Public Health Microbiologist II, Salinas, California

Position Description

Open Until Filled

Priority Screen Date: December 27, 2022

Exam: #22/50C22/12MG

Summary of Position
Monterey County Health Department-Public Health Bureau is seeking to fill a full time Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) II position in their Public Health Laboratory. The Public Health Laboratory is part of the Monterey County Health Department (MCHD) which holds a nationally recognized accreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board. The laboratory provides testing services to support MCHD Communicable Disease and Tuberculosis Units, Clinics, Environmental Health, and local hospitals and health care providers in protecting the community from infectious diseases and harmful microbes in food and water.

This classification is part of a flexible series. Incumbents appointed at the lower level of the career series may be promoted up to the higher level of the career series subject to their meeting the employment standards for the higher class and a recommendation for their promotion by the appointing authority in accordance with the Flexible Staffing Program and Guidelines.

The Eligible List established by this recruitment process may be used to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full-time, part-time, or temporary basis.

Examples of Duties
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Makes laboratory examinations and control tests including hematological, chemical, bacteriological, and parasitological test to determine the absence of presence in the cultures of disease or abnormal conditions.
• Makes qualitative examinations of blood, urine, and other body fluids.
• Analyzes and interprets laboratory data; keeps records of results of tests; makes reports of findings.

To view the complete classification description, please visit the County of Monterey website: County of Monterey Classification Specifications

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills, and abilities :

Working Knowledge of:

• Bacteriological, serological, mycological, parasitological, and other microbiological principles, used in the laboratory for detection and identification of disease agents.
• Chemical principles and techniques used in the examination of body fluids, foods, dairy products, water and air.
• Proper laboratory safety precautions and procedures.

Some knowledge of:

• Methods of transmissions causes and control of communicable diseases.
  

Ability to:

• Operate and care for laboratory equipment.
• Per form a variety of laboratory tests and examinations.
• Ability to keep record and prepare clear and concise written reports on examinations performed.
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with those contacted through the course of work.

Characteristics of the Ideal Candidate:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ex cellent organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a wide variety of audiences.
• Pr ovide excellent and courteous customer service.
• W ork well in a team-oriented environment.

Examples of Experience/Education/Training

EXAMPLES OF EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/TRAINING:

Any combination of training, education, and/or experience which provides for the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties listed above is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:

Experience: Six months to a year of experience performing a full range of laboratory testing duties in a Public Health laboratory comparable to the class of Public Health Microbiologist I with Monterey County.

Conditions of Employment :

As a condition of employment, the incumbent will be required to:

• Pursuant to Title 17, Section 1079 of the California Administrative code, possession of a valid Public Health Microbiologist certificate issued by the California State Health Department is required for positions in this class.
• Please visit the following link to learn about the requirements to become a Public Health Microbiologist https://www.caphld.org/public-health-microbiologist-traini
• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver's license or the ability to provide alternative transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.
• Be available to work a flexible schedule including evenings and some weekends or holidays during times of disaster or emergency.
• Complete and successfully pass the Health Department background investigation process including a Department of Justice fingerprinting check.

Additional Information

BENEFITS:

The County offers an excellent benefits package. To view H Bargaining Unit Summary please visit our website H Unit Benefit Summary Sheet . This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.

COVID-19: On July 30, 2021 the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors took action to mandate COVID-19 vaccination for all employees to include new hires. The vaccination requirement is in accordance with Section 25 of the County of Monterey Emergency Response Manual and COVID-19 Prevention Program Link . Applicants who accept employment with the County of Monterey, will be required to be fully vaccinated. However, individuals may request medical or religious exemptions and will be required to complete the appropriate request and certification forms for review and approval no later than their start date. Medical / Religion .

NOTES:
As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions. Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9. If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCEDURES
Apply On-Line at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/montereycounty , by 11:59 PM (PST) by priority screen date December 27, 2022

OR

Hard copy applications may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM by contacting

Monterey County Health Department

Human Resources Division

1270 Natividad Road

Salinas, CA 93906

Phone: (831) 755-4618 Fax: (831) 775-8084

The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. To assess applicants' possession of required qualifications, the examination process may include an oral examination, pre-examination exercises, performance examination, and/or written examination. The competitive examination process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application package will include:

• Monterey County Employment Application form
• Copy of Public Health Microbiologist Certificate issued by the California State Health Department

All application materials must be received by the priority screen date of December 27, 2022 for a guaranteed review. Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. Those applicants that are determined to be the most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

To further assess applicant's possession of required qualifications, this examination may include an oral examination, pre-exam exercise, performance exercise, performance exam, and/or written examination.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
Monterey County is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. Monterey County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Senior Personnel Analyst Monica J. Gutierrez at (831) 796-1276.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous