Public Health Microbiologst II (#RH4212)
$38.41-$46.69 Hourly / $6,657.67-$8,092.45 Monthly / $79,892.15-$97,109.40 Yearly

Under direction, performs a variety of microbiological and special public health laboratory analyses for the detection and identification of microbial disease agents, including those pertaining to bioterrorism and emergency response; serves as the primary on-call microbiologist on a rotating basis; and performs related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

This is the second certified level in the professional Public Health Microbiologist class series. Incumbents at this level are certified as a Public Health Microbiologist by the State of California and also have sufficient experience to independently perform the full range of assigned laboratory examinations and analyses, including those pertaining to bioterrorism and emergency response. Therefore, incumbents at this level are expected to serve as the primary on-call microbiologist on a rotating basis.

• Performs immunology, microbiology, serology, hematology, DNA, biochemistry and other examinations on blood, tissue, saliva and other specimens for the detection and identification of bacterial, viral and other communicable disease agents.
• Performs microscopic examinations on a wide variety of substances to detect and identify bacteria, fungi, ova, parasites and other visible organisms.
• Performs examinations on food, water, and other substances to detect health hazards and/or identify illness-causing agents.
• Accurately reads the results of laboratory tests.
• Processes and reads hematocrit and/or other specimens in support of clinical and program operations.
• Prepares slides and cultures; removes fluid, tissue and/or other specimens from animal carcasses for testing.
• Prepares and packages specimens for submission to other laboratories; identifies and confirms the identity of cultures received from other laboratories.
• Uses appropriate safety precautions and personal protective equipment as required.
• Performs proficiency tests on simulated specimens; assists in the research, planning, and evaluation of alternate methods and new testing procedures.
• Assists with the training of laboratory personnel, including other microbiologists.
• Orders and/or prepares testing media, stains, and reagents and ensures their quality prior to use.
• Assists with the collection and analysis of laboratory data; keeps records and prepares reports.
• Reviews professional literature and relays pertinent information.
• Serves as the primary on-call microbiologist on a rotating basis.

Experience: One year of experience as a certified Public Health Microbiologist in a public health or medical laboratory.

Bacteriological, serological, mycological, parasitological, virological, and other microbiological principles; techniques, equipment, and terminology used in the examination of body fluids and tissues, food, and water; safety precautions and procedures appropriate for a public health laboratory; current trends and concepts in public health microbiology; causes and methods of transmission of a wide variety of communicable diseases; principles of epidemiology; appropriate public health responses to bioterrorism threats; how to utilize computers to facilitate standard business activities, including word processing, data entry, and spreadsheet calculations.

Perform a variety of standard and routine public health laboratory tests and examinations, including those pertaining to bioterrorism and emergency response; operate and care for laboratory equipment; understand and follow detailed oral and written directions; observe proper safety laboratory precautions and procedures, including universal precautions; use a variety of office equipment, including computer hardware and software; analyze complex situations accurately and take effective action; 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-Requires working occasional weekends/nights/holidays; occasional overtime; duties include stand by and call back assignments; 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.