Placer Employment Opportunities

Public Health Microbiologist

Recruitment #2014-14325-02

Introduction

Placer County Health and Human Services is a multi-division agency focused in the health and social services fields. Our services are available throughout the county. We provide a unified system of qualify services to safeguard the health and well-being of the people and animals in our communities. To realize our mission, we strive to keep all children, adults, and families healthy, safe, at home, in school or work, out of trouble, and self-sufficient.

POSITION INFORMATION

This recruitment is to fill a full-time vacancy in the Public Health Division of the Department of Health and Human Services.

DEFINITION

To perform microbiological examinations and other tests used in the detection of agents of communicable diseases; to assess environmental situations; and to conduct other analysis as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from the Supervising Public Health Microbiologist.

Exercises technical supervision over laboratory staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Perform microbiological and related biological and bio-chemical examinations on clinical and environmental specimen for the detection and identification of microbial agents of disease; examine food and water samples for microbial agents; perform serological tests to aid in diagnosis of communicable and other diseases.
  • Prepare specimen(s) for examination; prepare stains, culture media and reagents; prepare and examine slide preparations for the detection of microbial agents.
  • Follow standard procedures for removing animal brains, identifying specific brain structures and testing for rabies.
  • Prepare and update written reports and procedure manuals.
  • Provide technical consultation to medical personnel.
  • Draw and process blood specimens.
  • Enter, retrieve and process computer generated lab reports.
  • Review and follow current literature to maintain state-of-the-art methodology and technologies in the field of microbiology.
  • Perform procedures for quality control of all laboratory analyses.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Possession of a valid Public Health Microbiologist certificate issued by the California State Department of Health Services is proof of sufficient experience for this class.

Training: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with courses necessary to meet the certificate requirements of a Public Health Microbiologist in California.

License or Certificate:

  • Possession of a valid certificate as a Public Health Microbiologist issued by the California State Department of Health Services.
  • May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
  • A Clinical Laboratory Scientist license is desirable, but not required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

  • Principles, equipment and techniques utilized in the areas of bacteriology, parasitology, mycology, mycobacteriology, serology and virology; the etiologies and epidemiology of the agents of communicable diseases.
  • Life processes of various micro-organisms and their effect on the human body.
  • Safety procedures relating to a microbiology laboratory to include handling of highly infectious biological agents as well as potentially hazardous chemicals.
  • Computer systems and techniques as applied within the field of public health microbiology and related office management.

Ability to:

  • Test and interpret biochemical reactions; perform microbiological procedures; culture and isolate micro-organisms; analyze and interpret information from microscopy; prepare, read and interpret slide preparations.
  • On an intermittent basis, sit while using microscopes and inoculating specimens; walk to transport materials from work station to work station; stand to remove or replace chemicals in cabinets; bend to reach into lower cabinets and drawers; squat or kneel to remove media stored on lower shelves on refrigerators or freezers; twist to reach items on bench tops; visual requirements to distinguish colors for microscopy and to read cultures and biochemical reactions; auditory requirements to hear timers on equipment; fine hand manipulation required to operate equipment and manipulate a specimen; and lift light weight.
  • On a continuous basis, analyze test results and biochemical reactions; identify micro-organisms; interpret tests and quality control results; know principles of test systems; observe safety precautions and handling of infectious specimens; remember principles involved in biochemical reactions; understand laboratory procedures; on an intermittent basis, problem solve equipment malfunctions; explain procedures and findings to medical personnel.
  • Organize test data for the purpose of reporting and documenting test results for medical personnel's interpretation.
  • Manipulate and operate simple and complex laboratory equipment including computers; may perform maintenance and limited tear down and replacement of parts of laboratory equipment.
  • Interpret and analyze laboratory data and results of microbiological testing.
  • Handle highly infectious agents safely.
  • Utilize proper safety precautions; maintain adequate quality control; read and interpret Material Safety Data Sheets to ensure safety of all personnel.
  • Remove intact brain tissue from animal carcasses; isolate and remove appropriate brain structures for rabies testing.
  • Communicate highly technical and complex information clearly to physicians, medical personnel and the public; and the courts, if applicable.
  • Observe use of laboratory media, reagents and equipment to ensure that procedures are performed within laboratory specifications.
  • Analyze situations and arrive at accurate conclusions
  • Prepare and record accurate laboratory reports.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
  • Work in an odorous environment.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.  Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT


Prior to the date of hire, applicants for regular full and part-time positions must pass a medical examination which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation. Applicants for extra help positions may be subject to a drug screening. All applicants must sign a constitutional oath, submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S. and be fingerprinted. For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, be bonded or undergo a background check.

MODIFIED AGENCY SHOP

All new permanent employees, with the exception of sworn law enforcement and management, shall be required to join the employee organization or pay an 'Agency Fee' as a condition of employment.

SUBSTITUTE LISTS

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

EMPLOYEES OF OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES


Placer County now offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please visit our website at: http://www.jobaps.com/placer/sup/abfreenames.asp.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER


Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment and retaliation is prohibited and that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or ordinance. Please contact the Personnel Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

BENEFITS

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Personnel Department.

Click here to view benefits for Professional bargaining unit



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