Public Health Microbiologist (Entry)

The Health and Social Services Department is recruiting for a regular position in the Napa-Solano-Yolo County Public Health Laboratory.

The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill full-time and part-time regular, limited-term or extra-help positions as vacancies occur or the need arises.

Under general supervision, performs a variety of technical laboratory examinations in order to detect and identify microbial disease agents in support of general public health and clinic operations, and communicable disease control; performs related duties assigned.

This class is the entry level for the Public Health Microbiologist series.  Incumbents work with more experienced staff learning and performing duties in the diagnostic/reference laboratory of the Public Health Department; they may occasionally perform some duties in the outpatient laboratory or clinics.  Incumbents of this class are responsible to learn and perform laboratory examinations and help more experienced microbiologists while developing the expertise needed to perform at the fully qualified working level.  This class is distinguished from Public Health Microbiologist in that the latter is the full working level and is expected to work independently in the diagnostic/reference laboratory of the Public Health Department as well as outpatient laboratory or clinics.

Performs 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.

Performs routine examinations for the detection and identification of agents of communicable disease in matters pertinent to public health, outbreaks and emerging infectious diseases, using defined procedures.

Performs microbiological, physical, and chemical examinations of food, water, and other substances important to environmental sanitation, using defined procedures.

Prepares specimens for examination by using various stains, reagents, and equipment; learns to operate 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; learns to analyze and interpret laboratory data; learns to maintain records and prepare reports.

Assists with 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.

Applicants must demonstrate possession of and competency in requisite knowledge, skills and abilities.

A Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university with a concentration in Microbiology or one of the related life sciences, is required.  The equivalent of six months of training in microbiology in a public health laboratory is required.

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

All candidates must submit a copy of their college diploma (verifying the degree, date earned and area of specialization) or official/unofficial transcripts (verifying the courses and units completed) and Public Health Microbiologist certificate issued by the California Department of Public Health, Laboratory Services.  Candidates who fail to submit their diploma or transcripts by the final filing date, or for open until filled recruitments within five (5) days from the application submittal date will be disqualified from the recruitment. 

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:  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 the local college or university to learn where this service can be obtained.

Incumbents may need a valid California driver’s license.

Independent travel may be required.

Incumbents must be able to work in an environment that may include exposure to communicable disease.

Candidates for employment may be required to sign a statement agreeing to comply with all applicable Sections of the Californian Penal Code relating to child abuse/elder abuse reporting as a condition of employment.

SALARY POLICIES - The starting salary is ordinarily the first rate shown on the front of the announcement.  Salary advancement is authorized after satisfactory completion of additional periods outlined in the employee’s memoranda of understanding or the County’s Personnel and Salary Resolution.  Longevity, shift differential, bilingual, call-back and stand-by pay maybe available for some job classes. 

HOLIDAYS – Regular and limited-term employees receive 12 paid holidays per year.

ANNUAL/SICK LEAVE - Regular and limited-term employees accrue vacation leave at the rate of ten days per year.  After a certain period of continuous service, employees accrue vacation time at a higher rate as outlined in the employee’s memoranda of understanding or resolution. Regular and limited-term full time employees accumulate 12 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 currently based on a formula of 2% @ 60.

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 class). 

OTHER BENEFITS – Employees may also elect to participate in deferred compensation, credit union, life insurance, and flexible spending plan.  All County employees are eligible to purchase auto and/or home owners, renter insurance from Liberty Mutual Insurance.  An Employee Assistance Program is also provided.

EXTRA-HELP - Extra-help employees do not receive or accrue benefits of regular employees during their period of employment.

The recruitment for this position is open until filled.  Applications are reviewed on a regular basis. This recruitment is subject to close at anytime without notice.

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 an initial application screening, a mandatory information meeting, a written and/or practical exam, an oral interview, or any combination listed. Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

All potential new hires (including new contract employees) and employees considered for promotion to management, confidential positions or unrepresented will be subject to a background and reference check after contingent job offer is accepted.  These provisions are subject to change.

All additional application materials as requested in the job announcement (e.g. copies of diploma and/or transcripts, certificates, DD-214) must be submitted with a document cover sheet, available on the employment website or at the Department of Human Resources’ office,  and are due by 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 at (707) 784-6170 or at 675 Texas Street, Suite 1800 Fairfield 94533.  The office is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.  Paper applications may be completed in person during office hours. EOE/AA

To be eligible, applicant must 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 THE DD 214, SHOWING DISCHARGE TYPE, MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT BY THE DATE OF APPLICATION.  Applicants who have a service connected disability must submit a recent award letter from the VA stating they are receiving disability benefits for service connected reasons.  Disability must be rated at least 10% to be eligible for disabled veteran's points. 

Veteran applicants for initial County employment with an honorable or general under conditions discharge shall receive five (5) points added to their combined grade.  Disabled veterans shall have 10 points added to their combined grade.  Veteran scores will only be added to passing scores. 

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:  Qualified individuals with a disability, who are able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, and need special testing arrangements, must contact the Solano County Department of Human Resources at (707)784-6170, to obtain a Request for Testing Accommodation by Applicants with Disabilities Form.  This form must be received in the Human Resources Department by the final filing date of the recruitment.  Applicants will be contacted to discuss the specifics of the request.

DIRECT DEPOSIT: All persons hired will be required to participate in the direct deposit program.

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.

BACKGROUND PROCESS –The background process may include but not limited to conducting a reference check, completing a personal history statement, conducting a background interview, and live scan fingerprinting.  The County of Solano also utilizes e-Verify to verify employment eligibility. 

MEDICAL EXAMINATION - Prior to appointment, candidates 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 required to execute an oath of allegiance to the United States and the State of California and may be fingerprinted.  Candidates will also be required to offer proof that they are a lawfully admitted alien or U.S. citizen.

EXAMINATION APPEALS – Applicants for Civil Service positions may appeal their disqualification in any phase of the examination process by submitting a written statement to the Director of Human Resources, within five (5) calendar days of the action.  Applicants must indicate the action being appealed, the specific basis for the appeal, and the remedy sought.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD - All new positions are required to successfully complete a minimum probationary period of 6 to 12 months, depending upon the job class.  A probationary period does not apply to "at will" 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.

EXTRA-HELP – An employee appointed to an extra-help position must meet all the requirements of the corresponding regular position.  Extra-help employees cannot work more than 999 hours in the fiscal year.  Extra-help employees are excluded from civil service and do not have rights to regular or continued employment. 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.

"SOLANO COUNTY IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER"