Public Health Microbiologist
Santa Barbara, CA 
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Job Description
Description

SALARY
$39.10 - $47.00 Hourly
$81,612.65 - $98,090.47 Annually


The Public Health Department is currently accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time Public Health Microbiologist vacancy at the Santa Barbara County Public Health Laboratory.

We are also accepting applications to establish an employment list for future Full-Time, Part-time, Extra Help and 1414* vacancies for Public Health Microbiologist in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Lompoc and Carpinteria.

*Civil Service Rule 1414. Appointment to Fill Vacancy During Leave of Absence. 1414 vacancies may occur as a result of a leave of absence and the duration of the appointment shall be subject to the return of the individual who is on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under Civil Service Rule 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department.

Please select the location(s) you would like to be considered for current and future vacancies. If you qualify for this position, pass the required selection steps and are in the area of selection, then your name may be sent to the hiring manager(s) of the vacancy location(s) where you have expressed that you are willing to work.

BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. Click on the Benefits Tab above or CLICK HERE to view more information.

In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:
  • Retirement reciprocity
  • Time and service credit towards for an advanced vacation accrual rate

POSITION: Under general supervision, the Public Health Microbiologist performs and interprets microbiological tests in the areas of communicable disease and environmental sanitation; performs related duties as required.

The Public Health Department operates a full-service Public Health Laboratory committed to providing the highest quality technical service to its providers and patients. The staff is a dedicated group of licensed/certified professionals with decades of patient care experience working in the community. For more information on the Public Health Laboratory, click here to visit the website.

The IDEAL CANDIDATE will have:
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills to convey technical information to physicians, nurses, and other clinical laboratories and providers regarding laboratory tests and procedures.
  • The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Experience using a Laboratory Information System (LIS).
  • Excellent organizational and follow-up skills.
  • Technical knowledge and experience in a laboratory setting, including safety and testing of patient specimens.
  • Knowledge of microbiological principles, protocols, and techniques that are applied in a public health laboratory setting.

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Examples of Duties

  • Performs laboratory tests in the areas of bacteriology, serology, mycobacteriology and virology.
  • Prepares and examines specimens of human, animal and environmental origin to aid in the diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, Hepatitis B surface Antigen, and chlamydia, food-borne illnesses, animal rabies, tuberculosis and coccidioidomycosis, and other diseases such as plague and diphtheria.
  • Analyzes and interprets test data; prepares reports of findings; maintains records of test results.
  • Conducts quality control tests to ensure the integrity of tests and compliance with regulations.
  • Provides technical information to physicians, nurses, and other clinical laboratories regarding the interpretation of laboratory tests and proper laboratory procedures.
  • Utilizes computerized and other laboratory equipment.
Employment Standards

  1. Possession of a Public Health Microbiologist certificate issued by the California State Department of Human Services; OR,
  2. Valid Temporary Public Health Microbiology Certificate issued by the California State Department of Human Services; OR,
  3. A California Certified Clinical Laboratory Scientist General License issued by the California State Department of Human Services; OR,
  4. A Limited License in Microbiology issued by the California State Department of Human Services.

NOTE: Appointees with a valid Temporary Public Health Microbiology Certificate must obtain a Public Health Microbiologist certificate issued by the California State Department of Human Services within 6 months of appointment, as a condition of continued employment.

Knowledge of: principles of chemistry, biology, microbiology, and physics; state and federal laws affecting public health laboratories; techniques and equipment used to perform laboratory tests; laboratory safety practices.

Ability to: analyze data and draw conclusions; explain technical information; understand, interpret, and apply federal, state, and local laws pertaining to public health laboratories; prepare and maintain records and reports; communicate with medical professionals; learn laboratory computer information systems; operate and care for laboratory equipment; operate a personal computer.
Supplemental Information

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

  1. Application Review. Review applications to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
  2. Computerized Competency Assessment: Candidates will be notified by email with instructions on obtaining and taking the Competency Assessment. The deadline will be clearly stated in the email invitation. All candidates must complete both in order to advance to the next step in the selection process.
  3. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

VETERAN PREFERENCE POINTS: Veteran's preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans' hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability. To receive veteran's preference points, you must: (1) check the Veteran's Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD-214 on or before the closing date, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider, or learning institution.

Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a (12) twelve-month probationary period.

The Public Health Department (PHD) requires all employees working in direct contact with patients or clients in a high-risk environment to comply with the PHD Employee Immunizations policy. This can be accomplished by providing documentation of immunizations, submitting laboratory immune titers demonstrating adequate immunity, or obtaining required vaccinations. A list of requirements, based on the specific program, will be sent at the time an offer letter is presented to the selected candidate(s) and initial documentation will be required at this time.
Working Conditions: Incumbents may be exposed to pathogenic organisms, acids, and caustic or volatile chemicals. In order to handle specimens, incumbents must be willing to be immunized against various communicable diseases, including rabies.
Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT

The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.

We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.

We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County's mission and to embody a culture of "One County, One Future." Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.

We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity..

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: This recruitment will be posted until all positions are filled. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

Farrah Medrano, Talent Acquisition Lead
Public Health Department, PHDRecruiter@sbcphd.org.

 

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Job Summary
Company
County of Santa Barbara
Start Date
As soon as possible
Employment Term and Type
Regular, Full Time
Salary and Benefits
$81,612.65 - $98,090.47 Annually
Required Education
Doctorate
Required Experience
Open
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