Public Health Microbiologist Trainee

This is an Extra Help Position.  

Extra Help means this may be a Part-Time or Non-Permanent position.  The number of hours worked per week may vary and depend on the needs of the department. For terms and conditions concerning Extra Help with Butte County, see Section 6.12c of the Butte County Personnel Rules.

Note: A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking among qualified candidates. Based upon information provided in this application including responses to supplemental questions, an applicant's education, training and experience (full-time equivalent) may be evaluated. Applicants should provide thoughtful and thorough responses to supplemental questions as they play an important role in this recruitment process. All qualifying work experience that is described or included in responses to supplemental questions MUST also be included and detailed in the "Work Experience" section of this application. "See Resume" is not an acceptable response for any supplemental question.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEFINITION
Under close supervision of a certified Public Health Microbiologist, learns to perform a variety of technical laboratory examinations in order to detect and identify microbial disease agents in support of general public health, clinic operations, emergency response and infectious disease control; performs related duties assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from Public Health Microbiologists and more experienced staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This class is the trainee level for the Public Health Microbiologist series, which allows candidates, with proper academic qualifications, to gain hands-on practical laboratory experience that meets the requirements for certification as a Public Health Microbiologist within the State of California. Incumbents in this class may not perform any examination except under the immediate supervision of a certified Public Health Microbiologist. 

Training includes regular quizzes, assigned reading, intensive hands-on instruction, travel to State trainings and practice under the close guidance of a certified Public Health Microbiologist.

This class is distinguished from the certified Public Health Microbiologist I in that the latter is certified as a Public Health Microbiologist and is responsible to perform a variety of laboratory examinations and assists more experienced microbiologists while developing the expertise needed to perform at the fully qualified working level.Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics.  The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.
 

• Learns to perform, under the guidance of more experienced staff, routine microbiological and related biological, serological, and biochemical examinations for the detection and identification of microbial, fungal, parasitic, and viral agents of disease using defined procedures.
• Learns to perform routine examinations for the detection and identification of agents of communicable disease in matters pertinent to public health, outbreaks and emerging infectious diseases, using defined procedures.
• Learns to perform microbiological, physical, and chemical examinations of food, water, and other substances important to environmental sanitation, using defined procedures.
• Learns and assists in preparation of specimens for examination by using various stains, reagents, and equipment; learns to operate and maintain surgical and laboratory equipment.
• Learns and assists to perform quality control measures to ensure accuracy of results by using standardized tests on known pathogens kept in stock; learns to analyze and interpret laboratory data; learns to maintain records and prepare reports.
• Learns to assist with the planning, development, review, and evaluation of procedures, products, methods, and techniques.
• Learns to consult with physicians, health professionals, and agencies on matters related to laboratory methods, procedures, findings and analyses.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Bacteriological, virology, and chemistry as related to public health lab work.
• Fundamental microbiology principles and laboratory methods.
• Equipment and terminology used in the examination of body fluids and tissues, foods, and water.
• Common causes of disease and the methods of transmission and control of communicable diseases.
• Safe laboratory practices and procedures.
• Laboratory equipment and its care.
• Standard report writing using proper punctuation, grammatical usage and spelling.

Ability To:

• Learn and apply all quality control methodology prescribed to the operation of a public health laboratory.
• Employ safety principles that apply to the activities in a public health laboratory.
• Understand and apply the laws and regulations in the Health and Safety Code and the California Administrative Code which apply to the operation of a public health laboratory.
• Follow oral and written instructions; learn to analyze laboratory test results.
• Communicate effectively with co-workers and the public, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Learn to keep accurate and readable records.
• Perform effectively in high-stress environments while maintaining composure and professionalism.

Education and Experience:

No experience required; however, applicants must demonstrate possession of and competency in requisite knowledge, skills and abilities.

• A Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university with a concentration in Microbiology or one of the related life sciences is required.
• Possession of a Public Health Microbiologist Trainee letter of approval from the California State Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services is required.
• Training must be completed within the allocated training timeframe set forth by the California Department of Public Health PHM Training schedule. 

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• May be required to lift and carry items weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Work is performed in a laboratory environment, full manual dexterity and visual acuity required.

 
WORKING CONDITIONS
 

• May be exposed to potential physical harm from hazardous chemicals, infectious diseases, blood-borne pathogens, toxic materials, toxic gases, electrical hazards, dangerous tools and equipment.
• Work is performed in a laboratory environment, full manual dexterity and visual acuity required.
• Travel to State laboratories for PHM training. 

 
EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED
 

• Standard equipment includes motor vehicle, personal computer and standard office equipment.
• Special equipment includes incubator, autoclave, vortexes, centrifuge, Biosafety cabinet, and other laboratory equipment and tools.
• Equipment utilized includes personal computer, fax machine, and standard office equipment.

 

Disaster Service Worker
All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.