Public Health Microbiologist Trainee

This examination is being given to fill two vacancies in Public Health Services and to establish a list which may be used to fill future vacancies. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. A completed application must be postmarked or received online by the final filing deadline.

Public Health Services
Location:  1601 E. Hazelton Ave, Stockton, CA
Department website:  www.sjcphs.org 

Applicants who have obtained a Public Health Microbiologist Trainee Certificate from the California State Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services, stating that they meet the minimum educational requirements for admission to the examination for a certificate as a Public Health Microbiologist will be invited to interviews.

Interviews will be taking place within two weeks.  Public Health Microbiologist Trainees are expected to attend part of their training at the California Public Health Laboratory in Richmond, CA, and may also attend trainings at other public health laboratories.

Pre-Employment Drug Screen:  Potential new hires into this classification are required to successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen as a condition of employment.  Final appointment cannot be made until the eligible has passed the drug screen.  The County pays the cost for the initial drug screen.

NOTE: All correspondences relating to this recruitment will be delivered via e-mail. The e-mail account used will be the one provided on your employment application during time of submittal. Please be sure to check your e-mail often for updates. If you do not have an e-mail account on file, Human Resources will send you correspondences via US Mail.

Education:   Possession of a letter from the California State Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services, stating that the applicant meets the minimum educational requirements for admission to the examination for a certificate as a Public Health Microbiologist, according to the California Administrative Code, Title 17, Section 1079, paragraph d.

Bacteriological, serological, mycological, parasitological, virological, and other microbiological principles; equipment and technology used in standard and routine examinations of body fluids, and tissues, foods, and water; basic causes and methods of transmission of communicable disease; how to utilize computers to facilitate standard business activities, including word processing, data entry, and spreadsheet calculations.

Learn to perform standard and routine microbiological and biochemical examinations using standard laboratory equipment and procedures; understand and follow detailed oral and written directions; observe laboratory-related safety precautions and procedures, including universal precautions; accurately read laboratory test results; use a variety of office equipment, including computer hardware and software; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted during the course of the work.

Mobility-Frequent sitting or standing for long periods of time while working with equipment or operating a data entry device; frequent walking short distances; Lifting-Occasional lifting of 30 lbs. or less; Vision-Constant use of good overall visual capabilities, particularly close focus; frequent use of color perception and hand/eye coordination; frequent reading and/or close up work;  Dexterity-Frequent holding, pinching, grasping and writing; Hearing/Talking-Frequent hearing and talking in person and on the telephone; Special Requirements-May require working weekends/nights/holidays; occasional overtime; Emotional/Psychological-Frequent concentration and decision-making; occasional emergency situations and public contact; Environmental Conditions-Frequent exposure to noise; frequent risk of exposure to hazardous materials, fumes, poor ventilation, and indoor cold/heat; occasional exposure to variable weather conditions.

Applicants for part-time and temporary recruitments who meet the minimum qualifications are either referred to the hiring department for further selection or they may be required to take a written examination.  If a written examination is given, the top candidates may be referred to the hiring department for further selection.

Testing Accommodation:  Candidates who require testing accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must call Human Resources Division at (209) 468-3370 prior to the examination date. 

Physical Exam:  Some classifications require physical examinations.  Final appointment cannot be made until the eligible has passed the physical examination.  The County pays for physical examinations administered in its medical facilities.

Pre-employment Drug Screening Exam:  Some classifications require a new employee successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen as a condition of employment.  Final appointment cannot be made until the eligible has passed the drug screen.  The County pays for the initial drug screen.

Employment of Relatives: Applicants who are relatives of employees in a department within the 3rd degree of relationship, (parent, child, grandparent, grandchild or sibling) either by blood or marriage, may not be appointed, promoted, transferred into or within the department when:

• They are related to the Appointing Authority, or

• The employment would result in one of them supervising the work of the other

Department Heads may establish additional limitations on the hiring of relatives by departmental rule.

Proof of Eligibility:  If you are offered a job, you will be required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or other documents that establish your eligibility to be employed in the U.S.

Apply Online:       

www.sjgov.org/department/hr

By mail or in person:  

San Joaquin County Human Resources

44 N. San Joaquin Street Suite 330

Stockton, CA 95202                                  

Office hours:               
Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; excluding holidays.

Phone:  (209) 468-3370 

Job Line:

For current employment opportunities please call our 24-hour job line at (209) 468-3377. 

When a final filing date is indicated, applications must be filed with the Human Resources Division before 5:00 p.m. or postmarked by the final filing date. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. Applications sent through county inter-office mail, which are not received by the final filing date, will not be accepted. (The County assumes no responsibility for mailed applications which are not received by the Human Resources Division).  

San Joaquin County Substance Abuse Policy: San Joaquin County has adopted a Substance Abuse Policy in compliance with the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988. This policy is enforced by all San Joaquin County Departments and applies to all San Joaquin County employees.

Equal Opportunity Employer:  San Joaquin County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and is committed to providing equal employment to all without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation or belief, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.  For more information go to www.sjgov.org/department/hr/eeo.