Laboratory Support and Testing Technician

Department of Public Health; Ontario (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) seeks a Public Health Laboratory Technician I to assist with routine laboratory tests, receive and test environmental samples, and prepare media and reagents for specific tests. The role works under supervision in the FWDS, contributing to quality and accuracy of testing.

Responsibilities include processing specimens, performing quality control on equipment and reagents, and supporting test operations.

Qualifications

• Experience with receiving and testing environmental samples.
• Ability to prepare media and reagents for specific tests.
• Perform quality control procedures on equipment, media and reagents.
• Assist in performing all tests under supervision.

Responsibilities

• Receive and test environment samples for testing.
• Process and prepare specimens for analysis.
• Prepare complicated media and reagents for tests.
• Perform quality control on equipment, media and reagents.
• Assist in the performance of all tests.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Sample reception/processing

Quality control

Documentation

Media preparation

Tools

Excel

Word

Job description

Job Description and Duties

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by providing public health laboratory testing for the Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Section (FWDS). The Public Health Laboratory Technician (PHLT) I, acting as the Laboratory Support and Testing Technician, assists with routine laboratory tests by receiving and testing environment samples; processing and preparing specimens; prepares complicated media and reagents for specific tests; performs quality control procedures on equipment, media, and reagents; and assists in the performance of all tests.

The incumbent works under general supervision of the Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) Supervisor of the Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Detection Unit within the FWDS.

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.

Working Conditions

Telework Information

This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework permitted is at the discretion of the Department and is subject to change, consistent with CDPH’s Telework Program. All employees who telework are required to be California residents in accordance with Government Code 14200. Candidates who reside outside of the state of California may be interviewed; however, the selected candidate must have a primary residency in the state of California prior to appointment (and continue to maintain California residency) as a condition of employment. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the job offer being rescinded.
Travel may be required for this position. Reimbursement for travel takes into consideration an employee’s designated headquarters, as reflected in the duty statement, and is subject to regulations and bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the designated headquarters office will be the responsibility of the selected candidate. The headquarters office location for this position is identified in the attached duty statement.

Special Requirements

• Medical Clearance
• Pending HRD Approval

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Experience preparing laboratory solutions using analytical balances and volumetric glassware
• Experience using computer software such as Microsoft Excel or Word

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.