Public Health Microbiologist (Entry/Journey DOQ)

Revised Minimum Qualifications

Recruitment #21-333100-01

Introduction

WHY JOIN US AT SOLANO COUNTY?

COMMITMENT TO SERVICE: Our mission is to serve the people and to provide a safe and healthy place to live, learn, work and play.

We serve the public in many different ways, including:

  • Providing primary medical, dental, alcohol, drug and mental health services to residents, including the uninsured, low-income, and medically underserved
  • Providing law enforcement services in the unincorporated area of the county
  • Protecting the community from public health threats such as communicable diseases
  • Coordinating countywide responses to domestic violence and terrorism or other emergencies
  • Managing the criminal justice process after arrest (jail, prosecution, probation)
  • Supporting other local governments through efficient property tax collection as mandated by the State, County and local jurisdictions; and,
  • Administration and enforcement of Federal, State, and Local laws and policies pertaining to environmental health, building construction, and land use planning

OUR EMPLOYEES: Our diverse workforce is committed to fulfilling this mission and does so by exemplifying our IDEAL Core Values, engaging in our day to day work of serving the public with Integrity, Dignity, Excellence, Accountability, and Leadership.

To learn more about Solano County, please visit: www.solanocounty.com

WHY WE EXIST 

The mission of the Solano County Health & Social Services Department is to Promote Healthy, Safe and Stable Lives.

Vision: A Healthy, Safe and Stable Community

Core Values

  • Diversity: We respect and value cross –culturalism creating an environment that is inclusive for all.
  • Respect: We treat people with care and courtesy.
  • Integrity: We do what we say will.
  • Fairness: We are consistent and unbiased in decisions.
  • Transparency: We communicate the how and why.
  • Equity: We ensure everyone has access to the same opportunities. Responsiveness: We react quickly and positively.
Diversity: We respect and value cross –culturalism creating an environment that is inclusive for all.

To learn more about the Department of Health & Social Services , please visit: 

https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/hss/default.asp

 

The Public Health Services Division believes that health is all about people; where they live, learn, work, and play. From our staff to our clients, we provide people with the tools they need to maintain and improve their health. The services we provide are incredibly diverse and include such activities as conducting public health nurse home visits for moms and babies, providing medical care in our clinics, and much more. You will not find a more committed group of people than public health workers. It takes a special kind of dedication to enter the public health field. Our passion is promoting health, livable communities and healthy lifestyles. As a result, we care for individuals and the community with compassion and respect.

    To learn more about the Public Health Services Division, please visit:
    http://www.solanocounty.com/depts/ph/about.asp  

    THE POSITION

    Public Health Microbiologist (Entry), under general supervision, performs a variety of technical laboratory examinations in order to detect and identify microbial disease agents in support of general public health and clinic operations, and communicable disease control; performs related duties assigned.  This class is the entry level for the Public Health Microbiologist series.  You will work with more experienced staff learning and performing duties in the diagnostic/reference laboratory of the Public Health Department. You may occasionally perform some duties in the outpatient laboratory or clinics.  You will learn and perform laboratory examinations and help more experienced microbiologists, while developing the expertise needed to perform at the fully qualified working level. 

    Public Health Microbiologist (Journey), performs a variety of virology, serology, bacteriology, mycology, mycobacteriology, water testing and parasitology laboratory examinations to detect and identify disease and other agents. This class is the full journey level of the Public Health Microbiologist series, characterized by the responsibility to work independently in the diagnostic/reference laboratory of the Public Health Department as well as outpatient laboratory or clinics. In this position, you may provide technical oversight to lower level or newly hired laboratory employees.

    The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill full-time and part-time regular, limited-term or extra-help positions as vacancies occur or the need arises.

    POSITION REQUIREMENTS

    Public Health Microbiologist (Entry):

    Experience: Applicants must demonstrate possession of and competency in requisite knowledge, skills and abilities. 

    Education: Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university with a concentration in Microbiology or one of the related life sciences is required. 

    Special Requirements:

    A Public Health Microbiologist certificate or Clinical Laboratory Scientist license issued by the California Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services is desirable; alternatively, must be eligible to receive a Public Health Microbiologist trainee certificate and apply for such a certificate within three (3) months of appointment.

    Public Health Microbiologist (Journey):

    Experience: Two years of public health microbiologist experience that demonstrates the possession of and competency in requisite knowledge, skills and abilities. 

