What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Health Laboratory Technician - Extra Help position at Shasta County?
ABOUT THE POSITION
Under general supervision, to assist in performing biological and chemical examinations and related technical procedures in a public health laboratory; to operate and maintain basic laboratory equipment; and to perform other work as required.
Extra help positions are hourly employees that may work up to 900 hours in a fiscal year (July 1-June 30). Benefits are not included.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate for this role will be someone interested in pursuing a career in science, who has experience in a laboratory setting, and who is trainable to the functions of a public health laboratory. The ideal candidate will work well with a team to implement standardized processes to ensure smooth, safe laboratory functioning.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Assists professional staff by performing portions of bacteriological, biochemical, or related examination procedures which require minimal scientific judgment and observation; assists microbiologists in preparation of specimens for examination; sets up, dismantles, and maintains apparatus or equipment used in the examination of specimens; maintains incubator and refrigerators' temperatures; cleans and sterilizes glassware; operates equipment for the preparation of specimens; prepares media, reagents, stains, and sterile solutions; maintains stocks of media; may perform standardized examinations of water; performs standardized examinations of milk and milk products when certified; may be responsible to type reports, letters or general communications.
QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education and experience sufficient to directly demonstrate possession and application of the following :
Knowledge of : Basic laboratory methods and procedures; fundamentals of basic science; use and care of laboratory equipment and apparatus.
Ability to : Follow detailed oral and written directions; learn and apply specialized public health techniques accurately and rapidly; keep accurate records; establish and maintain cooperative working relationship.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- completion of course work in biology and physical science. One year of experience in a public health, medical research, clinical or comparable laboratory may be substituted for the required education.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and color vision.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock and explosives. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
The employee will also be exposed to infectious agents, blood-borne pathogens, and other biohazards.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES
Shasta County Personnel will accept applications and responses to the supplemental questions until 5 : 00 p.m., on March 25, 2025. A Resume and / or Cover Letter will be accepted in addition to the application form but will not serve as a substitute for a completed application. It is not acceptable to complete the application with statements such as, “Refer to Resume and / or Cover Letter,” or “See Attached Resume and / or Cover Letter” the employment application must be completed in its entirety prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Closing date postmarks or faxes will NOT be accepted. This recruitment will establish a list that may or may not be used by other departments. Prior applicants must reapply to be considered.
Applicants will be screened and those considered best qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and / or written examination. Meeting the announced 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.
Applicants are encouraged to apply on-line at www.ShastaCountyCareers.com or submit an application to the Shasta County Personnel Office.
Arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities. Requests for accommodations may be made to the Shasta County Personnel Office by the filing deadline posted on this bulletin. Shasta County does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you feel you are being denied service based on a disability, our ADA Coordinator may be reached at (530) 225-5515; relay service (800) 735-2922; fax (530) 225-5345.
Shasta County will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Shasta County is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov / fair-chance-act.
SHASTA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Salary : $19 - $24
