology, hematology, DNA, biochemistry, and other examinations on blood, tissue, saliva, and other specimens for the detection and identification of bacterial, viral, and other communicable disease agents.
• Performs microscopic examinations on a wide variety of substances to detect and identify bacteria, fungi, ova, parasites, and other visible organisms.
• Performs examinations on food, water, and other substances to detect health hazards and/or identify illness-causing agents.
• Accurately reads the results of laboratory tests.
• Processes and reads hematocrit and/or other specimens in support of clinical and program operations.
• Prepares slides and cultures; removes fluid, tissue, and/or other specimens from animal carcasses for testing.
• Prepares and packages specimens for submission to other laboratories; identifies and confirms the identity of cultures received from other laboratories.
• Uses appropriate safety precautions and personal protective equipment as required.
• Performs proficiency tests on simulated specimens; assists in the research, planning, and evaluation of alternate methods and new testing procedures.
• Assists with the training of laboratory support personnel.
• Orders and/or prepares testing media, stains, and reagents and ensures their quality prior to use.
• Assists with the collection and analysis of laboratory data; keeps records and prepares reports.
• Reviews professional literature and relays pertinent information.

Requirements

• Possession of a valid Public Health Microbiologist certificate issued by the State of California.

Knowledge

• Bacteriological, serological, mycological, parasitological, virological, and other microbiological principles.
• Techniques, equipment, and terminology used in the examination of body fluids and tissues, food, and water.
• Safety precautions and procedures appropriate for a public health laboratory.
• Current trends and concepts in public health microbiology.
• Causes and methods of transmission of a wide variety of communicable diseases.
• Principles of epidemiology.
• How to utilize computers to facilitate standard business activities, including word processing, data entry, and spreadsheet calculations.

Abilities

• Perform a variety of standard and routine public health laboratory tests and examinations.
• Operate and care for laboratory equipment.
• Understand and follow detailed oral and written directions.
• Observe proper safety laboratory precautions and procedures, including universal precautions.
• Use a variety of office equipment, including computer hardware and software.
• Analyze complex situations accurately and take effective action.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted during the course of the work.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Mobility: Frequent sitting or standing for long periods while working with equipment or operating a data entry device; frequent walking short distances.
• Lifting: Occasional lifting of 30 lbs. or less.
• Vision: Constant use of good overall visual capabilities, particularly close focus; frequent use of color perception and hand/eye coordination; frequent reading and/or close-up work.
• Dexterity: Frequent holding, pinching, grasping, and writing.
• Hearing/Talking: Frequent hearing and talking in person and on the telephone.
• Special Requirements: May require working weekends, nights, and holidays; occasional overtime.
• Emotional/Psychological: Frequent concentration and decision-making; occasional emergency situations and public contact.
• Environmental Conditions: Frequent exposure to noise; frequent risk of exposure to hazardous materials, fumes, poor ventilation, and indoor cold/heat; occasional exposure to variable weather conditions.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Choice of three health plans (Kaiser, Select, Premier). Employees pay a portion of the premium; dependent coverage available.
• Dental Insurance: Choice of two dental plans (Delta Dental, United Health Care-Select Managed Care Direct Compensation Plan). No cost for employee-only coverage; dependent coverage available at employee’s expense.
• Vision Insurance: Coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP). No cost for employee-only coverage; dependent coverage available at employee’s expense.
• Life Insurance: Coverage based on years of service:
  • 1 but less than 3 years: $1,000
  • 3 but less than 5 years: $3,000
  • 5 but less than 10 years: $5,000
  • 10 years or more: $10,000
  Employees may purchase additional term life insurance at the group rate.
• 125 Flexible Benefits Plan: Voluntary program allowing pre-tax dollars for health-related expenses (Health Flexible Spending Account: $2,550 annual limit with $500 carryover) and dependent care costs (Dependent Care Assistance Plan: $5,000 annual limit).
• Retirement Plan: Covered by the County Retirement Law of 1937. Visit SJCERA for details.
• Deferred Compensation: Annual contribution limit of $22,500 (or 100% of includible compensation, whichever is less). Individuals age 50 or older may contribute up to $30,000. Roth IRA (after-tax) also available.
• Vacation:
  • Up to 3 years: 10 days per year
  • After 3 years: 15 days per year
  • After 10 years: 20 days per year
  • After 20 years: 23 days per year
• Holidays: 14 paid holidays per year (effective July 1, 2017).
• Sick Leave: 12 working days annually with unlimited accumulation. Eligible for 8 hours of administrative leave if leave balance equals at least half of cumulative accrual and employee is on payroll for the entire calendar year.
• Bereavement Leave: 3 days of paid leave for the death of a qualifying family member; 2 additional days for the death of a spouse, domestic partner, parent, or child.
• Merit Salary Increase: Eligible for a merit increase to the next step after 52 weeks (2,080 hours) on each step of the salary range.
• Educational Reimbursement Program: Up to $850 per fiscal year for career-related coursework; up to $1,600 per fiscal year for approved four-year college/university programs.
• Parking Supplemental: County contributes up to $20 per pay period for employees who pay for parking and work in the Downtown Core Area.
• School Activities: Up to 40 hours per year (max 8 hours per month) to participate in children’s school activities.

Pay

Approximate salary: $37.67 - $45.79/hour.

Schedule

Part-time. May require working weekends, nights, holidays, and occasional overtime.