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Job Description
CAREER DESCRIPTION
SUPERVISING PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGIST
Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
DEADLINE TO APPLY
This recruitment will be open to the public for a minimum of five (5) business days and is scheduled to close at 11:59 PM on Friday, March 20, 2026.
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.
This recruitment will establish an eligible list to fill current and future Supervising Public Health Microbiologist positions within the Health Care Agency. 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 - Administrative Services, Behavioral Health Services, Correctional Health Services, Public Health Services, and Specialized Medical Services - is committed to meeting the health needs of the diverse Orange County community.
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
Public Health Services (PHS) is a multi-dimensional department that includes Communicable Disease Control, Public Health Lab, Environmental Health, Community & Nursing Services, Clinical Services, and Health Promotion & Community Planning. Through assessment, policy development and assurance, PHS provides a wide range of services aimed at reducing death and disability by reducing the transmission of communicable diseases, preventing and lessening the impact of chronic diseases, and ensuring healthy and safe environments.
THE DEPARTMENT AND PROGRAM
The Public Health Laboratory (PHL)is a vital part of the PHS area within HCA. The PHL provides essential laboratory support to several programs, including PHS Clinical Services, Environmental Health Services (EHS), Correctional Health Services (CHS), Communicable Disease Control (CDC), and local clinical laboratories. The laboratory plays a key role in protecting community health by performing testing that supports disease detection, environmental monitoring, and public health decision-making.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Water Quality Department has an immediate opening for a Supervising Public Health Microbiologist (SPHM). This role supports the County’s mission to protect public health by overseeing environmental laboratory testing used to monitor ocean and bay recreational waters. The SPHM serves as the laboratory’s Technical Manager for ELAP accreditation, ensuring full compliance with state and federal standards, supervising laboratory operations, and providing advanced technical expertise.
Duties and Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the SPHM may include, but are not limited to, the following:- Managing and maintaining the laboratory’s ELAP accreditation
- Acting as the Technical Manager and ensuring compliance with state and federal laboratory regulations
- Monitoring laboratory performance, data quality, and the validity of all analytical results
- Ensuring laboratory personnel meet required education, training, and technical competency levels
- Developing, updating, and implementing laboratory procedures, methods, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Providing technical guidance, troubleshooting support, and mentorship to staff
- Performing complex, non-standard, or specialized laboratory analyses
- Leading or contributing to special projects, studies, or investigations
- Creating new procedures or techniques requiring specialized training or expertise
- Overseeing work within specialized laboratory units (as assigned)
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will possess expert-level knowledge in environmental testing, including testing related to drinking water and recreational waters, and will have a strong understanding of California ELAP requirements and The NELAC Institute (TNI) standards. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to apply this knowledge in a laboratory setting to ensure regulatory compliance.
In addition, the ideal candidate will possess the following core competencies:
Technical Knowledge- Advanced knowledge of microbiological concepts, principles, and techniques that can be applied to public health laboratory testing
- Proficient in training staff to perform microbiological and molecular methods
- Applying universal precautions to laboratory hazards associated with laboratory testing
- Understanding and following policies, processes and procedures for the handling and appropriateness of samples
- Proficient in the fundamentals of laboratory quality management systems
- Conducting different and complex microbiological testing/examination methods and interpreting results for accurate identification of agents
- Operating technical laboratory equipment, performing routine functional checks, and maintaining proper documentation
- Utilizing the Laboratory Information System at different phases of the testing process
Written and Oral Communication Skills- Writing standard operating procedures or policies for departmental tests or methods as needed
- Communicating with Lab Manager and Director to provide updates
- Coordinating and communicating with other internal supervisors
- Communicating professionally with clients (e.g., environmental health, epidemiologists, physicians, etc.) and staff when giving/explaining laboratory results and answering technical questions
- Communicating professionally with vendors or sales representatives regarding laboratory supplies or equipment as needed
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking- Prioritizing work and meeting established deadlines by setting objectives and goals to achieve maximum productivity
- Overseeing and ensuring that technical work is completed within turnaround time
- Developing and maintaining effective systems to manage multiple tasks and track information
Leadership/Supervision- Supervising and monitoring a team of staff, which includes employees within the Public Health Microbiologist I, Public Health Microbiologist II and Lab Assistant classifications
- Mentoring staff, fellows, and interns
- Writing and conducting performance evaluations of staff
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Click here to learn more about the minimum qualifications for the Supervising Public Health Microbiologist classification as well as the physical and mental requirements and the environmental and working conditions.
NOTE: Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Services (N.A.C.E.S.).
Recruitment Process
Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum qualifications. After screening, applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All applicants will be notified via email of their status in the process.
Application Screening (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 applications exhibiting 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.
Eligible List
Once the assessment has 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.
Veterans Employment Preference Policy (VEPP)
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 with the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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:
Clickhere for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Janeth Boudreaux at (714) 834-2217 or jboudreaux@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. -
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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