Public Health Laboratory Assistant

Kern County, CA; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Kern County seeks applicants for a Public Health Laboratory Assistant as part of its examination process. The written exam evaluates knowledge in laboratory methods, materials, equipment, chemistry basics, infectious agents and basic computer skills.

A minimum 70% on each phase is required for eligibility and potential placement on an eligible list. Admittance requires valid government-issued photo ID; post-offer medical and drug screening may be required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent, with at least one laboratory course (chemistry/biology) or a college-level lab course.
• Possession of a Class C California Driver’s License may be required depending on assignment.

Skills

Laboratory knowledge

Basic computer skills

Microsoft Office

Chemistry knowledge

Biology knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED

One laboratory course (chemistry or biology)

College-level laboratory course

Training/experience equivalent to graduation + 6 months lab experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

EXAMINATION SCHEDULE

• Written Exam: will be conducted on: December 8, 2026

Examinations

Written Exam (Weight 100%): Will be conducted for the purpose of evaluating the applicant's knowledge of laboratory methods and procedures; laboratory materials, equipment and supplies; basic principles of chemistry; infectious agents and diseases; basic computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft programs.

Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the examination process.

Minimum Qualifications / Employment Standards

High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent, including or supplemented by at least one laboratory course, such as chemistry or biology; or completion of one college level laboratory course, such as basic life science, or a combination of training and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and six months experience in a laboratory requiring a basic knowledge of chemistry.

Possession of a Class C California Driver’s License may be required dependent upon assignment.

Full Public Health Laboratory Assistant job description Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county.

High Performance Culture

Kern County is actively engaged in creating a culture that promotes excellence, innovation and continuous improvement. LaunchKern is Kern County's continuous improvement initiative based on the principles of Lean Six Sigma. LaunchKern empowers our valued employees to change the way government works by improving their work environment, saving taxpayer dollars and enhancing services to residents.

Growth Mindset

We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work. We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities for career growth.

Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date.

A background check may be conducted for this classification.

Following an offer of employment, you may be required to submit to post offer medical and drug screening tests at County expense.

This examination will establish an eligible list from which immediate appointment(s) will be made. Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed. Successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of twelve-months, unless specified otherwise by the Civil Service Commission.

Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.