Orange County Public Health Laboratory
Job Title: Public Health Microbiologist II
Department: Health Care Agency
Open date: April12, 2024
Application Deadline: Continuous
THE OPPORTUNITY
HCA is recruiting for a Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) II to perform complex 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 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
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will possess the following core competencies:
Technical Knowledge | Technical Experience
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
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