Public Health Laboratory Assistant Director

The Solano County Public Health Laboratory, the only regional public health lab in California, supports and enhances the efforts of Solano, Napa, Yolo and Marin County Health Departments in the detection, control and prevention of communicable diseases by performing essential public health laboratory services. We continue to build partnerships with local public health teams, including Travis Air Force Base, State prison, hospitals, including Sutter Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, and NorthBay Medical Center, local physicians, and other community partners. The laboratory employs advanced laboratory instrumentation that provides a high level of testing. Examples of lab services include antibiotic drug susceptibility by VITEK, serology and immunology by Evolis, molecular PCR testing by Roche, definitive Mycobacterial identification by HPLC, Mycology, Bacteriology, Parasitology, foodborne illness examinations, Rabies FRA, tick testing for Lyme disease, chemistry and bacteriology testing of drinking and surface water.  

To learn more about the Public Health Laboratory, please visit: http://www.solanocounty.com/depts/ph/phl/default.asp  

The incumbent in this position assists in planning, organizing, and directing the activities of the Public Health Laboratory; acts as a diagnostic and reference resource for partner agencies; identifies communicable diseases and environmental problems; provides statistical data; and assists in maintaining the laboratory to meet State and Federal standards.

In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will possess:

• Strong understanding of Public Health laboratory principles and processes and related activities.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Initiative and creativity with respect to identifying necessary new tests and platforms, and cultivating new partners and clients.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, and a commitment to keeping Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement partners well informed. 
• Ability to interface effectively with community partners, other local, state, and national labs, and lab associations.        
• Understanding of laboratory budgeting and fiscal needs.  

Experience and Education:

Possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited university in a chemical, physical, biological science or clinical laboratory science.  

OR

Possession of a Masters Degree in Medical Microbiology, Medical Bacteriology, Medical Virology, or Public Health Microbiology and four years of progressively responsible full- time experience in a Public Health or Medical Laboratory.

Special Requirements:

Must possess a Public Health Microbiologist certificate issued by the California State Department of Health, Laboratory Field Services.

To learn more about this classification, including examples of duties and required knowledge, skills, and abilities, please visit:

http://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=7255

This position is an “at-will” senior management position and is exempt from the civil service; incumbents serve at the discretion of the appointing authority.

Solano County offers a cafeteria-style medical package with health benefits, offered through CalPERS. The County contribution for family coverage for the 2021 calendar year is $1,586.50 per month. The County offers a cash back provision for those who choose employee-only or who waive medical insurance coverage. The County may offer a supplemental contribution for employees enrolled in Employee plus Two or More coverage.

Dental and vision insurances for the employee and eligible dependents are paid 100% by the County.   

Solano County participates in CalPERS retirement and contributes to Social Security.    

The County observes 12 fixed, and 2 half day fixed paid holidays per year.  Additionally, employees in this bargaining unit receive 2 floating paid holidays per year.  

Vacation is accrued at approximately 15 days per year for the first 3 years.

Sick leave accrues at approximately 12 days per year.

Effective July 1 of each year, 80 hours of administrative leave is granted.

Employees are eligible to receive an additional 2.5% longevity pay, per level, after the completion of continuous service at 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years. Employees may receive credit for prior years of service employed with California cities, counties, joint power authorities, and other special districts as approved by the Director of Human Resources and the County Administrator.

To view the benefits for a  regular position, please visit: http://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=16512

CULTURE OF LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Solano County is committed to “Invest In and For the Future” by providing training resources to encourage employee professional development and growth within our organization. While employed with Solano County, employees have the opportunity to pursue their career goals, interests, and develop the competencies on the Solano County Leadership Development Model by participating in the following programs:

• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Annual Education Fair
• County Mentoring Program
• Leadership Academy
• Supervisory Trainings
• Skill Development Trainings
• Self-paced learning opportunities 

Based on the information provided in the application documents, the qualified applicants may be invited for further examination. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination.  Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of an initial application screening, a supplemental questionnaire assessment, a written and/or practical exam, an oral board exam, or any combination listed. Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. Responses to supplemental questions may be used as screening and testing mechanisms and will be used to assess an applicant’s ability to advance in the process; as such, responses to supplemental questions should be treated as test examination responses. Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

All potential new hires and employees considered for promotion to management, confidential positions or unrepresented positions will be subject to a background and reference check after contingent job offer is accepted. These provisions are subject to change. 

