Orange County: Public Health Microbiologist II

Orange County Public Health Laboratory

Job Title: Public Health Microbiologist II

Department: Health Care Agency

Application Deadline: 8/26/2025

THE OPPORTUNITY

HCA is recruiting for a Public Health Microbiologist II (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 performing 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 and Oral Communication Skills

• Writing standard operating procedures, evaluation plans, and 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

Click here to see the posting and apply - Public Health Microbiologist II