Prepares specimens for examination by using various stains, reagents, and equipment; operates and maintain surgical and laboratory equipment.

Bacteriological, serological, mycological, parasitological, virological and other microbiological testing procedures and methods.

Principles of microbiology.

Quality control practices used in laboratory work.

Microbial, fungal, parasitic and viral agents.

Testing parameters and results yielding positive or negative conclusions.

Terminology commonly used in a public health laboratory.

Causes and methods of transmissions of communicable disease.

Skills to:

Utilizes various laboratory and surgical tools and equipment.

Ability to:

Conduct a variety of microbiological tests.

Independently collect and analyze data to draw logical conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.

Research regulations, procedures and/or technical reference materials.

Consult with other health professionals on matters related to laboratory methods, procedures, findings, and analyses.

Provide technical assistance to technical level laboratory staff; provide functional assistance to support personnel. 

Evaluate laboratory procedures, methods, and techniques.

Maintain confidentiality of information.

SALARY POLICIES - The starting salary is ordinarily the first rate shown on the front of the announcement.  After satisfactory completion of approximately six months, a 5% salary advancement may be authorized.  Thereafter, further increases are possible upon completion of additional periods of six months, twelve months, and eighteen months, assuming satisfactory service.  Longevity, shift differential, bilingual, call back and stand by pay are provided for some classifications.  Effective December 1, 1998, all new hires are required to participate in the Direct Deposit Program.

HOLIDAYS & VACATIONS – Regular full time employees receive twelve paid holidays per year, and accrue vacation at the rate of ten days per year.  After three years of continuous service employees accrue vacation time at the rate of fifteen days per year and at the rate of twenty days per year after ten years. Senior and Executive management positions start earning vacation at a higher rate.

SICK LEAVE – Regular full time employees accumulate twelve sick leave days per year.

RETIREMENT - The county is a member of the Public Employee’s Retirement System (PERS), and benefits are coordinated with Social Security.  The County has reciprocity with all State PERS and County 1937 Act Retirement Systems agencies.  PERS retirement for miscellaneous employees is based on a formula of 2.7% @55 with both employee and employer contributing.  PERS safety retirement is based on a formula of 3.0% @ 50 or 2.0% @ 50 depending on the job classification.  The County reports the employer’s contribution to PERS as salary, thereby increasing employees pay upon retirement. 

HEALTH BENEFITS - Employees and their dependents are eligible for vision and dental insurance with 100% of the cost paid by the County of Solano.  The County also participates in a cafeteria medical plan administered by PERS HealthCare (eligibility is dependent upon job classification). 

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM - An Employee Assistance Program is also available.

OTHER BENEFITS – Employees also may elect to participate in a deferred compensation and the credit union.  All County employees are eligible to purchase auto and/or home owners, renter insurance from Liberty Mutual Insurance.  This is a group policy and therefore receive substantial savings on premiums.  Life insurance is also available for employees only.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you are a qualified individual with a disability, that is, someone who is able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, and need special testing arrangements, contact the Solano County Department of Human Resources at 707.784.4194, for a Request for Testing Accommodation by Applicants with Disabilities Form.  This form should be received in the Human Resources Department within 5 days from the final filing date of the recruitment.  A staff member will contact you and advise you how to proceed.

IMPORTANT: If you are a Solano County employee with a disabling condition, and are unable to perform the essential functions of your present position with or without reasonable accommodation, you may be eligible for preferential certification to an alternative position.  Please immediately notify the ADA Coordinator @ 707.784.4194 to initiate review of this option.

HIRING PROCEDURES - Depending on the number of qualified applicants received, the selection process may consist of a resume screening, written and/or practical exam, oral interview, or any combination. Candidates must be successful in each part of the examination.  For Civil Service positions, the appointing authority is entitled to certification of the top five candidates by score.

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE ACT – Depending on the applicant’s job class, prospective employees may be required to undergo a Urine Drug Test in accordance with the Solano County Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Policy once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Solano County employees are subject to the provisions of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the California Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION - Prior to appointment you may be required to pass a medical examination.  Candidates are encouraged not to quit or give notice to present employers until the medical examination has been completed and passed.

APPOINTMENT - At the time of appointment all candidates will be fingerprinted and required to execute an oath of allegiance to the United States and the State of California.  You will also be required to offer proof that you are a lawfully admitted alien or U.S. citizen.

EXAMINATION APPEALS - For Civil Service positions, individuals selecting to appeal their disqualification in any phase of the examination process must submit a written statement to the Director of Human Resources, within five calendar days of the receipt of the action, indicating the action being appealed, their specific basis for the appeal and the relief sought.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD - All new positions are required to successfully complete a minimum probationary period of six to twelve months, depending upon the position.  A probationary period does not apply to "at will" positions.

EXTRA HELP APPOINTMENTS - Appointments may be made from an eligible list for extra help (up to 999 hours/fiscal year, no benefits) positions.

DISASTER WORKERS - In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.  Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.