Public Health Microbiologist

Description

Under supervision, to perform microbiological, chemical and similar biological tests in a public health laboratory.

Submission of a valid Public Health Microbiologist license issued by the State of California Department of Public Health is required.

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 license as a Public Health Microbiologist issued by the State of California Department of Public Health. Possession of a California license as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist 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.

• 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.