County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

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

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Under the general direction of the Chief of the Public Health Laboratory, the Supervising Microbiologist is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Laboratory. In this capacity, the incumbent in this one-position class is technically responsible for the supervision of microbiologists and laboratory assistants in the Public Health Service Laboratory.

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. Supervises the technical work of microbiologists and laboratory assistants through conferences, discussions and performance review.

2. Collects and assembles laboratory workload data to assist the Chief in preparing periodic reports.

3. Assists in the preparation of work schedules and assignments for microbiologists and laboratory assistants.

4. Assists with the coordination of the laboratory training program, and supervises the activities of trainees assigned to the laboratory.

5. Assists with the screening and evaluation of all non-routine requests for laboratory services in deciding on the proper analyses to perform.

6. 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.

7. Supervises the evaluation of existing techniques and assists in the development of new or improved procedures, performs special studies as directed.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Assists the Chief in administering the Laboratory's billing system.

12. Acts for the Chief in his absence and provides bench relief for professional staff when necessary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of one year of experience in the class of Senior Microbiologist or the equivalent of two years of 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 from an accredited college or university with major work in medical and public health laboratory or microbiology,

And
Experience:

The equivalent of three years of experience as a microbiologist in a public health laboratory. (Possession of a master's degree in microbiology or in a related science may be substituted for one year of the required experience. Possession of a doctoral degree in microbiology or a related science may be substituted for two years of the required experience).

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.

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.

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

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)
• 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, 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
• 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.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.