County of Solano Job Announcement

Public Health Microbiologist
Recruitment #09-333100-01

Approximate Salary:     $57,064.60 - $69,362.38/year
Opening Date:     8/31/2009 11:30:00 AM
Closing Date:     12/9/2009 5:00:00 PM
Contact Information:     Jessica Smith at (707)784-2448
Type of Recruitment:      Open until Filled
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Bulletin
THE POSITION

Performs a variety of virology, serology, bacteriology, mycology, mycobacteriology, water testing and parasitology laboratory examinations to detect and identify disease and other agents.

This class is the full journey level of the Public Health Microbiologist series, characterized by the responsibility to work independently in the diagnostic/reference laboratory of the Public Health Department as well as outpatient laboratory or clinics.  This class is distinguished from the Senior Public Health Microbiologist in that the latter performs more complex laboratory testing and analysis and has responsibility for the development and/or revision of laboratory procedures and methods.

The current vacancy is a full-time position. However, the eligible list established will be used to fill full time, part-time, limited-term and possibly extra help positions.  Extra Help employees cannot work more than 999 hours in a fiscal year.  Extra help employees are excluded from civil service and shall not have the rights to regular or continued employment.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Performs moderately difficult and routine microbiological and related biological, serological, and biochemical examinations for the detection and identification of microbial, fungal, parasitic and viral agents of disease using defined procedures.

 

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


Performs quality control measures to insure accuracy of results by using standardized tests on known pathogens kept in stock; analyzes and interprets laboratory data; maintains records and prepares reports.

Assists in the planning, development, review and evaluation of procedures, products, methods and techniques.

Consults with private physicians, health professionals, and agencies on matters related to laboratory methods, procedures, findings and analyses. 

 

Assists in the training of less experienced microbiologists and technical assistance to support personnel working in the laboratory; conducts in-service training in laboratory procedures, techniques, and methods.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

 

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.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Experience:  
Two years of public health microbiologist experience that demonstrates the possession of and competency in requisite knowledge, skills and abilities.  
 
Education/Training:  
Bachelor’s degree is required from an accredited college or university, preferably in biology or closely related field.

DOCUMENT SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

All candidates must submit a copy of their college degree (verifying the degree, date earned and it must clearly show area of specialization) or transcripts (verifying the courses and units completed) and Public Health Microbiologist Certificate issued by the CA State Department of Health, Laboratory Field Services.  Failure to submit your degree or transcripts  and certificate within 5 days from the application submission date will disqualify you from the recruitment.  Candidates who attended a college or university that is accredited by a foreign or non-U.S. accrediting agency must have their educational units evaluated by an educational evaluation service.  The result must be submitted to the Human Resources Department no later than the close of the recruitment.  Please contact your local college or university to learn where you can obtain this service.

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a Public Health Microbiologist certificate issued by the California State Department of Health, Laboratory Field Services.      

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Independent travel may be required.

BENEFITS

"SOLANO COUNTY IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER"

 

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.

SELECTION PROCESS

Based on the information provided in the application documents, the best qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of a resume screening, written and/or practical exam, oral interview, or any combination. Depending on the job class, candidates may need to successfully pass a post-offer drug screening test prior to employment.  Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. These provisions are subject to change.

HOW TO APPLY

All additional application materials as requested in the job announcement, (ie. copies of diploma and/or transcripts, certificates, DD-214) must be submitted with the Document Cover Sheet and are due within five (5) calendar days of the final filing date or within five (5) calendar days from application submittal if the recruitment is Open & Continuous or Open until Filled.  Please visit the County of Solano website, www.jobsatsolanocounty.com to apply.  Any further questions can be directed to the Department of Human Resources, (707) 784-6170 open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.  Paper applications may be completed in person during office hours. EOE/AA

VETERANS PREFERENCE POINTS

To be eligible, you must be an applicant for initial County employment, have served at least 181 consecutive days of active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States and have received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions.  A COPY OF YOUR DD 214, SHOWING DISCHARGE TYPE, MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT WITHIN FIVE DAYS FROM THE DATE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION.  If you have a service connected disability, you must submit a recent award letter from the VA stating you are receiving disability benefits for service connected reasons.  Disability must be rated at least 10% to be eligible for disabled veteran's points.  Veteran's preference 5 points Disabled Veterans 10 points.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

It is the policy of Solano County that all employment decisions and personnel policies will be applied equally to all County employees and applicants and be based upon the needs of County service, job related merit, and ability to perform the job.

 

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.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

PLEASE NOTE: All persons hired will be required to participate in the direct deposit program.

 

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.