Public Health Microbiologist Trainee (#RH4200)
$31.45-$38.22 Hourly / $5,450.57-$6,625.20 Monthly / $65,406.89-$79,502.48 Yearly

Under close supervision, learns the work of public health laboratory; performs routine microbiological and biochemical examinations for the detection and identification of microbiological disease agents; and perform related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

This is the entry and training level class for the professional Public Health Microbiologist class series. Incumbents in this class attend a formal training program at a laboratory approved for training assignments. The purpose of the training is to gain certification as a Public Health Microbiologist.

• Learns to perform the more routine microbiological and biochemical examinations for microbial disease agents.
• Assists in conducting the more difficult or non-routine laboratory tests.
• Examines blood, feces, spinal fluid, sputum, and other body fluids or tissues to determine the presence of absence of disease agents.
• Examines samples of water and foods for identification or quantification of bacteria, fungi, or other impurities.
• Prepares culture media, strains, reagents, and stock.
• Uses appropriate safety precaustions and personal protective equipment as required.

Education: Possession of a letter from the California State Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services, stating that the applicant meets the minimum educational requirements for admission to the examination for a certificate as a Public Health Microbiologist, according to the California Administrative Code, Title 17, Section 1079, paragraph d.

Bacteriological, serological, mycological, parasitological, virological, and other microbiological principles; equipment and technology used in standard and routine examinations of body fluids, and tissues, foods, and water; basic causes and methods of transmission of communicable disease; how to utilize computers to facilitate standard business activities, including word processing, data entry, and spreadsheet calculations.

Learn to perform standard and routine microbiological and biochemical examinations using standard laboratory equipment and procedures; understand and follow detailed oral and written directions; observe laboratory-related safety precautions and procedures, including universal precautions; accurately read laboratory test results; use a variety of office equipment, including computer hardware and software; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted during the course of the work.

Mobility-Frequent sitting or standing for long periods of time while working with equipment or operating a data entry device; frequent walking short distances; Lifting-Occasional lifting of 30 lbs. or less; Vision-Constant use of good overall visual capabilities, particularly close focus; frequent use of color perception and hand/eye coordination; frequent reading and/or close up work; Dexterity-Frequent holding, pinching, grasping and writing; Hearing/Talking-Frequent hearing and talking in person and on the telephone; Special Requirements-May require working weekends/nights/holidays; occasional overtime; Emotional/Psychological-Frequent concentration and decision-making; occasional emergency situations and public contact; Environmental Conditions-Frequent exposure to noise; frequent risk of exposure to hazardous materials, fumes, poor ventilation, and indoor cold/heat; occasional exposure to variable weather conditions.