Laboratory Technician I/II - Public Health

• Cleaning and sterilization of glassware and Preparing laboratory testing media
• Maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Processing specimens for clinical testing and assist in or perform biological and chemical examinations
• Processing specimens for clinical testing
• Performing office support duties and courier duties

Management reserves the right to add modify change or rescind the work assignment of different positions.

• Performs maintenance and quality control of laboratory equipment apparatus and facilities in support of the Public Health Laboratory; sets up dismantles and maintains apparatus and equipment used in the examination of specimens.
• Performs preparatory procedures for clinical samples related to bacteriological biochemical and related examinations of a paraprofessional nature which require limited scientific judgment and measurement.
• Cleans and sterilizes glassware; measures evaluates and records operating temperatures of diagnostic refrigeration and incubation equipment; cleans and defrosts refrigerators and freezers; cleans incubators.
• Prepares media for specimen examination; conducts quality control of examination media equipment and apparatus.
• Maintains the laboratory by monitoring and maintaining reagent supply and specimen inventory and disposal of hazardous waste such as biohazard waste rabies waste sharps containers and broken glass.
• Monitors expiration dates of media and other laboratory supplies; properly disposes of old or outdated media.
• Prepares bacteriological media prepares dilution of specimens and inoculates media.
• Performs a variety of standardized environmental and CLIA waived testing including but not limited to water shellfish and blood lead level testing.
• Operates a variety of laboratory equipment including autoclaves pH meters centrifuges incubators refrigerators and pipetting equipment.
• Performs courier duties including driving to local clinics and hospitals to deliver laboratory reports and pick up specimens.
• Prepares handles and disperses laboratory specimens including centrifuging aliquoting incubating refrigeration preservation and determining the location of testing.
• Logs in specimens and enters data in the laboratory information management system; maintains accurate records of all laboratory tests physician orders and referral tests; coordinates and tracks follow-up for specimen results.
• Performs general administrative support duties such as answering phones data entry filing photocopying collating sorting and distributing laboratory reports.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge and ability required.
Some duties knowledge skills and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

Knowledge of:

• Fundamental principles practices and procedures used in environmental and clinical laboratory testing including the preparation of common media reagents and other solutions.
• Standard laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Sanitation and safety practices in the handling of laboratory equipment and the handling and testing of laboratory samples.
• Procedures and techniques of cleaning sterilizing and maintaining laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• Safety precautions and safe work methods related to a public health laboratory.
• Applicable federal state and local laws regulations and ordinances related to the work.
• Modern office practices methods and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• Fundamental business mathematics and statistical techniques.
• Record keeping principles and practices.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public vendors contractors and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words rules of composition and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program project and task coordination including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

• Perform standard laboratory procedures in accordance with applicable policies procedures and safety practices.
• Properly use and maintain laboratory equipment apparatus and facilities.
• Prepare culture media reagents and laboratory supplies.
• Maintain accurate records of work performed.
• Prepare clear and concise reports correspondence policies procedures and other written materials.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.
• Effectively use computer systems software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish maintain and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Must possess a valid US drivers license upon date of application. Must obtain California drivers license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard laboratory setting;
• Use standard office and laboratory equipment including a computer and medical equipment and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various County and meeting sites;
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office and laboratory equipment.
• Positions in this classification frequently bend stoop kneel and reach to perform assigned duties as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.
• Employees must possess the ability to lift carry push and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds with the use of proper equipment.

• Employees work in a laboratory environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions; and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Employees may be exposed to blood body fluids bloodborne pathogens Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSATs) and hazardous physical substances odors and fumes in the performance of their assigned duties.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

A complete original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for.Applicants must apply online through the Countys automated application system at must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received the selection process may consist of additional application screening written and/or practical exam(s) oral interview or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application

Can I change my application after submitting it

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse inclusive and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC Disabled Persons Veterans LGBTQIA community members etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the recognition of these structural and systemic factors the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways oftentimes outside of formal institutions and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicants qualifications for a position.

If youre excited about this role but your past work experience doesnt align perfectly with every qualification in the job description we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs activities and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation please contact Human Resources immediately at so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race religion or religious creed color age sex sexual orientation national origin ancestry marital status medical condition mental or physical disability military service or any other classification protected by federal state or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California drivers license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the Countys intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.