     

    Education: Bachelors' degree is required from an accredited college or university, preferably in biology or closely related field.  

     

    Special Requirements:

     

    Possession of a Public Health Microbiologist certificate issued by the California State Department of Health, Laboratory Field Services is required

     

    To view the job description for this position, please visit:

     

    Entry: https://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=12126

     

    Journey: http://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=15977

     

     

    BENEFITS/ WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

    Solano County offers a cafeteria-style medical package with health benefits, offered through CalPERS. The County contribution for family coverage for the 2021 calendar year is $1,586.60 per month. The County offers a cash back provision for those who choose employee-only or who waive medical insurance coverage. The County may offer a supplemental contribution for employees enrolled in Employee plus Two or More coverage.

    Dental and vision insurances for the employee and eligible dependents are paid 100% by the County. 

    Solano County participates in CalPERS retirement and contributes to Social Security.    

    Vacation is accrued at approximately 10 days per year for the first 3 years.

    Sick leave accrues at approximately 12 days per year.  

    The County observes 12 full day fixed and 2 half day fixed paid holidays per year. Additionally, employees in this bargaining unit receive 2 floating paid holidays per year.

    Employees are eligible to receive an additional 2.5% longevity pay, per level, after the completion of continuous service at 10, 20, 25, 30, and 35 years.

    To view the benefits for a regular position, please visit:

    http://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=16512

    Extra-help employees who work less than 29 hours per week do not typically receive or accrue benefits of regular employees during their period of employment. All extra-help employees accrue .034 hours of Paid Time Off for every full hour worked.  

    To view the benefits for an extra-help position, please visit: 

    https://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=16516  

    CULTURE OF LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

    Solano County is committed to “Invest In and For the Future” by providing training resources to encourage employee professional development and growth within our organization. While employed with Solano County, employees have the opportunity to pursue their career goals, interests, and develop the competencies on the Solano County Leadership Development Model by participating in the following programs:  

    • Tuition Reimbursement Program
    • Annual Education Fair
    • County Mentoring Program
    • Leadership Academy
    • Supervisory Trainings
    • Skill Development Trainings
    • Self-paced learning opportunities 

    SELECTION PROCESS

    12/10/2021 – 5:00pm Deadline to submit application and required documents for first application review.

    01/03/2022 – 5:00pm Deadline to submit application and required documents for next application review.

    Based on the information provided in the application documents, the qualified applicants may be invited for further examination and will either be pre-scheduled by the Department of Human Resources or be invited to self-schedule. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of an initial application screening, a mandatory information meeting, a supplemental questionnaire assessment, a written and/or practical exam, an oral board exam, or any combination listed. Responses to supplemental questions may be used as screening and testing mechanisms and will be used to assess an applicant’s ability to advance in the process; as such, responses to supplemental questions should be treated as test examination responses. Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

    A minimum score of 70% is required to continue in the selection process, unless otherwise announced.

    All potential new hires and employees considered for promotion to management, confidential positions or unrepresented positions will be subject to a background and reference check after contingent job offer is accepted.  These provisions are subject to change.

    RETIREES - Solano County invites all qualified candidates to apply for positions; however pursuant to Government Code Section 21221(h) and 21224, hiring restrictions may apply to California Public Sector Pension Plan Retirees.

    HOW TO APPLY

    Please visit the County of Solano website, www.jobsatsolanocounty.com, to apply. Applications must be submitted through the JobAps system. Paper copies of applications are not accepted. All additional application materials as requested in the job announcement (degree/transcripts, certificates, DD-214 if applicable, ADA Accommodation Request) must be submitted with the Document Cover Sheet, available on the employment website: https://jobapscloud.com/Solano/sup/doccover.pdf or at the Department of Human Resources’ office,  and are due by the final filing date.

    Previously submitted application materials (e.g., copies of diploma and/or transcripts, etc.) for prior recruitments will not be applied for this recruitment but must be re-submitted for this recruitment.

    Any further questions can be directed to the Department of Human Resources at (707) 784-6170, business hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EOE/AA.

    Please note that all dates/times listed in the job announcement are Pacific Time.

