CDPH - Animal Technician Assistant (LABORATORY ASSISTANT)

California Department of Public Health

Job Title: Animal Technician Assistant (LABORATORY ASSISTANT)

Work Location: Contra Costa County

Job Code: JC-496317

Application deadline: 11/13/2025

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is currently hiring an Animal Technician Assistant (Laboratory Assistant) within our Center for Laboratory Sciences (CLS).

CLS is based on the CDPH Richmond Campus which employs more than 1,200 people. The Richmond Campus is a flat, 29-acre property located in Richmond's Marina Bay. The CLS serves to protect and promote the health of all Californians through innovative and collaborative infectious disease and environmental testing, including provision of investigation and surveillance activities which form the basis of disease response and prevention. The CLS works to bring together emerging scientific capabilities in testing, analytics, and communications reflecting a new level of coordination, support, and leadership for the public health laboratory system at the state, local and national level. In addition, the Center relies on a continuous improvement infrastructure as a core value in developing solutions that emphasize a culture of quality and performance through performance management success.

The deadline to apply is November 13, 2025, at 11:59PM PT. Please reach out to Apply@cdph.ca.gov with any questions.

Responsibilities:

• Perform quality control testing on laboratory animals (e.g., food, bedding, environment, etc.) and process specimens and environmental samples

• Handle and transport equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds (or more with assistance)

• Perform microbial testing on laboratory animals to identify and control infectious agents and prepare non-routine media and reagents

• Consult with the Attending Veterinarian regarding results of these test procedures and carry out recommended corrective action

• Pack and ship animal specimens to contract reference laboratories and may assist in laboratory animal necropsy and injections

• Perform quality assurance tests of media and reagents and maintain stock of quality control organisms using current standard operating procedures

• Read data from finely divided rulings on pipettes, graduated glassware, and measuring instruments, as well as fine print on small labels, as well as color-coded data and subtle color differences from biochemical test systems, instrument read-outs, and color comparators

• Manipulate laboratory materials, instruments, and glassware to make safe, consistently successful aseptic transfers, measurements, and other manipulations involving living organisms

• Use standard written reference books for the preparation of dilutions, calculations, and media formulations; record written data on forms clearly and legibly; and enter accurate electronic data

• Ensure aseptic laboratory equipment by cleaning and disinfecting animal cages and operate automated cage washing and sterilization equipment

At CDPH, equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.

New to State Service? The following steps will navigate you through the application process:

1. Create a CalCareer account by going to https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Login.aspx.

2. Confirm that you meet the minimum qualifications for the position you are wanting to apply for. A link to view minimum qualifications is listed on each job posting.

3. After confirming that you meet the minimum qualifications, take, and pass the corresponding examination. Most exams are available online and can be found on CalCareers under the Exam/Assessment Search tab. Please note, while candidates are welcome to apply to positions without taking the examination, candidates must pass the examination prior to appointment. Please review the minimum qualifications thoroughly, prior to beginning the examination.

4. Apply! Follow all directions and be sure to submit all requested documentation.
   

For more details on how to apply click here - Animal Technician Assistant (LABORATORY ASSISTANT)