Orange County: Public Health Microbiologist I

Orange County Public Health Laboratory

Job Title: Public Health Microbiologist I

Department: Health Care Agency

Opening Date: 01/08/2026

Application Deadline: 1/15/2026

THE OPPORTUNITY

Health Care Agency is recruiting for a Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) I to perform standardized microbiological testing in areas such as: bacteriology, mycobacteriology (TB), parasitology, virology and water quality for the detection of communicable disease-causing agents. The incumbents will be critical in maintaining the quality of testing that Orange County Public Health Laboratory provides to a variety of clients and programs.

The duties of the PHM I 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

• Work with laboratory instruments and equipment including calibration and troubleshooting

  
  

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate will be detailed- oriented and an excellent team player who is committed to providing a high level of microbiological testing, analysis and identification. The incumbents will have the ability to follow policies and procedures, adhere to safety rules and precautions, and conduct technical laboratory testing and analysis of a standardized and generally recurring nature using well defined procedures.

In order to be considered for a Public Health Microbiologist I position, candidates must attach a copy of their Public Health Microbiologist certificate issued by the California Department of Public Health to their application.

Technical Knowledge | Technical Experience 

• Knowledge of microbiological and serological concepts, principles, and techniques that can be applied to public health laboratory testing

• Utilizing 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 involving the handling and acceptability of specimens containing agents of concern such as: blood, sputum, stool, urine and others

• Conducting different 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 and recording quality control activities, following appropriate regulations, and adhering to quality assurance program guidelines

• Utilizing the Laboratory Information System at different phases of the testing process

Communication Skills

• Communicating professionally with clients when giving/explaining laboratory results and answering technical questions

Planning & Organization 

• Prioritizing work and meeting established deadline by setting objectives and goals to achieve maximum productivity

• Developing and maintaining effective systems to manage multiple tasks and track information, equipment records, quality controls, etc.

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