County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under direction of a licensed certified laboratory professional, to conduct routine chemical, physical, biological, and microbiological tests requiring the application of specialized knowledge in the Public Health Laboratory; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

These positions perform as assistant to a professional microbiologist in testing and examination of diagnostic samples submitted to the Public Health Laboratory. This class is distinguished from those in the next lower class of Public Health Laboratory Assistance in that the former perform the non-waived technical and complex laboratory testing and examination. This class is distinguished from the next higher class of Microbiologist in that the latter must be certified by the State of California to perform laboratory tests and analyses on clinical samples.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Conducts microbial analysis on certain samples submitted to the laboratory.

2. Operates analytical instrumentation and laboratory apparatus.

3. Performs microbiological testing on non-human specimens (e.g. water, ticks).

4. Prepares and distributes statistical analysis and reports for various health providers and clinics.

5. Performs necessary laboratory cleanup, washes chemical glassware, and conducts laboratory maintenance as required.

6. Ensures necessary laboratory supplies are maintained.

7. Prepares complex media and reagents for specific tests.

8. Performs quality control procedures on media and reagents.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Satisfactory completion of four college-level courses, including two courses in chemistry and two courses in biology or an equivalent natural science from an accredited college or university.

AND

Experience:

EITHER I

The equivalent of six months in the classification of Public Health Laboratory Assistant in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

OR II

The equivalent of one-year full-time experience as a laboratory assistant in a physical/biotechnology, medical or public health setting. (An AA degree in a Natural Science from an accredited college may substitute for six months of this experience).

License:

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license is desirable.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• General laboratory methods of examination.
• General science laboratory standard, practices and techniques.
• Quality assurance/quality control parameters.
• Techniques for disinfecting, sterilizing, and glassware washing.
• Operation of laboratory equipment and instruments such as autoclaves, ovens, incubators, centrifuges, etc.
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions required in laboratory work.

Ability to:

• Perform accurate laboratory tests of samples submitted to the laboratory.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and records.
• Follow oral and written directions of a technical nature in exact details.
• Communicate well both verbally and in writing.
• Perform data entry and other clerical duties as assigned.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

BL:flh Revised: 7/78
Revised: 8/84
HC:pb Revised: 2/93
Old document: 0484h
New document: 5550.doc
ys/6/01
CSC Date: 2/24/93
CK:pf Rev/Retitle 11/5/01[Laboratory Technician]
CSC Date: 1/30/02

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.