Public Health Microbiology Trainer

Heluna Health•Richmond, CA

4d•$39 - $43

About The Position

The Public Health Microbiology (PHM)Trainer is responsible for both providing both didactic and laboratory bench training assigned to develop and maintain the workforce for the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Laboratories and California Public Health Laboratory Network. Training includes conducting a series of microbiology modules to meet the State of California requirements for Public Health Microbiologist certification and related topics to maintain laboratory workforce safety, shipping certification and competency requirements and developing new training for COVID-19 laboratory testing. The scope of training includes Laboratory Safety, Virology (including COVID-19), Serology, Molecular Testing, Bacteriology, Mycobacteriology, Mycology, Parasitology, Environmental Microbiology, and Laboratory Regulations. Clinical laboratory license, PHM certification/license, or other related license and certification required. Part-time and full-time positions available. Salary range: $39.23 to $43.27 per hour depending on experience/qualifications. To be considered, please provide a resume and 3 professional references with the application. This position is funded through June 30, 2026 and may be extended if funding is available. If hired for this position, applicant will be required to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 prior to the start date; or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying the applicant for an exemption (that may or may not require accommodation).

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of microbial and viral diseases and their prevention and control
Thorough knowledge and ability in biosafety and laboratory safety practices
Knowledge of the principles and techniques of microbial identification and diagnostic testing
Effective interpersonal skills to interact with diverse groups
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with professionalism, diplomacy, and discretion
Effective organizational and time management skills
Skill in MS Office presentation, word processing, spreadsheet, and calendar applications and online meeting platforms
Ability to organize and deliver effective presentations in person and online
Ability to understand and accurately perform laboratory training procedures
Ability to multi-task and work effectively under pressure
Ability to know when to seek counsel on issues outside one’s own abilities and knowledge
Ability to work independently
Ability to work as part of a team
Familiarity with laboratory safety, occupational and environmental health issues, including how to perform risk assessments and convey safety information
Experience with health education approaches and techniques, including designing communications conveying complex results interpretable by a variety of audiences
Ability to develop relationships with and work with stakeholders
Ability to work with technical staff
Ability to present results orally and in written form to both a scientific and a lay audience
Knowledge of public health practices and the application of health education principles and skills for the promotion of health and the prevention of disease and disability
Knowledge of educational resources and how to utilize them
Knowledge of current developments in public health such as COVID-19 and other emerging pathogens
Possession of Bachelor’s degree in a related area, required.
At least 4 years of relevant work experience.
Experience as a trainer in a public health field or working in a public health, clinical or environmental laboratory preferred.
Public Health Microbiologist certificate or related clinical license, required.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in public health, science, teaching, or related field, preferred.
Knowledge of COVID-19 transmission, prevention and control
Experience in drafting training outlines and developing progress reports
Experience working for a public health program, funded prevention agency or community-based organization
Experience working with online learning software, designing effective lessons and learning assessments
Ability to create and edit videos of laboratory training

Responsibilities

Works closely with internal and external partners to develop and present curricula required for workforce training.
Develops and updates lectures and laboratory training modules.
Provides laboratory safety training and communication response.
Applies knowledge of biosafety and laboratory safety to implement appropriate safeguards and best practices.
Provides laboratory orientation and ensures compliance with laboratory procedures and policies.
Participates in the development, review, and update of lab manuals, safety manuals, training policy and procedures, assessments, and program evaluations.
Assists in maintaining laboratory training inventories, equipment maintenance checks, quality control, record-keeping, and ordering lab training supplies.
Serves as or identifies and recruits subject matter experts for all training modules and provides technical expertise in updating or developing new modules, including COVID-19.
Recruits and schedule subject matter experts as volunteer speakers and bench trainers.
Provides timely and appropriate feedback to trainees.
Works with staff to develop and update appropriate instructional materials for local and statewide use.
Manages and organizes electronic training document sites to be accessible to trainees and instructors.
Develops distance learning modules for COVID-19 and other microbiology modules and assists with their implementation and evaluation.
Assists training partners with implementing and maintaining online learning software.
Builds a library of recorded laboratory procedure training videos.
Develops mentoring strategies.
Maintains technical knowledge, expertise and troubleshooting skills through continuous education, review of literature, consultation with peers, internet searches and other professional development activities and mandatory trainings, as directed.
Orders media, reagents, PPE, and other laboratory supplies required for training.
Provides training program reports and documents as requested to CDPH and Public Health Laboratory leadership to meet agency and grant requirements and deadlines.