Public Health Microbiologist Ii
Posted on Nov. 27, 2024 by Department Of Public Health
- Cape Town, United States of America
- $6523.0 - $9373.0
- Full Time

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by providing public health laboratory testing to identify and characterize microbial pathogens and support outbreak investigations.
Under the general direction of the Research Scientist Supervisor I (RSSI) (Microbiologist) of the Bacterial Diseases Section (BDS), Reference Bacteriology Unit, the Public Health Microbiologist II (PHM II) assists the Unit Supervisor in planning daily laboratory work; uses specialized conventional and molecular methods, develops and applies complex, non-standardized analyses; contributes to and follows quality assurance procedures; and performs other functions typical of a State reference laboratory such as providing limited technical consultation to local public health and clinical laboratorians, directors, physicians and officials of other State, local, and private agencies. The PHM II is primarily involved in identification and characterization of a variety of bacterial organisms, including drug resistant bacteria (e.g. carbapenem-resistant organisms, CRO), and assists with coordinating specimen send-out to reference laboratories and triage test reports. The incumbent will also provide coverage for CRO and Neisseria gonorrhoeae antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST).
The candidate is expected to have advanced laboratory knowledge and skills to perform the duties of this position, including culture inoculation, use of conventional microbiological methods and bacterial staining techniques, ability to use a pipette, demonstration of good aseptic technique, knowledge and understanding of basic operation of general laboratory equipment, and demonstration of safe laboratory practices when handling infectious / hazardous materials. Work is performed in a Biological Safety Level (BSL)-2 laboratory; demonstration of safe BSL-2 practices is required. For assigned molecular testing responsibilities, including PCR and sequencing, the PHM II must demonstrate good laboratory technique to avoid contamination or other test errors, basic knowledge of molecular methods and troubleshooting, and ability to work with various computer software applications to analyze results.
The incumbent works under the general direction of the Research Scientist Supervisor I (RSSI) (Microbiologist) of the of the Bacterial Diseases Section (BDS), Reference Bacteriology Unit.
Before appointment to this position, you must first obtain list eligibility by taking and passing the Public Health Microbiologist II exam:
Telework Information
This position may be eligible for telework up to three (3) days per week and is required to report in-person to the designated headquarters office location a minimum of two (2) days per week. The amount of telework permitted is at the discretion of the Department and is subject to change, consistent with CDPH’s Telework Program. All employees who telework are required to be California residents in accordance with Government Code 14200. Candidates who reside outside of the state of California may be interviewed; however, the selected candidate must have a primary residency in the state of California prior to appointment (and continue to maintain California residency) as a condition of employment. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the job offer being rescinded.
Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated headquarters office subject to regulations and bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the designated headquarters office will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
The headquarters office location for this position is identified in the attached duty statement.
Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CDPHRecruitment
The salary information listed on this advertisement may not reflect recent salary increases from salary adjustments or changes in the fiscal year.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.- PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGIST II
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details
Department Information
All employees shall possess the general qualifications, as described in California Code of Regulations Title 2, Section 172, which include, but are not limited to integrity, honesty, dependability, thoroughness, accuracy, good judgment, initiative, resourcefulness, and the ability to work cooperatively with others.
This position requires the incumbent to maintain consistent and regular attendance; communicate effectively (orally and in writing) in dealing with the public and/or other employees; develop and maintain knowledge and skill related to specific tasks, methodologies, materials, tools, and equipment; complete assignments in a timely and efficient manner; and adhere to departmental policies and procedures.
All California Department of Public Health (CDPH) employees perform work that is of the utmost importance, where each employee is important in supporting and promoting an environment of equity, diversity, and inclusivity, essential to the delivery of the department's mission. All employees are valued and should understand that their contributions and the contributions of their team members derive from different cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences, supporting innovations in public health services and programs for California.
Special Requirements
A completed State application (STD. 678) and any other relevant documents (e.g. unofficial transcript, copy of degree, resume, etc.) should be submitted electronically via your CalCareers Account. Please reference Job Control # (458401) and indicate the basis of your eligibility in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) section. SROA and surplus candidates should submit a copy of their letter with their application. Please remove any confidential information (i.e. social security number, date of birth) from your documents prior to submission.
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareers Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. Submitting an electronic application through your CalCareers account is strongly recommended since electronic applications will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing. Please submit only one application.
If you are unable to submit your application electronically through your CalCareers account, please email apply@cdph.ca.gov for assistance and a CDPH Human Resources Division staff member will contact you to assist with the online application process or, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method as explained in the How to Apply section below. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 12/30/2024Who May Apply
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is required and must be included.
Desirable Qualifications
- Knowledge of Bacteriological, virological, mycological, parasitological, serological and other microbiological principles, techniques, equipment, and terminology used in the laboratory for the detection and identification of disease agents; quality control procedures applicable to general field of microbiology; bacteriological principles, techniques, and terminology used in the examination of food and water; principles, techniques and terminology used in immunology; the common causes of disease and methods of transmission and control of communicable diseases; laboratory scientific resource material; laboratory scientific resource material; laboratory equipment and its care.
- In-depth knowledge and experience in various areas of public health microbiology, regulations, laboratory testing procedures, reporting, and competency assessment.
- Ability to perform microbiological laboratory tests; do varied and difficult laboratory work; provide technical guidance to assistants; keep records and make reports; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; work cooperatively and effectively with others; observe proper safety precautions and procedures.
- Knowledge and experience in health and laboratory safety, CAL/OSHA, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and standards; and Knowledge of Technical skills in online tools, collaboration, and online training platforms.
- Working knowledge of MS Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Teams), Zoom.
- Knowledge and experience in quality control and quality assurance programs in public health laboratories, including equipment, microbiological media, reagents, and general laboratory operations.
Benefits
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Human Resources Contact:
Human Resources Division
(916) 445-0983
apply@cdph.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Norma Barocio
(510) 890-2423
Norma.Barocio@cdph.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:EEO Office
(916) 445-0938
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
Advertised until:
Dec. 27, 2024
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