County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, to prepare, perform, and report on technical examination involving the fields of bacteriology, parasitology, serology, virology, mycology, and clinical laboratory examinations in order to obtain scientific data which may be used to ascertain the presence, progress, and source of disease; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Microbiologists are assigned to programs of the public health laboratory on a rotating basis, receiving orientation and guidance in each section from Senior Microbiologists, who have permanent responsibility for a group of sections.

Large numbers of specimens are processed through various tests, in order to detect the presence of bacteria or bacteriological signs involved in communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis, gonorrhea, diphtheria, syphilis, streptococcus, and various enteric diseases. General clinical laboratory tests involving chronic diseases, as well as air, water and milk product sample examinations also are part of the workload.

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. Performs varied and specialized microbiological examinations which identify the bacteriological, viral, parasitological, and mycological agents of disease for the purpose of assisting in the detection, definition, and control of communicable disease.

2. Performs serological examinations to assist in the detection, definition, and control of disease and to determine certain blood and body fluid properties.

3. Performs hematological and chemical examinations on blood and other body fluids for the purpose of assisting in the detection of chronic diseases.

4. Performs microbiological, physical, and chemical examinations of dairy products, food, water, air, and other substances important to environmental sanitation.

5. Prepares or directs the preparation of stains, culture media, and reagents.

6. Assists in applied laboratory research by performing varied and specialized examinations, using new procedures or apparatus.

7. Assists in the orientation of new laboratory personnel and in the training of student microbiologists; supervises non-technical or semi-technical duties of laboratory helpers.

8. Reviews current scientific literature as it relates to microbiology.

9. Analyzes and interprets laboratory data; keeps records and prepares oral and written reports.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in medical or public health microbiology, or one of the related life sciences as may be determined by the State Department of Public Health.

Experience:

The equivalent of six months of field experience in a public health laboratory or the equivalent of one year in a clinical or hospital laboratory approved for training in Public Health Microbiology by the State Department of Public Health.

Certificate:

Possession of a valid certificate as a Public Health Microbiologist issued by the State Department of Public Health.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above 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:

• The fundamentals of bacteriology, parasitology, serology, mycology, virology, and other microbiological principles.
• Chemical principles of the examination of body fluid, food, and water.
• Public health laboratory procedures and techniques,
• Common causes of disease and the methods of transmission and control of communicable diseases.
• Laboratory equipment and its care.

Ability to:

• Perform public health laboratory tests.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Work cooperatively and effectively with others.
• Observe safety precautions and procedures.
• Keep records and make reports.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Revised: 8/66
HCSA: 2/77
Revised: 1/86
TT:pb
Old document: 0497h
New document: Jobspecs/5605
ys/6/01
CSC Date: 1/8/86

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.