Under general supervision of certified Public Health Microbiologist or other professional Public Health staff, assists with microbiological and chemical examinations and related technical procedures in a public health laboratory; and performs related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journey level in the Public Health Laboratory Technician series. An incumbent in this class assists professional staff by performing portions of microbiological chemical, or related examination procedures which require minimal scientific evaluation and observation. This class differs from Public Health Laboratory Technician I in that incumbents of the latter class learn how to perform Public Health Laboratory work under immediate supervision.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Assists professional staff with microbiological examinations.
Sets up and dismantles equipment used in the examination of specimens.
Operates centrifuges and other equipment for the preparation of specimens.
Maintains laboratory equipment and apparatus.
Prepares media, reagents, stains, and sterile solutions.
Records and documents daily laboratory measurements for review.
May perform standard microbiological analysis of water and wastewater.
Maintain laboratory supplies, materials, and records appropriate records; picks up supplies from vendors.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: One year of work experience equivalent to Public Health Laboratory Technician I in San Joaquin County service.
License: Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
KNOWLEDGE
Principles, techniques and terminology used in a laboratory; basic biology, chemistry and mathematics; laboratory hazards; proper safety precautions and procedures; use and care of laboratory equipment; quality assurance and quality control procedures; record keeping principles and techniques; fundamentals of basic science; basic scientific terminology and measurements; basic computer and computer software relevant to department operations.
ABILITY
Understand basic laboratory procedures; scientific terminology and measurements; clean and care for laboratory equipment; utilize standard office procedures and equipment; operate computers and related software; follow oral and written directions; follow strict safety and security procedures as required by federal and state mandates, industry standards and county procedures; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility-Operating data entry devise, standing for long periods, walking; occasional sitting for long periods, pushing/pulling, bending/squatting, driving, climbing stairs; Lifting-Frequent lifting 5 pounds or less; occasional lifting 5 to 30 pounds; Vision-Frequent overall vision, eye/hand coordination, reading/close-up work, field of vision/peripheral; color perception, depth perception; Dexterity-Frequent reaching, grasping, repetitive motion, writing; holding; Hearing/Talking-Constant hearing normal speech; frequent hearing on the telephone, talking in person, talking on the telephone; occasional hearing faint sounds; Emotional/Psychological-Concentration, working alone; frequent public contact, travel; occasional exposure to trauma, grief, death, exposure to hazardous materials; Special Requirements-Working alone; overtime; Environmental Conditions-Frequent exposure to noise; occasional exposure to dirt, dust, smoke, fumes, poor ventilation, cold, heat (indoor), hazardous materials.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
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