Public Health Microbiologist Trainee (Temporary)

This recruitment is for 1 part-time/temporary position in the Public Health Services department and to establish an eligible referral pool for future part-time/temporary opportunities.

About the Role

This is a trainee position where you will learn to perform routine microbiological and biochemical examinations for microbial disease agents, assist in conducting more difficult or non-routine laboratory tests, and examine various samples for disease agents and impurities.

Responsibilities

• Learn to perform routine microbiological and biochemical examinations for microbial disease agents.
• Assist in conducting more difficult or non-routine laboratory tests.
• Examine blood, feces, spinal fluid, sputum, and other body fluids or tissues to determine the presence or absence of disease agents.
• Examine samples of water and foods for identification or quantification of bacteria, fungi, or other impurities.
• Prepare culture media, strains, reagents, and stock.
• Use appropriate safety precautions and personal protective equipment as required.

Requirements

• Possession of a letter from the California State Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services, stating that the applicant meets the minimum educational requirements for admission to the examination for a certificate as a Public Health Microbiologist, according to the California Administrative Code, Title 17, Section 1079, paragraph d.

Knowledge

• Bacteriological, serological, mycological, parasitological, virological, and other microbiological principles.
• Equipment and technology used in standard and routine examinations of body fluids, tissues, foods, and water.
• Basic causes and methods of transmission of communicable disease.
• How to utilize computers for standard business activities, including word processing, data entry, and spreadsheet calculations.

Skills

• Learn to perform standard and routine microbiological and biochemical examinations using standard laboratory equipment and procedures.
• Understand and follow detailed oral and written directions.
• Observe laboratory-related safety precautions and procedures, including universal precautions.
• Accurately read laboratory test results.
• Use a variety of office equipment, including computer hardware and software.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted during the course of work.

Physical/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/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

• Part-time employees who meet eligibility criteria may receive health insurance benefits and step increases.

Pay

Approximate salary: $32.39 - $39.37/hour.

Schedule

• Part-time, temporary position.
• SEIU bargaining unit employees are limited to 1,559 hours on payroll each calendar year.

Pre-employment drug screening and background investigation are required. The County pays for the initial drug screen.