Public Health Microbiologist I/II

County of Shasta • Redding, CA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Public Health Microbiologist I/II performs microbiological and related public health laboratory examinations under the general direction of the Director of the Public Health Laboratory. The role is responsible for processing clinical and environmental specimens, performing tests, and reporting test results. Level I is an entry-level class for recently certified microbiologists or those returning after a significant period away from practice. Level II has added responsibility for the Laboratory’s quality control and quality assurance functions and serves as its Quality Assurance Coordinator.

The position is with the Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency’s Public Health Branch. The Public Health Laboratory provides testing services for Shasta and other Northern California counties. The laboratory’s work supports community-wide prevention of communicable and other diseases. The position works in a fast-paced, team-oriented, collaborative environment and requires professional, respectful communication and effective cooperation with a diverse range of people.

The role performs examinations of clinical and environmental specimens, including tests related to bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, serology, virology, and mycobacteriology. It also includes specimen preparation, equipment and supply management, recordkeeping, reporting, quality control, and coordination with medical personnel. Level II additionally establishes and maintains the laboratory’s quality assurance and quality control programs, resolves technical problems, verifies test procedures, and supports staff training.

The position regularly works indoors and may involve exposure to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, blood-borne pathogens, tuberculosis and other etiological agents, medical waste, and carcinogens. The role has physical demands including frequently standing, walking, or sitting, and occasionally lifting or moving up to 25 pounds.

Applicants must meet applicable federal and state testing personnel qualifications, including CLIA requirements, and possess a valid California State Public Health Microbiologists Certificate. Applicants must submit responses to the supplemental questions and attach a copy of the certificate, or provide an expected certification date if not yet certified. The recruitment is continuous until the position is filled; applicants may apply to this recruitment once every six months.

Requirements

• Meet the Testing Personnel qualifications of the most recent applicable federal and state regulations, such as the Federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA ’88).
• Possess a valid California State Public Health Microbiologists Certificate issued by the California State Department of Health Services.
• Knowledge of equipment, terminology, and techniques used to perform public health laboratory tests.
• Knowledge of the principles of bacteriology, serology, mycology, virology, and parasitology.
• Knowledge of causes and modes of disease transmission.
• Knowledge of preparation, mounting, and staining of specimens.
• Ability to perform microbiological and biochemical examinations skillfully.
• Ability to set up and operate technical laboratory equipment.
• Ability to perform accurate tests and analyses.
• Ability to detect equipment malfunctions and use alternative testing methods.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with people contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a supervisor, patients, agencies, and Health Department staff.
• Ability to understand and contribute effectively to the mission of the Public Health Department.
• Ability to observe proper safety precautions and procedures.
• For Level II, knowledge of quality control and quality assurance requirements and methods.
• For Level II, ability to establish quality assurance and quality control programs appropriate for the testing performed.
• Submit responses to the supplemental questions with the completed application.

Nice To Haves

• Willingness to learn laboratory and department processes.
• Professional attitude and appearance.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Openness to candid feedback; ability to set priorities, determine objectives, involve stakeholders and partners in planning, keep projects moving forward, and communicate clearly with diverse audiences.
• Ability to encourage open two-way discussion, demonstrate diplomacy, and treat people with respect, patience, and consideration.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological examinations and control tests, including mycobacteriological, mycological, parasitological, serological, virological, and bacteriological examinations, to determine the presence or nature of disease or abnormal conditions.
• Conduct laboratory analyses of drinking water, recreational waters, food, milk, and other specimens.
• Conduct quality control tests on media and reagents.
• Draw and examine blood and make qualitative determinations of blood, urine, and other body fluids, as applicable.
• Prepare specimens for mailing to reference laboratories.
• Set up and care for laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• Keep records and prepare reports; inventory and requisition equipment and supplies.
• Confer with medical personnel.
• Follow laboratory procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting, and maintaining test-result records.
• Maintain records demonstrating that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
• Document quality control activities and instrument and procedural calibration and maintenance.
• Follow laboratory policies and procedures when test systems do not meet acceptable performance levels; identify and correct problems that may affect test performance or reporting, and notify the Laboratory Director and/or Health Officer.
• Document corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from established performance specifications.
• For Level II, establish appropriate laboratory quality assurance and quality control programs and define and maintain acceptable analytic performance throughout testing and reporting.
• For Level II, resolve technical problems and ensure remedial actions are taken when test systems deviate from performance specifications.
• For Level II, verify test procedures and establish test performance characteristics, including precision and accuracy.
• For Level II, ensure participation in approved proficiency testing programs and prevent reporting of results until corrective actions are complete and systems are functioning properly.
• For Level II, identify training needs and assist the Laboratory Director in ensuring regular in-service training and education for testing personnel.
• May assist the Public Health Laboratory Director in directing and training technical personnel.
• Perform related duties as required.

Benefits

• CalPERS retirement program, subject to applicable laws and eligibility.
• Potential merit-based salary step increases, subject to satisfactory service and eligibility.
• Collective bargaining agreement coverage through the UPEC-Professional bargaining unit. The posting directs applicants to the County employee benefits page for additional benefits information.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed