*Extra Help* Public Health Microbiologist Trainee

County Of Humboldt; Eureka (CA); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Part time

Job summary

County of Humboldt seeks an Extra Help Public Health Microbiologist Trainee to gain hands-on experience performing microbiological, molecular, serological, and environmental testing under supervision at California Public Health labs. You will learn specimen processing, test performance, and reporting while working toward certification.

This on-site training role in Humboldt County offers exposure to a broad range of tests, quality control, and documentation, with opportunities to advance to a

Qualifications

• Gains work experience under close supervision in a public health laboratory.
• Learns to perform microbiological and related analyses on clinical and environmental samples.
• Develops skills in specimen processing, test performance, and reporting results for certification.

Responsibilities

• Examine clinical specimens for pathogens and perform microbiology analyses.
• Conduct tests on environmental samples such as water, wastewater, and food.
• Attend formal microbiologist training programs as required.
• Maintain detailed laboratory records and prepare reports as needed.
• Operate and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and ensure quality control.

Skills

Laboratory tests

Quality control

Recordkeeping

Safety practices

Education

No specific degree listed

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

*Extra Help* Public Health Microbiologist Trainee

Department of Health and Human Services

Job Highlights:

• Performs bacteriological, biological, parasitological, toxicological, molecular, and serological tests and analysis.
• Performs tests on environmental health samples, such as water, wastewater, and food.
• Travels to and attends formal microbiologist training programs as necessary.

Work Location:

This position will require on‑site training at the California Department of Public Health Lab at 850 Marina Bay Parkway, Richmond, CA. Some training will be conducted at the Public Health Main Building at 529 I St, Eureka, CA.

Work Hours:

Mon-Fri, 8am - 5pm.

Please Note:

• This recruitment is for a non‑benifitted extra help position

DEFINITION

Under close supervision, gains work experience and learns to perform microbiologist and related public health laboratory examinations in order to attain certification as a Public Health Microbiologist from the California Department of Health Services; develops skills in specimen processing, test performance, and test results reporting on clinical and environmental specimens with increasing independence; performs related work as assigned or required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the trainee level position in this professional series. The purpose of this position is to provide the practical experience necessary for certification as a Public Health Microbiologist to candidates with the proper academic qualifications. Under close supervision, incumbents conduct and interpret microbiological and other analytical tests while fulfilling the training requirements for certification as a Public Health Microbiologist established by the California State Department of Health Services. This class is distinguished from Public Health Microbiologist I in that the latter has certification from the State of California as a Public Health Microbiologist and fully competent to perform a broad range of microbiologist duties. Public Health Microbiologist Trainee incumbents may advance to Public Health Microbiologist I once they have attained the required certification.

• Examines clinical specimens for the presence of pathogens.
• Performs bacteriological, biological, parasitological, toxicological, molecular and serological tests and analyses.
• Performs tests and examinations for a variety of communicable diseases including HIV, tuberculosis, diphtheria and gonorrhea.
• Performs tests on environmental health samples, such as water, wastewater and food.
• Performs general tests on submitted cultures for the identification of bacteria.
• Performs laboratory quality control tests on media and reagents used in laboratory testing; maintains quality assurance standards.
• Travels to and attends formal microbiologist training programs as necessary.
• Operates and maintains a variety of laboratory equipment; troubleshoots operating problems and makes adjustments.
• Maintains detailed records of laboratory testing and prepares written reports as necessary.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and procedures of clinical laboratory operations including chemistry, microbiology, serology, mycology and parasitology.
• Medical terminology and concepts.
• Principles and practices of laboratory quality control, statistical measurements, and evaluation.
• Operation and minor maintenance of a wide variety of laboratory equipment used in the work.
• Computer applications related to laboratory support and recordkeeping.
• Clinical procedures and recordkeeping requirements.
• Safety precautions and safe work methods related to the work.

Skill in:

• Performing a wide variety of laboratory tests and procedures.
• Operating and maintaining complex laboratory equipment.
• Developing and implementing test procedures to isolate and identify pathogens.
• Maintaining quality control in performing laboratory work.
• Preparing and maintaining accurate records of work performed.
• Observing safety practices related to the work.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Other Requirements:

• Must be willing to work with infectious material, including the AIDS virus.
• May be required to be immunized against various communicable diseases, including rabies.
• Must possess a letter of approval as a Public Health Microbiologist Trainee issued by the California State Department of Health Services.
• Must be willing to travel out of the local area for extended periods for training purposes.
• Must be able to obtain certification from the California State Department of Health Services as a Public Health Microbiologist within two years from date of hire.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – often, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at [phone] so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre‑employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLD COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.