Public Health Microbiologist (#NE7 )

$44.67-$56.52 hourly / $7,742.65-$9,796.61 monthly / $92,913.60-$117,561.60 yearly

• Performs examinations and control tests including mycobacteriological, mycological, parasitological, serological and bacteriological examinations to determine the absence or presence and the nature of disease or abnormal conditions;
• Conducts quality control tests on media and reagents;
• Prepares and examines specimens for rabies;
• May test milk and water samples and prepare culture media, stains and reagents;
• If certified or licensed may draw and examine blood and make qualitative determinations of blood, urine and other body fluids;
• Prepares specimens for mailing to reference laboratories;
• Sets up and cares for laboratory equipment and apparatus;
• Keeps records and makes reports;
• Checks and requisitions equipment and supplies;
• Confers with medical personnel;
• Assists in directing and training technical and professional personnel.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of equipment, terminology and techniques used to perform laboratory tests;
• Working knowledge of the principles of bacteriology, serology, mycology, parasitology and virology;
• Working knowledge of causes and modes of transmission of communicable diseases;
• Working knowledge of preparation, mounting and staining of specimens.

Ability to:

• Perform microbiological and biochemical examinations skillfully;
• Set up and operate technical laboratory equipment and perform accurate tests and analyses;
• Detect equipment malfunctions and substitute alternative testing method;
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions;
• Keep accurate records and prepare reports;
• Establish and maintain cooperative-working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Communicate effectively with patients;
• Observe proper safety precautions and procedures.

Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience, which would demonstrate possession of the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

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

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License (or) the employee must be able to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.

A valid Certificate of Proficiency in Dairy Bacteriology and Milk Analysis issued by the California State Department of Food and Agriculture may be obtained during employment if necessary.

EST: 10/82 REV: Analyst: MM