RETIREES - Solano County invites all to apply for positions; however pursuant to Government Code Section 21221(h) and 21224, hiring restrictions may apply to California Public Sector Pension Plan Retirees. 

Please visit the County of Solano website, www.jobsatsolanocounty.com, to apply. Applications must be submitted through the JobAps system. Paper copies of applications are not accepted. All additional application materials as requested in the job announcement (degree/transcripts, certificates, DD-214 if applicable, ADA Accommodation Request) must be submitted with the Document Cover Sheet, available on the employment website: http://www.jobaps.com/Solano/sup/doccover.pdf or at the Department of Human Resources’ office, and are due by the final filing date.

Previously submitted application materials (i.e. copies of diploma and/or transcripts, etc.) for prior recruitments will not be applied for this recruitment but must be re-submitted for this recruitment.

Any further questions can be directed to the Department of Human Resources at (707) 784-6170 business hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EOE/AA.

Master's degree or Doctorate degree from an accredited university in a chemical, physical, biological science or clinical laboratory science is required. All applicants are encouraged to submit either a copy of their college diploma (verifying the degree, date earned and area of specialization) or official/unofficial transcripts (verifying the date and degree conferred) by the final filing deadline. However, proof of this education requirement must be submitted prior to appointment.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:  Candidates who attended a college or university that is accredited by a foreign or non-U.S. accrediting agency must have their educational units evaluated by an educational evaluation service.  The result must be submitted to the Human Resources Department no later than the close of the recruitment.  Please contact the local college or university to learn where this service can be obtained.  

How to Submit Your Documents:

In addition to uploading attachments when applying online, candidates may submit documents by fax to (707) 784-3424, or by email to recruitment@solanocounty.com.  Be sure to include the recruitment title (PH Laboratory Assistant Director) and the recruitment number (21-137220-01) in your email or fax. 

It is the policy of Solano County that all employment decisions and personnel policies will be applied equally to all County employees and applicants and be based upon the needs of County service, job related merit, and ability to perform the job.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES: Qualified individuals with a disability, who are able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, and need an accommodation during any phase of the recruitment/testing/examination process (as detailed in the “Selection Process”), must complete the following Request for Testing Accommodation by Applicants with Disabilities Form: http://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=23215.  

This form must be received in the Human Resources Department by the final filing date of the recruitment. Applicants will be contacted to discuss the specifics of the request.

Click here to take a video tour of Solano County.

OUR COMMUNITY

Solano County is the ideal place to live, learn, work and play…  The America's Promise Alliance has named Solano County as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People for six straight years—the only California community with that distinction.

·        Live – Solano County as well as cities within the County have ranked in the top 15 hottest markets across the country and within the Bay Area due to prime location and affordability.

·        Learn – Higher education abounds! Within the County, education choices include: Solano Community College, CSU Maritime Academy, Brandman University, and Touro University. Bordering our County is the renowned University of California Davis.

·        Work – The blend of agriculture, corporate business and pleasant lifestyle enhance the attraction of Solano County. Blessed with a thriving agricultural economy, the county is also home to biotechnology and other growth industries.

·        Play - Situated midway between San Francisco and Sacramento—the State capitol, Solano County is home to rolling hillsides, waterfronts and fertile farmland. County residents can enjoy day trips to the San Francisco Bay area, Lake Tahoe region and the Napa and Sonoma Valleys.

County Population (2019): 447,643

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.  

 SOLANO COUNTY IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER