Santa Clara County Public Health Lab
DEFINITION:
Under supervision, to perform microbiological, chemical and similar biological tests in a public health laboratory.
TYPICAL TASKS:
Makes microbiological examinations for the detection and identification of microbial and viral agents for the purpose of assisting in the detection, definition and control of diseases;
Makes microbiological and chemical examinations of daily products, food, water and other substances of importance to environmental sanitation;
Makes serological and biochemical examinations to assist in the detection, definition and control of disease;
Makes examinations for bacterial toxins or other toxic substances;
Performs hematological and chemical examinations on blood and other body fluids;
Assists in the collection and analyzing of laboratory data;
Completes records and makes reports;
May prepare difficult culture media, stains, and reagents for diagnostic and biological examinations;
Maintain proper safety precautions and procedures;
May assist in the training of students;
May assist in laboratory research by performing varied and specialized examinations using new procedures and apparatus;
Performs related work as required.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
Possession of valid certificate as a public health microbiologist issued by the State of California Department of Public Health. Possession of a California Certificate as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist is desirable.
Knowledge of:
The microbiological principles, techniques, equipment, and terminology used in the laboratory diagnosis of disease;
The chemical and bacteriological principles, techniques and terminology used in the examination of body fluids, foods and water; the common causes of disease and of the methods of transmission and control of communicable disease, general quality control procedures applicable to the general field of microbiology;
General knowledge of available scientific resource material. Ability to:
Keep records and make reports;
Perform public health laboratory tests skillfully;
Work cooperatively and effectively with others;
Analyze situations accurately and take appropriate action;
Observe safety precautions and procedures.
Please contact Brandon.Bonin@PHD.SCCGOV.ORG for additional details.