Extra Help Public Health Microbiologist Trainee

Job Description

The Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA) is currently recruiting for an Extra Help Public Health Microbiologist Trainee.

As extra help positions become available, the Health & Human Services Agency will select the most qualified and appropriate applicant for the position available. The number of hours and duration of employment varies by each assignment. Extra help employees may work in a variety of departments in locations throughout the geographic county area. Extra help employees may not work more than 1,559 hours in any fiscal year from July to June. An extra help employee who mistakenly works in excess of 1,559 hours in a fiscal year does not become a probationary or regular employee.

Applications will be active for six months. If you are hired for extra help and you complete a work assignment and then wish to be employed again, you must resubmit an extra help application online.

There are no benefits associated with extra help positions.

The Extra Help Public Health Microbiologist Trainee will work directly with the Director of Public Health Laboratory and under the direct supervision of certified Public Health Microbiologists to train in the performance of microbiological and related biological and biochemical analyses for the detection and identification of microbial agents in a public health laboratory. Upon successful completion of the program, the trainee will be eligible to take the requisite certification exams to obtain state certification as a Public Health Microbiologist.

Typical Duties

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform varied and specialized serological and immunological examinations to assist in the detection, definition and control of disease.
• Perform specialized serological procedures.
• Assist in technical aspects of laboratory research.
• Consult with other departmental personnel, laboratory personnel in public and private laboratories, and with local health department personnel on technical methods and laboratory results.
• Review current scientific literature as it relates to microbiology.
• Analyze and interpret laboratory data.
• Keep records and write reports.
• Perform quality assurance procedures and monitor results.
• Practice and monitor proper safety procedures.
• Attend technical meetings and training sessions.
• Perform preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• Test for food poisoning.
• Prepare special stains, culture media, and other reagents for diagnostic and biological examinations.
• Determine if cultures and specimens are adequate for testing.
• May consult with physicians and other laboratories regarding problems and test interpretations.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Candidates must meet the qualifications listed below by the application deadline .

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in medical or public health bacteriology, microbiology or closely related field.
• Approval from the State Department of Public Health to perform as a Public Health Microbiologist Trainee in accordance with California Administrative Code Section 1080.

Additional Information

Conditions of Employment

• Candidates selected will be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.

Student Loan Forgiveness

• This is a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007, and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information, you are encouraged to speak with your student loan servicer or visit: http://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation .

**PLEASE NOTE: ONLY COMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED**

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Closing Date/Time: 10/5/2026 5:00 PM Pacific