    DOCUMENT SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

    Public Health Microbiologist (Journey),  - All candidates must submit a copy of the following by the application review date:

    • Public Health Microbiologist certification issued by the California State Department of Health, Laboratory Field Services
    • Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university with a concentration in Microbiology or one of the related life sciences 

    Candidates who fail to submit their certification by the application review date will be disqualified from the recruitment, unless otherwise specified in the job announcement.  

    PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING: Candidates who attended a college or university that is accredited by a foreign or non-U.S. accrediting agency must have their educational units evaluated by an educational evaluation service. The result must be submitted to the Human Resources Department no later than the close of the recruitment.  Please contact the local college or university to learn where this service can be obtained.

    How to Submit Your Documents

    In addition to uploading attachments when applying online, candidates may submit documents by email to recruitment@solanocounty.comBe sure to include the recruitment title (Public Health Microbiologist) and the recruitment number (21-333100-01). If submitting documents by email include the recruitment title and recruitment number in the subject field.

    SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE

    This Supplemental Questionnaire will be used to determine applicants’ qualifications for this position and assess an applicant’s ability to advance in the recruitment process; therefore, applicants are encouraged to answer all questions thoroughly and completely.  Omitted information will not be considered or assumed.  Applicants who have no experience in a specific area are recommended to state "no experience in this area" instead of leaving the space blank.

    Please note that the experience in your answers must be reflected in your employment history.

    Please indicate the position you are applying for: 

      Public Health Microbiologist (Entry)
      Public Health Microbiologist (Journey)
     

    If applying for Public Health Microbiologist (Entry), I acknowledge that if I do not possess a valid Public Health Microbiologist Trainee Certificate issued by the California Department of Public Health - Laboratory Field Services, I agree to apply for the Public Health Microbiologist Trainee Certificate within 3 months of appointment. 

    Yes  No

    SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

    • Incumbents may need a valid California driver’s license.
    • Independent travel may be required.
    • Incumbents must be able to work in an environment that may include exposure to communicable disease.
    • Candidates for employment may be required to sign a statement agreeing to comply with all applicable Sections of the Californian Penal Code relating to child abuse/elder abuse reporting as a condition of employment.

    VETERANS PREFERENCE POINTS

    To be eligible, applicant must have served at least 181 consecutive days of active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States and have received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions.  A COPY OF THE DD 214, SHOWING DISCHARGE TYPE (GENERALLY COPY 4), MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT BY THE APPLICATION REVIEW DATE.  Applicants who have a service connected disability must also submit a recent award letter from the VA stating they are receiving disability benefits for service connected reasons. 

    Veteran applicants for initial County employment with an honorable or general under conditions discharge shall receive five (5) points added to their combined score.  Disabled veterans rated at not less than 30% disability shall have ten (10) points added to their combined score.  Veteran’s preference points will only be added to passing scores in competitive open examinations.

    AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

    It is the policy of Solano County that all employment decisions and personnel policies will be applied equally to all County employees and applicants and be based upon the needs of County service, job related merit, and ability to perform the job.

    APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES:  Qualified individuals with a disability, who are able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, and need an accommodation during any phase of the recruitment/testing/examination process (as detailed in the “Selection Process”), must complete the following Request for Testing Accommodation by Applicants with Disabilities Form: http://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=23215.

    This form must be received in the Human Resources Department by the application review date of the recruitment.  Applicants will be contacted to discuss the specifics of the request.

    SOLANO COUNTY

     

    OUR COMMUNITY

    Solano County is the ideal place to live, learn, work and play… The America's Promise Alliance has named Solano County as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People for six straight years—the only California community with that distinction.

     
    Live – Solano County as well as cities within the County have ranked in the top 15 hottest markets across the country and within the Bay Area due to prime location and affordability. 

    Learn – Higher education abounds! Within the County, education choices include: Solano Community College, CSU Maritime Academy, Brandman University, and Touro University. Bordering our County is the renowned University of California Davis. 

    Work – The blend of agriculture, corporate business and pleasant lifestyle enhance the attraction of Solano County. Blessed with a thriving agricultural economy, the county is also home to biotechnology and other growth industries. 


    Play - Situated midway between San Francisco and Sacramento—the State capitol, Solano County is home to rolling hillsides, waterfronts and fertile farmland. County residents can enjoy day trips to the San Francisco Bay area, Lake Tahoe region and the Napa and Sonoma Valleys.

    The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. 

    County Population (2018): 439,793 

    The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

    SOLANO COUNTY IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER