Final Filing Date

CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT (MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME).

To obtain the application materials you may download them from web site (see upper right box titled “Required Forms”), visit the Personnel Department during regular office hours or submit a request either by e-mail (jobs@placer.ca.gov) or voicemail on the job line (530) 889-4070 - please include your name, address and the title of the position in which you are interested.

Description

Train, lead, and coordinate the work of Public Health Laboratory staff engaged in performing microbiological, bioterrorism, and chemical testing; to exercise technical and functional supervision over professional staff; may provide direct supervision over technical and clerical staff members as assigned; to perform the most difficult and complex professional laboratory work; and to do other related work as required including Bioterrorism and Preparedness activities.

Minimum Qualifications

It is the applicant’s responsibility to identify in their application materials how they meet the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS listed below.

Experience: Two years of experience performing the duties of a Public Health Microbiologist in an official Public Health laboratory. The duties of a Public Health Microbiologist can be reviewed by clicking here.
Training: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with courses necessary to meet the requirements of a Public Health Microbiologist in California.

License or Certificate: Possession of a valid certificate as a Public Health Microbiologist issued by the California State Department of Health Services. A Clinical Laboratory Scientist or Clinical Microbiologist Scientist license is desirable, but not required.

Note: Specific job classification duties are available on-line at: Class and Comp  or upon request by calling (530) 889-4060.

Application Processing

Applications will be accepted on a CONTINUOUS BASIS. All applications will be rated and processed within 30 days from the date the applications is submitted, depending on department vacancies. Failure to complete and submit your supplement with your application form will result in your being ineligible to move forward to the examination process.

Examination Process

TRAINING & EXPERIENCE RATING – 100%
Based upon responses to the attached supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula. Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

Notification

Notification for each phase of the recruitment process will be by U.S. Mail. Please notify the Personnel Department of any address change for all applications submitted.

Knowledge of

Testing principles, procedures and safety techniques for performing microbiological and related biological and bio-chemical examinations on clinical and environmental specimen for the detection and identification of microbial agents of disease; or of biochemical or chemical substances. Techniques used in the preparation of specimen(s), stains, slides, culture media and reagents to examine food and water samples for microbial or chemical agents. Equipment and terminology used in laboratory diagnosis of disease and/or conditions. Common causes of diseases and of the methods of transmission and control of communicable diseases. Safety procedures and practices associated with the processing or testing for contagious diseases. Techniques used in the collection and processing of clinical and environmental specimens. Principles and practices of effective supervision. Local, State, and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to clinical and public health laboratories. Laws and regulations pertaining to the shipping and/or transporting of specimens. Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response regulations, protocols, and activities. Computer systems and techniques as applied within the field of public health microbiology and related office management.

Ability to

Train and lead professional staff engaged in performing day-to-day chemical and microbiological testing in accordance with established studies and procedures. Supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff. Observe the use of laboratory media, reagents, and equipment to ensure that procedures are performed within laboratory specifications. Perform the most difficult and complex professional laboratory work. Organize test data for the purpose of reporting and documenting test results for medical staff interpretation, prepare policies, procedures and guidelines to assist in running the day-to-day operations of a Public Health Laboratory, communicate highly technical and complex information clearly to physicians, medical personnel, the public, and the courts. Analyze situations accurately and take appropriate and effective action. Utilize proper safety precautions; maintain adequate quality control; read and interpret Material Safety Data Sheets to ensure safety of all personnel. Prepare and record accurate lab reports. Manipulate and operate simple and complex laboratory equipment including computers; may perform maintenance and limited tear down and replacement of parts of laboratory equipment. Interpret and analyze laboratory data and results of microbiological testing. Perform routine procedures common in a public health laboratory. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Handle highly infectious agents safely. Work in an odorous environment. Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. On a continuous basis, analyze test results and biochemical reactions; identify micro-organisms; interpret tests and quality control results; know principles of test systems; observe safety precautions and handling of infectious specimens; remember principles involved in biochemical reactions; understand laboratory procedures; on an intermittent basis, problem solve equipment malfunctions; explain procedures and findings to medical personnel. On an intermittent basis, sit while using microscopes and inoculating specimens; walk to transport materials from work station to work station; stand to remove or replace chemicals in cabinets; bend to reach into lower cabinets and drawers; squat or kneel to remove media stored on lower shelves on refrigerators or freezers; twist to reach items on bench tops; visual requirements to distinguish colors for microscopy and to read cultures and biochemical reactions; auditory requirements to hear timers on equipment; fine hand manipulation required to operate equipment and manipulate a specimen; and lift light weight.

Condition of Employment

Before date of hire, applicant must pass a medical examination which includes drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation, sign a constitutional oath, and submit proof of U.S. Citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S. Applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background check, be bonded, and/or be fingerprinted.

Modified Agency Shop

All new permanent employees, with the exception of law enforcement and management, shall be required to join the employee organization or pay an 'Agency Fee' as a condition of employment.

Benefit Package

Placer County values its employees and offers permanent employees an excellent benefit package including generous contributions to the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS); health, dental, vision, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance programs; 13 paid holidays, 12 paid sick days and vacation accrual starting at 10 days per year. Employees also have access to an employee assistance program, 401(k) and 457 deferred compensation plans. Additional compensation incentives, including supplemental compensation and administrative leave, are also available for certain management classifications.

Substitute Lists

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification. For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

Employees of Other Public Agencies

Placer County now offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List and to download forms, please visit our website at: http://www.placer.ca.gov/departments/personnel/pael.aspx.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active, nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment is prohibited and that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All recruitment, hiring placement, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer related), age (over 40), or marital status. Please contact the Personnel Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.