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Job Description
CAREER DESCRIPTION
Public Health Microbiologist II
Salary Information
This position is scheduled to receive a salary range increase on the following date:
Effective June 27, 2025 - 4.0% increase
Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
This recruitment is open to the public for a minimum of five (5) business days and will remain open on a continuous basis until 11:59 p.m. (PST) on the day the County's needs are met. Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.
The first round of considerations will be on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. (PST). Applications received after this date will be processed in the next round.
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.
This recruitment will establish an Open eligible list to fill current and future Public Health Microbiologist II positions. This recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications.
THE AGENCY
The County of Orange , Health Care Agency (HCA) is a dynamic organization dedicated to creating and supporting an environment that promotes the achievement of optimal individual, family and community health. Under the leadership of the Agency Director, a dynamic executive team with an organizational structure comprised of five (5) service areas - Strategy and Special Projects, Behavioral Health Services, Correctional Health Services, Medical Health Services and Public Health Services - is committed to meeting the health needs of the diverse Orange County community.
THE DEPARTMENT
The Orange County Public Health Laboratory (OCPHL) is a core component of the Public Health program within HCA that provides laboratory services to Correctional Health Services, Public Health Clinical Services, Communicable Disease Control Division, Environmental Health Services, and clinical and hospital laboratories. Furthermore, OCPHL provides specialized laboratory testing for assessing, investigating, and analyzing infectious diseases of public health concerning Orange County, California. OCPHL is certified by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to perform high complexity testing in the areas of bacteriology, mycobacteriology, mycology, parasitology, virology, immunology, and molecular biology. Additionally, OCPHL has a Water Quality laboratory located in Newport Beach that is certified by the California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) that primarily monitors the County’s ocean and bay recreational waters.
THE OPPORTUNITY
HCA is recruiting for a Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) II to perform complex standardized microbiological testing in areas such as: bacteriology, mycobacteriology (TB), parasitology, virology, and water quality for the detection of communicable disease-causing agents. The incumbents will be critical in maintaining the quality of testing that Orange County Public Health Laboratory provides to a variety of clients and programs.
The duties of the PHM II include, but are not limited to:- Provide high quality, public health laboratory services to clients
- Conduct technical laboratory testing and analysis of a standardized and generally recurring nature using well defined procedures
- Evaluate, validate, and/or verify new laboratory testing methods
- Work with laboratory instruments and equipment including calibration and troubleshooting
- Act as a technical expert for assigned areas and provide consultation to clients
- Train, review, and oversee the work of PHM I(s), Laboratory Assistants, or PHM Trainees
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will possess the following core competencies:
Technical Knowledge | Technical Experience- Advanced knowledge of microbiological and serological concepts, principles, and techniques that can be applied to public health laboratory testing
- Utilizing and training on traditional microbiological and molecular methods to test and analyze communicable disease organisms such as Hepatitis, HIV, Tuberculosis, Salmonella, Gonorrhea, and Influenza
- Applying universal precautions to laboratory hazards associated with laboratory testing
- Understanding and following policies, processes and procedures for the handling of specimens containing agents of concern such as: blood, sputum, stool, and others
- Utilizing the Laboratory Information System at different phases of the testing process
- Conducting different and complex microbiological testing/examination methods and interpreting results for accurate identification of infectious agents
- Operating technical laboratory equipment and performing routine functional checks; adhering to safety rules and precautions
- Performing, recording, and reviewing quality control activities; following appropriate regulations, policies and procedures; and adhering to quality assurance program guidelines
- Understanding quality improvement and making recommendations for improving processes in the laboratory
- Cross-training in different laboratory testing sections to be able to provide backup testing in the event of a public health incident or emergency
- Writing standard operating procedures or policies for departmental tests or methods as needed
- Communicating professionally and tactfully with clients when giving/explaining laboratory results and answering technical questions
- Communicating professionally with vendors or sales representatives regarding laboratory supplies or equipment as needed
- Adapting communication style depending on audience (client, peer, management, etc.)
