Public Health Microbiologist II - County of Orange

The duties of the PHM II include, but are not limited to:

• Provide high quality, public health laboratory services to clients
• Conduct technical laboratory testing and analysis of a standardized and generally recurring nature using well defined procedures
• Evaluate, validate, and/or verify new laboratory testing methods
• Work with laboratory instruments and equipment including calibration and troubleshooting
• Act as a technical expert for assigned areas and provide consultation to clients
• Train, review, and oversee the work of PHM I(s), Laboratory Assistants, or PHM Trainees

• Advanced knowledge of microbiological and serological concepts, principles, and techniques that can be applied to public health laboratory testing
• Utilizing and training on traditional microbiological and molecular methods to test and analyze communicable disease organisms such as Hepatitis, HIV, Tuberculosis, Salmonella, Gonorrhea, and Influenza
• Applying universal precautions to laboratory hazards associated with laboratory testing
• Understanding and following policies, processes and procedures for the handling of specimens containing agents of concern such as: blood, sputum, stool, and others
• Utilizing the Laboratory Information System at different phases of the testing process
• Conducting different and complex microbiological testing/examination methods and interpreting results for accurate identification of infectious agents
• Operating technical laboratory equipment and performing routine functional checks; adhering to safety rules and precautions 
• Performing, recording, and reviewing quality control activities; following appropriate regulations, policies and procedures; and adhering to quality assurance program guidelines
• Understanding quality improvement and making recommendations for improving processes in the laboratory
• Cross-training in different laboratory testing sections to be able to provide backup testing in the event of a public health incident or emergency

Written & Oral Communication Skills

• Writing standard operating procedures or policies for departmental tests or methods as needed
• Communicating professionally and tactfully with clients when giving/explaining laboratory results and answering technical questions
• Communicating professionally with vendors or sales representatives regarding laboratory supplies or equipment as needed
• Adapting communication style depending on audience (client, peer, management, etc.)

Planning & Organization 

• Planning, organizing, and prioritizing work to meet established deadlines
• Setting objectives and goals to achieve maximum productivity
• Maintaining proper documentation of equipment records
• Developing, utilizing and maintaining effective systems to manage multiple tasks and track information, equipment records, quality controls, business goals, etc.
• Strong attention to detail and monitors and checks work; plans and organizes time and resources efficiently

Leadership | Teamwork 

• Facilitating, motivating, and supporting others to realize common goals
• Constructing positive relationships at all levels based on trust and respect
• Monitoring and sharing opportunities to improved processes and plans
• Helping staff acquire and apply new knowledge, skills and attitudes by explaining, modeling and giving effective examples

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Click here to learn more about the Minimum Qualifications for the Public Health Microbiologist II classification as well as the physical & mental requirements and the environmental conditions.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum and desirable qualifications. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All applicants will be notified via email of their status in the process.

Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.

Application Screening | Application Rating (Refer/Non-Refer)
 Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.

Application Appraisal | HR Review Rating (Weighted 100%): An Application Appraisal conducted by HRS will thoroughly screen and evaluate all application materials for job knowledge, competencies, and related experience described above. Only the most qualified applicants will be placed on the eligible list.   

Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedure listed above may be modified. All applicants will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
 
Eligible List
Once all assessments have been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
 
Please note: The information you provide on your application and/or response to the supplemental questions may be used as a scoring device, so please be thorough and complete in your response. "See Resume" is not a qualifying response and will not be scored in lieu of the required information.