SENIOR PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGIST (#NE8 )

$42.27-$53.45 hourly / $7,327.00-$9,264.00 monthly / $87,921.60-$111,176.00 yearly

Under direction, provides lead direction to Public Health Microbiologists and Laboratory Assistants, performs the more difficult microbiological and related biological and biochemical examinations, and does other work as required.

This class is a combination of lead worker and advanced Journey Level Microbiologist assigned responsibilities in one or more Santa Cruz County Public Health laboratories. Senior Public Health Microbiologist is distinguished from Public Health Microbiologist in that the latter class performs routine laboratory diagnostic work. In addition to performing the full range of microbiologist duties, Senior Public Health Microbiologists perform the more difficult and least defined diagnostic examinations. The Senior level is further distinguished from the class of Director of Laboratory Services in that the latter class exercises full supervisory and administrative responsibility.

Performs routine and more difficult mycobacteriological, mycological, parasitological, serological, bacteriological and virological examinations, to determine the absence or presence and the nature of disease or abnormal conditions, conducts quality control tests on media and reagents; prepares or assures the proper preparation of stains, culture media, and reagents; examines specimens for rabies; may make difficult microbiological and chemical examinations of dairy products, food, water and other substances the testing of which is important to environmental sanitation; if certified or licensed may draw and examine blood, test urine, and other body fluids to determine properties; prepares or directs the preparation of specimens for mailing to reference laboratories; researches, develops, and evaluates new testing procedures; determines the cost effectiveness of such tests; reviews professional literature; makes interpretive judgments pertaining to laboratory findings; directs the maintenance of laboratory equipment; keeps records and makes reports; estimates supply and equipment needs; serves as technical consultant and resource person to laboratory staff, physicians and other health professional and agencies; makes decisions and gives opinions on specimens which fall outside normal limits; assumes responsibility for the operation of the laboratory in the absence of the Director.

Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of accepted techniques, methods, and procedures for coordinating mycobacteriological, mycological, parasitological, serological, bacterological, and virological examinations, including the more complex or specialized tests; 
• Thorough knowledge of equipment and terminology used in public health laboratories; 
• Thorough knowledge of safety and quality control measures; 
• Working knowledge of current trends and concepts of public health microbiology; 
• Working knowledge of causes and methods of transmission of communicable diseases.

Ability to:

• Effectively provide lead direction and training to laboratory microbiologists and assistants;
• Accurately perform interpret, and report results of routine and more complex or specialized microbiological and biochemical examinations;
• Maintain accurate records and reports;
• Provide technical consultation to laboratory staff as well as to other health personnel and agencies;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the laboratory employees, other members of the medical staff and the public;
• Research, develop, and evaluate laboratory testing procedures;
• Set up and operate technical equipment;
• Observe and exercise appropriate safety precautions and procedures.

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

Three years of experience performing duties, which would demonstrate the application of the knowledge and abilities, listed on Santa Cruz County's Public Health Microbiologist classification specification or its equivalent.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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

A valid certificate of proficiency in dairy bacteriology and milk analysis issued by the California State Department of Food and Agriculture may be required and obtained during employment if necessary.

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License.