- Planning, organizing, and prioritizing work to meet established deadlines
- Setting objectives and goals to achieve maximum productivity
- Maintaining proper documentation of equipment records
- Developing, utilizing and maintaining effective systems to manage multiple tasks and track information, equipment records, quality controls, business goals, etc.
- Strong attention to detail and monitors and checks work; plans and organizes time and resources efficiently
- Facilitating, motivating, and supporting others to realize common goals
- Constructing positive relationships at all levels based on trust and respect
- Monitoring and sharing opportunities to improved processes and plans
- Helping staff acquire and apply new knowledge, skills and attitudes by explaining, modeling and giving effective examples
Click here to learn more about the Minimum Qualifications for the Public Health Microbiologist II classification as well as the physical & mental requirements and the environmental conditions.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum and desirable qualifications. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All applicants will be notified via email of their status in the process.
Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.
Application Screening | Application Rating (Refer/Non-Refer)
Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.
Application Appraisal | HR Review Rating (Weighted 100%): An Application Appraisal conducted by HRS will thoroughly screen and evaluate all application materials for job knowledge, competencies, and related experience described above. Only the most qualified applicants will be placed on the eligible list.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedure listed above may be modified. All applicants will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
Eligible List
Once all assessments have been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Please note: The information you provide on your application and/or response to the supplemental questions may be used as a scoring device, so please be thorough and complete in your response. "See Resume" is not a qualifying response and will not be scored in lieu of the required information.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please see below for important information regarding COVID-19 related requirements.
Effective April 3, 2023, it is strongly recommended that County employees working in health care settings and correctional facilities follow vaccination and booster guidelines provided by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please click here t o see the latest guidance for more details
Email Notification
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Liza Butler at (714) 834-2069 or ebutler@ochca.com .
EEO INFORMATION
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).
Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information
Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
Closing Date/Time: Continuous -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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County of Orange
Show moreDiscover a Fulfilling Career at the County of Orange
With a population of over 3 million residents and 34 cities, Orange County is a thriving community known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and strong economy. As the third-largest employer in the county, the County of Orange offers over 18,000 employees the opportunity to make a difference in their community and build a fulfilling career in public service.
As a County of Orange employee, you will have the chance to work in a variety of departments, each providing vital services to our community. From law enforcement and healthcare to public works and environmental protection, there is a wide range of career paths to explore. And with opportunities for advancement and professional growth, you can build a long and rewarding career with us.
As a top employer in the region, the County of Orange is committed to providing our employees with excellent benefits, including a competitive salary, flexible work schedules, and outstanding healthcare coverage. We also offer opportunities for career development and training, ensuring that our employees have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, the County of Orange is a great place to work. With a supportive and collaborative work environment, a commitment to excellence, and opportunities for growth and advancement, we invite you to join our team and make a difference in your community.
Community Impact:
Working for the County of Orange means you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community. Whether you're providing critical services to residents, protecting the environment, or maintaining public safety, your work will make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Employee Wellness:
At the County of Orange, we prioritize our employees' well-being. We offer telecommuting options, generous health benefits, and wellness programs to promote work-life balance. We believe that by taking care of our employee’s health and well-being, we can help them excel in their careers while still enjoying their personal lives and taking care of their families.
Innovation:
The County of Orange is committed to embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to service delivery. We encourage our employees to think creatively and find ways to improve our processes and systems. If you're someone who loves to problem-solve and think outside the box, you'll find a supportive and dynamic environment here.
Collaboration:
Collaboration is key to our success at the County of Orange. We value teamwork, communication, and mutual support, and we work together across departments and functions to achieve our goals. If you're someone who enjoys collaborating with others and building strong relationships, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive community here.
Equality:
At the County of Orange, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. Our Equity Policy reflects this commitment and guides our efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.
Career Advancement:
The County of Orange is dedicated to helping our employees grow and advance in their careers. We offer a variety of training and development opportunities to help our employees reach their full potential. If you're looking for a place to build a long and fulfilling career, the County of Orange is an excellent choice.
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