Job Information
San Mateo County, CA Public Health Laboratory Assistant II (Open & Promotional) in United States
Public Health Laboratory Assistant II (Open & Promotional)
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Public Health Laboratory Assistant II (Open & Promotional)
Salary
$5,073.47 - $6,342.27 Monthly
Location
San Mateo, CA
Job Type
Regular
Job Number
F156AG
Department
Public Health Policy and Planning
Division
Health Policy and Planning
Opening Date
04/17/2025
Closing Date
5/1/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit
01A
Description
Benefits
Questions
Description
The Public Health Laboratory of San Mateo County Health is seeking a Public Health Laboratory Assistant II to provide assistance to laboratory professionals in the areas of test preparation, performance of specified tests, and preparation of media and reagents. Laboratory Assistants perform duties under close supervision and receive on-the job instruction from the Supervising Public Health Microbiologist, Microbiologists or Laboratory Technicians in all areas of environmental laboratory testing and related duties.
There is currently one regular vacancy in the Public Health, Policy and Planning Division located in San Mateo, CA, but will travel/drive throughout the county to perform duties of the job.
The ideal candidate is experienced working in a Public Health Laboratory; skilled in preparing laboratory specimens for testing; experienced in the practice of universal precautions; knowledgeable of environmental testing; proficient in working with the Orchard Laboratory Information System (LIS) for both environmental and clinical databases; and able to work weekends, evenings and a variety of shifts, as necessary.
NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.
Examples Of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Assist licensed or certified laboratory professionals in the performance of tests, either in a medical laboratory or a public health laboratory setting.
Prepare and stain smears for bacteriological and parasitological examination following prescribed techniques.
Prepare specimens for shipping and maintain accurate records.
Add test reagents to specimen or vice-versa in specified qualitative and semi-quantitative "spot, tablet, or stick" tests.
Prepare clinical specimens for examination using prescribed methods, such as labeling, concentration, centrifugation, decantation, filtration, etc.
Maintain cleanliness in the laboratory work area, stocks of laboratory supplies and appropriate records.
Perform minor clerical duties such as charging lab tests, logging slips, ordering tests in LIS, transcribing results which have been previously recorded, keeping records of temperatures, etc.
Assist in the supervising and training of subordinate personnel.
Perform related duties as assigned.
If assigned to a public health laboratory:
Perform tests on water, and shellfish.
Open animal heads and remove brain in the preparation for examination of rabies.
Operate mechanical and electronic test instruments excluding standardization or calibration of instruments, reading and recording tests not done mechanically and quantitative measurements of samples and reagents.
Inoculate a variety of clinical specimens and other laboratory samples onto appropriate media.
Wash, rinse, dry, distribute, and store glassware such as test tubes, beakers, flasks, etc.
Prepare reagents using prescribed formulas including calculation, weighing, compounding and labeling.
Operate and maintain autoclave, water purification equipment and glassware washer.
Pick up and distribute specimens from hospitals and clinics.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Laboratory methods and techniques used in the preparation of media, reagents, and test.
Infection control principles and practices.
Techniques for disinfecting, sterilizing, and glassware washing.
Operation of laboratory equipment and instruments such as autoclaves, ovens, incubators and centrifuges.
Laboratory safety procedures.
Proper specimen processing procedures; department and hospital safety practices and procedures; patient rights; infection control policies and practices; handling, storage, use and disposal of hazardous materials; department and hospital emergency response policies and procedures.
Skill/Ability to:
Operate laboratory equipment and instruments such as autoclaves, ovens, incubators, and centrifuges accurately and safely.
Make mathematic calculations using simple formulas including percentages and ratios.
Measure liquid and solid materials using graduated glassware and weighing devices.
Comprehend and meticulously follow oral and written procedural and safety instructions contained in standard procedural manuals.
Deal tactfully with the public and co-workers.
Perform venipuncture and finger punctures.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:
- Experience: Two years of experience working in a clinical, public health, environmental, food or other biological laboratory.
Application/Examination
Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Open & Promotional. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score.
The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button above. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Final Filing Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. PST
Application Screening: Week of May 12, 2025
Combined Civil Service Panel & Departmental Interviews: Week of May 26, 2025
About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.
The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.
The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.
Talent Acquisition Contact: Ximena Burns (041725) (Laboratory Assistant - F156)
Please visit www.smcgov.org/media/100151/download?inline= for a complete listing of all benefits for this classification.
Benefits are offered to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. All benefits are subject to change.
As an additional benefit, the County offers extensive training and development programs designed to improve skills and enhance career opportunities. Most programs are offered on County time at no cost to you.
County employees are also covered by the federal Social Security system and earn benefits for retirement based on salary and time worked.
01
IMPORTANT: Applicants for this position are required to submit responses to the supplemental questions below. Your responses will provide detailed information about your background and experience related to this position.
This information will weigh heavily in the application screening by the subject matter experts and will also be used in the selection process.
Answer the questions completely, paying attention to the multi-parts of the questions. While being thorough and detailed, also be concise. Your strategic use of language as well as neatness, clarity of expression, attention to detail, proper use of grammar and the ability to follow instructions will be considered in the evaluation process. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses.
I have read and understand this important information. Proceed to supplemental questions.
02
Describe the experience, training and education that have prepared you for this position, including universal precautions as they relate to Laboratory Assistants in a Public Health Laboratory. Be specific.
03
Describe your experience with specimen processing. Be specific.
04
Describe your experience handling laboratory equipment and providing basic maintenance. Be specific.
Required Question
Employer
County of San Mateo
Address
County of San Mateo Human Resources Department 500 County Center, 4th Floor Redwood City, California, 94063-1663
Phone
(650) 363-4343
Website
https://jobs.smcgov.org
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