County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under direction, to plan and carry out the work of a program unit of a public health laboratory; to give lead direction to other personnel assigned to the unit; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Senior Microbiologist performs the most difficult microbiological and related biological and biochemical examinations for the detection and identification of microbial and viral disease agents. Senior Microbiologists may have responsibility for one or more sections of the laboratory and give lead direction to Microbiologists and other personnel.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Performs varied and specialized microbiological examinations, which identifies agents of disease (i.e. bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi).

2. Performs microbiological examination to assist in the detection, definition, and control of disease and to determine certain blood and body fluid properties. 

3. Performs microbiological, physical examinations of food, water and other substances important to environmental sanitation in conjunction with environmental health services.

4. Prepares or directs preparation of stains, culture media, and reagents; operates and sets up apparatus for laboratory testing; institutes new laboratory testing procedures, or alters procedures to conform with new or different requirements.

5. Consults with Microbiologists regarding more difficult technical problems in laboratory; gives technical assistance to Microbiologists and other staff on laboratory procedures and techniques; fills in for Microbiologists when needed; serves as a consultant to other County agencies and other jurisdictions.

6. Orients and leads newly assigned Microbiologists in program procedures and testing techniques; assists in providing training to clinical personnel from other agencies or departments.

7. Checks chemical and equipment inventory to determine needs for laboratory operations and orders supplies as necessary.

8. Attends workshops, classes and courses; keeps informed of advances in the field of microbiology; conducts evaluation research; prepares reports and oral presentations for professional and staff meetings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of one year of full-time experience in the class of Microbiologist in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or II

Education:

Possession of a Bachelor's degree in medical or public health microbiology, or one of the life sciences as may be determined by the California State Department of Health Services by an accredited college or university,

AND

Experience:

The equivalent of two years of full-time experience as a microbiologist in a public health laboratory. (Possession of a Post-Baccalaureate degree in microbiology or a related field may be substituted for the one year of required experience.)

Certificate:

Possession of a valid certificate as a Public Health Microbiologist issued by the California State Department of Health Services.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Examples of Duties" section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Public health laboratory procedures and techniques.
• The fundamentals of bacteriology, parasitology, serology, mycology, virology, and other microbiological principles.
• Chemical principles of the examination of body fluid, food, and water.
• Common causes of disease and the methods of transmission and control of communicable diseases.
• Laboratory equipment and its care.

Ability to:

• Train personnel in public health laboratory procedures.
• Perform public health laboratory tests.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Work cooperatively and effectively with others.
• Observe proper safety precautions and procedures.
• Maintain records and make reports.
• Work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Use computer applications.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

HC:nw Revised: 2/4/76
TT:pb Revised: l/86
LB:pb Revised: 9/88
Old document: 0510h
New document: Jobspecs/5610
ys/6/01
CSC Date: 10/19/88
CC:pf Rev. 5/6/03
CSC Date: 6/25/03

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.