County of Alameda

Supervising Microbiologist (#5615)

Bargaining Unit: Unrep - HCSA Tech/Para Mgmt (U45)
$56.61-$68.50 Hourly / $4,528.80-$5,480.00 BiWeekly /
$9,812.40-$11,873.33 Monthly / $117,748.80-$142,480.00 Yearly

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DESCRIPTION

Under direction, supervises the operation of a large public health laboratory; reviews the work of microbiologists and laboratory technicians; assists with the planning, development and evaluation of laboratory procedures; supervises and coordinates the laboratory training program; assists the Director and acts in their absence; performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Supervising Microbiologist classification is located in the Public Health Department and reports to the Director of Public Health Laboratory Services. The Supervising Microbiologist is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Laboratory and for the supervision of microbiologists and laboratory technicians in the Public Health Laboratory Services. Employees in this classification may also be asked to assist with providing operational support to the Director of Public Health Laboratory Services with issues and processes that impact the overall operation of the laboratory.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are typical duties performed by employees in this classification. Employees may not necessarily perform all duties listed, however, they may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.

Supervises the technical work of microbiologists and laboratory technicians through conferences, discussions and performance review.
Collects and assembles laboratory workload data to assist the Director in preparing periodic reports.
Assists in the preparation of work schedules and assignments for microbiologists and laboratory technicians.
Assists with the coordination of the laboratory training program and supervises the activities of trainees assigned to the laboratory.
Assists with the screening and evaluation of all non-routine requests for laboratory services in deciding on the proper analyses to perform.
Monitors the quality of technical results by checking reports produced by staff microbiologists for accuracy and unusual findings. Responsible for maintaining the Laboratory's quality control program to meet State and Federal Medical requirements.
Supervises the evaluation of existing techniques and assists in the development of new or improved procedures, performs special studies as directed.
Provides technical consultation to health development personnel, including physicians, nurses, and sanitarians, as well as to professional groups in the private sector, including physicians and independent clinical and hospital laboratories.
Assumes responsibility for the maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment; assists personnel in the proper use of equipment and ensures that safety precautions are maintained.
Maintains stock control. This major activity includes maintenance of an inventory system, preparation and processing of requisitions, and checking items received for quantity and quality.
Assists the Director in administering the Laboratory's billing system.
Acts for the Director in his absence and provides bench relief for professional staff when necessary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EITHER I

Experience:

The equivalent of one (1) year of experience in the classification of Senior Microbiologist in the County of Alameda (“County”) classified service.

OR II

Experience:

The equivalent of two (2) years of experience in the classification of Microbiologist in the County classified service.

OR III

Education:

Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major work in medical and public health laboratory or microbiology.

AND

Experience:

The equivalent of three (3) years of experience as a microbiologist in a public health laboratory.

Substitution:

Possession of a master's degree in microbiology or in a related science may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience in pattern III. Possession of a doctoral degree in microbiology or a related science may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience in pattern III.

Certificates:

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

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:

Principles of effective administration and personnel management.
Principles of public health laboratory procedures.
Bacteriology, parasitology, serology, hematology, mycology, virology, and sanitary bacteriology.
Methods of narrative and statistical reporting.
Organization, functions and duties of the Alameda County Public Health Department and the State Department of Health Services.

Ability to:

Supervise and train personnel in public health laboratory procedures.
Supervise difficult laboratory tests and analyses.
Keep records and prepare technical reports.
Establish effective working relationships with others.
Write and speak effectively.
Advise, guide and instruct others on laboratory problems and techniques.
Organize and prioritize work and meet critical deadlines.
Exercise tact and sound independent judgement within established policies and guidelines.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Revised: 11/78

JFB:sw

LB:pb

Revised: 6/15/88

Old document: 0498h

New document: Jobspecs/5615

ys/6/01

CSC Date: 6/29/88

SK:saa Revised 2/10/2026

CSC Date: 3/4/26

BENEFITS

The 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 employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall wellbeing. 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)
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
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, Long-Term Care, 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
Management Paid Leave**
Catastrophic Sick Leave
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
1st United Services Credit Union

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

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three (3) days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to eight (8) days of management paid leave.