PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGIST

THE JOB: Under general supervision, performs microbiological and related biological and biochemical examinations; directs the work of Laboratory Assistants and in the absence of the Laboratory Director, supervises the laboratory and does other work as required. The current vacancy is within the Health Services Agency Clinics Division and is an Extra-Help Position. The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill the current and future vacancies throughout the life of the eligible list to fill full-time, part-time and extra-help positions. At this time, the positions have been furloughed by 7.5%. Furloughs are tentatively scheduled to end on June 30, 2021 pending Board approval.

THE REQUIREMENTS: Any combination of training and experience, which would demonstrate possession of the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these would be:

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

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License or the employee must be able to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.

A valid Certificate of Proficiency in Dairy Bacteriology and Milk Analysis issued by the California State Department of Food and Agriculture may be obtained during employment if necessary.

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of equipment, terminology and techniques used to perform laboratory tests. Working knowledge of the principles of bacteriology, serology, mycology, parasitology and virology; causes and modes of transmission of communicable diseases; and preparation, mounting and staining of specimens.

Ability to: Perform microbiological and biochemical examinations skillfully; set up and operate technical laboratory equipment and perform accurate tests and analyses; detect equipment malfunctions and substitute alternative testing method; understand and carry out oral and written directions; keep accurate records and prepare reports; establish and maintain cooperative-working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; communicate effectively with patients; and observe proper safety precautions and procedures.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

ANNUAL LEAVE - 22 days first year, increasing to 37 days after 15 years of service.  Available for vacation and/or sick leave.

HOLIDAYS - 13 paid holidays per year.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE - 3 days paid in California, 5 days paid out-of-state.

MEDICAL PLAN - The County contracts with CalPERS for a variety of medical plans.  For most plans, County contributions pay a majority of the premiums for employees and eligible dependents.

DENTAL PLAN - County pays for employee and eligible dependent coverage.

VISION PLAN - County pays for employee coverage. Employee may purchase eligible dependent coverage.

RETIREMENT - Pension formula 2% at age 60 or 2% at age 62 as determined based on provisions of the CA Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013(PEPRA). Pension benefit determined by final average compensation of three years.  County participates in Social Security. 

LIFE INSURANCE - County paid $20,000 term policy.  Employee may purchase additional life insurance.

DISABILITY INSURANCE - Employees in the General Representation Unit participate in the State Disability Insurance (SDI) program. This program is funded 100% by employee payroll deductions.

DEPENDENT-CARE PLAN - Employees who make contributions for child or dependent care may elect to have their contributions made utilizing “pre-tax dollars.”

H-CARE PLAN - Employees who pay a County medical premium may elect this pre-tax program.

HEALTH CARE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ALLOWANCE (HCFSA) - Employees may elect this pre-tax program to cover qualifying health care expenses.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION - A deferred compensation plan is available to employees.

THE EXAMINATION: Your application will be reviewed to determine if you have met the education, experience, training and/or licensing requirements as stated on the job announcement. If you meet these criteria and are one of the best qualified, you may be required to compete in any combination of written, oral and/or performance examinations or a competitive evaluation of training and experience as described on your application and supplemental questionnaire. You must pass all components of the examination to be placed on the eligible list. The examination may be eliminated if there are ten or fewer qualified applicants. If the eligible list is established without the administration of the announced examination, the life of the eligible list will be six months and your overall score will be based upon an evaluation of your application and supplemental questionnaire. If during those six months it is necessary to administer another examination for this job class, you will be invited to take the examination to remain on the eligible list.

HOW TO APPLY: Apply Online Now!  Click on the link below; or print out an application and mail/bring them to: Santa Cruz County Personnel Department, 701 Ocean Street, Room 510, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060.  For information, call (831) 454-2600.  Hearing Impaired TDD/TTY: 711.  Applications will meet the final filing date if received in one of the following ways:  1) in the Personnel Department by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date, 2) submitted online before midnight of the final filing date. 

Women, minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  If you have a disability that requires test accommodation, please call (831) 454-2600.

To comply with the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act, Santa Cruz County verifies that all new employees are either U.S. citizens or persons authorized to work in the U.S.

Some positions may require fingerprinting and/or background investigation.  

NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

An Equal Opportunity Employer