Public Health Microbiologist II

Public Health Microbiologist II

Monterey County Health Department's Public Health Bureau is seeking to fill a full-time Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) II position in their Public Health Laboratory. The Public Health Laboratory is part of the Monterey County Health Department (MCHD) which holds a nationally recognized accreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board. The laboratory provides testing services to support MCHD Communicable Disease and Tuberculosis Units, Clinics, Environmental Health, and local hospitals and health care providers in protecting the community from infectious diseases and harmful microbes in food and water.

As of 9/8/2023, the Health Department offers up to a $10,000 signing bonus to candidates hired into regular full-time positions for this classification from this recruitment. The Eligible List established by this recruitment process will be used to fill current and future vacancies, both regular and temporary, as they arise. This classification is part of a flexible series. Incumbents appointed at the lower level of the career series may be promoted up to the higher level of the career series subject to their meeting the employment standards for the higher class and a recommendation for their promotion by the appointing authority in accordance with the Flexible Staffing Program and Guidelines.

The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses and awards veterans' preference points for this recruitment. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and the process, be sure to read the Hiring Preference for Veterans and Eligible Military Spouses section located towards the end of this job flyer.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Working knowledge of bacteriological, serological, mycological, parasitological, and other microbiological principles, used in the laboratory for detection and identification of disease agents. Chemical principles and techniques used in the examination of body fluids, foods, dairy products, water and air. Proper laboratory safety precautions and procedures. Some knowledge of methods of transmissions, causes, and control of communicable diseases. Skill and ability to operate and care for laboratory equipment.

Perform a variety of laboratory tests and examinations. Keep records and prepare clear and concise written reports on examinations performed. Establish and maintain effective working relations with those contacted through the course of work.

Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:
Six months to a year of experience performing a full range of laboratory testing duties in a Public Health laboratory comparable to the class of Public Health Microbiologist I with Monterey County.

Conditions of employment include successfully completing a background check to include fingerprinting. Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver's license or the ability to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority. Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency. Possession of a valid Public Health Microbiologist certificate issued by the California State Health Department is required for positions in this class.

The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the Bargaining Unit H Benefit Summary Sheet. This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.

Notes:
As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions. Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9.

If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.

Apply on-line at  by the final filing date of Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM (PST) or Hard copy applications may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM by contacting:
Monterey County Health Department Attn:
Human Resources Division 1270 Natividad Road Salinas, CA 93906. Phone:  Fax: .