Public Health Microbiologist

Ventura County • Oxnard, CA

12h • Onsite

About The Position

Join Ventura County Public Health Laboratory and be a part of a dedicated team making a meaningful impact on community health. We support vital public health programs, environmental health and animal regulation. We pride ourselves on excellence in diagnostic testing, consultation, and assistance. Our lab provides highly specialized diagnostic testing for serious infectious diseases, including rabies, HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Additionally, we provide a range of environmental testing services to ensure safe water for drinking and recreation. Here, you'll collaborate with passionate professionals and contribute to vital public health initiatives that enhance the well-being of our diverse community. Your skills and expertise are vital in our mission to safeguard public health. Join us and help make a difference today! Under immediate (I), general (II) supervision, or direction (III) of the Public Health Laboratory Director, the Microbiologist conducts and interprets tests in the specialties of Bacteriology, Mycobacteriology, Mycology, Parasitology, Virology, Diagnostic Immunology, Chemistry, and Toxicology in support of medical, communicable disease, and environmental health programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with a major in microbiology, or closely related science field.
• Microbiologist I: Approval by the California Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services Division as a Public Health Microbiologist Trainee is required.
• Microbiologist II: Certification as a Public Health Microbiologist issued by the California Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services Division.
• Microbiologist III: Certification as a Public Health Microbiologist issued by the California Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services Division AND one (1) year of experience as a Public Health Microbiologist.
• Microbiologist I: Successful completion of training and the certification examination is required within eighteen (18) months of employment as a condition of continued employment.
• Knowledge of principles, techniques, equipment, and terminology used in a public health laboratory during the performance of tests in the specialties of Bacteriology, Mycobacteriology, Mycology, Parasitology, Virology, Diagnostic Immunology, Chemistry, and Toxicology.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety precautions and hazard awareness.
• Knowledge of quality control, quality assurance, and quality improvement practices.
• Knowledge of current trends and developments in microbiology.
• Knowledge of infectious disease transmission and control methods.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations applicable to public health laboratories.
• Ability to perform diagnostic laboratory tests on human, animal, and environmental samples with speed, accuracy, and correct interpretation.
• Ability to respond to analytical problems with correct assessments and apply appropriate corrective actions.
• Ability to keep accurate records and prepare clear, concise reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative inter- and intra-agency working relationships with coworkers, managers, and supervisors.
• Ability to manipulate laboratory equipment in order to hold, twist, and shake, samples during analysis.
• Ability to distinguish measuring increments of millimeter and milliliter and correctly determine qualities of color, shape, size, and number.
• Ability to properly operate standard laboratory equipment, including microscopes, centrifuges, plate washers, autoclaves, and computers.
• Microbiologist II: Ability to review and verify the work of others.
• Microbiologist III only: Knowledge of the methods, concepts, and techniques of effective supervision.
• Microbiologist III only: Ability to review, evaluate, plan, organize, and verify the work of others.
• Microbiologist III only: Ability to review established and develop new procedures for the efficient and effective operation of a public health laboratory.

Nice To Haves

• Previous work experience in a Public Health Laboratory
• Previous work experience with molecular PCR testing
• Previous work experience with water coliform testing

Responsibilities

• Performs testing of specimens to detect disease indicators or agents; interprets results from standardized procedures developed in microbiology, serology, chemistry, and molecular biology.
• Performs and interprets physical, chemical, and microbiological exams on food, water, and other material important to environmental sanitation.
• Analyzes and interprets data, maintains records under required standards, and prepares oral and written reports.
• Engages in continuing education and stays current with technical changes in the fields of microbiology and Public Health.
• Performs quality control checks and maintains quality control charts and inventory control as required.
• Writes and revises procedures for the pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic phases of testing for specimens that are submitted to the Public Health Laboratory.
• Occasionally conducts training in-service programs in various areas of microbiological concern to the Public Health Department.
• Provides consultation to the medical community regarding proper specimen selection, collection, and transport for certain disease investigations.
• Occasionally prepares specimens and infectious material for shipment to other facilities for specialized testing.
• Supports the laboratory's preventive maintenance and repair program.
• Prepares specimens and performs stains for rabies and malaria causative agents.
• Compounds reagents, materials, and media for laboratory tests if required.
• Performs other related duties as required.
• May assist with training and orientation of new employees and trainees; helps coordinate the work of support technicians to address workload needs.
• Implements validation procedures for the establishment of new testing procedures or processes; assists the Laboratory staff with the design of validation procedures.
• Gathers information related to the upkeep of equipment and assists with ensuring the laboratory's equipment is properly maintained.
• Provides lead technical supervision over laboratory staff.
• Designs validation procedures and implements validation protocols for new laboratory tests; facilitates the collection, compilation and interpretation of validation data.
• Monitors the Laboratory's on-going quality control and quality assurance programs; promotes the implementation of Continuous Quality Improvement standards as developed by the Department.
• Supervises the laboratory's preventive maintenance and repair program.
• Supervises the laboratory's media and reagent preparation program.
• In the absence of the Laboratory Director, provides staff leadership, guidance, and connection to administrative processes.

Benefits

• Merit Increases
• Educational Incentive
• Bilingual Incentive
• Health Plans: Biweekly County contribution towards medical, dental, and/or vision insurance from a group of authorized plans.
• Deferred Compensation - Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. County will match a part of your contribution up to 3% of your salary, on a per pay period basis.
• Pension Plan - Participation in the County's defined benefit pension plan.
• Holidays - 13 paid days per year which includes a scheduled floating holiday.
• Overtime compensation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level