Exam Bulletin - Public Health Microbiologist Specialist

Department of Public Health

Exam Code: EX-2811

Examination Plans Included:

  • PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGIST SPECIALIST - Open

Final Filing Date: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Classification Details

PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGIST SPECIALIST: $6,916.00 - $9,318.00 per Month

View the PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGIST SPECIALIST classification specification.

Application Instructions

 

Testing is considered continuous as dates can be set at any time. Applications will be reviewed to ensure the minimum requirements for participation in this exam are met. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list.

Once you have taken the examination, you may not retest for 12 months from the established list date. Applications must be submitted by the filing dates indicated below. Applications postmarked, personally delivered, or received via interoffice mail after the final filing date, will be held for the next administration of the exam.

Upcoming Filing Cutoff Dates:

  • 7/8/2024
  • 9/9/2024
  • 11/8/2024

Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) must be received or postmarked by the filing date indicated above. Applications postmarked, personally delivered or received via interoffice mail after the filing date will be processed in the next group.

Who Should Apply:

Persons who meet the minimum qualifications as stated on this announcement may take this competitive examination.

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

  • PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGIST SPECIALIST - Open

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 12 months:

Exam Code(s):

    2811

For PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGIST SPECIALIST, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 12 months:

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-02811

How To Apply:

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

You may apply by mail to:

  • Examination Services Unit
    DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
    Examination Services Unit
    P.O. Box 997378 MS 1700 – 1702
    Sacramento, CA 95899

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678).

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

  • DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
    Examination Services Unit
    1615 Capitol Avenue
    Sacramento, CA 95814
    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678). All applicants must provide proof of identification. Accepted forms of identification are: 1) a photo identification card or 2) two forms of signed identification.

The following items must be submitted with your Examination/Employment Application form. Failure to submit these items may result in rejection of your application.

  • Transcript (Official or Unofficial)
  • Certificate - Valid Public Health Microbiologist's certificate

Special Testing Arrangements:

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

Unless otherwise stated in the Minimum Qualifications, qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated below include more than one pattern and are distinguished as "Either" 1, "or" 2, "or" 3, etc. For example, applicants possessing qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 1 and additional experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 2 may be accepted to an examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.

00107940 - PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGIST SPECIALIST

Possession of a valid Public Health Microbiologist's certificate issued by the California State Department of Health Services (California Department of Public Health). (Applicants who do not possess the required certificate but who are eligible for the examination for certification will be admitted to the examination, but they must secure the certificate before they will be considered eligible for appointment.) AND

Either One

Two years performing the duties of a Public Health Microbiologist II in the California State Department of Health Services (California Department of Public Health).

Or Two

Four years of increasingly responsible experience performing a specialty area of microbiology (i.e., Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology, Parasitology, or Immunology) analyses in a public health or comparable laboratory. [A Master's or higher Degree in Medical Microbiology or Public Health with emphasis in microbiology or allied disciplines (e.g., epidemiology, administration, biostatistics) may be substituted for one year of experience.]

Position Description

00107940 - PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGIST SPECIALIST

This is the technical expert of the series. Under general direction, organizes and performs the more advanced, complex, or innovative analyses requiring independence of action and judgment. With the use of sophisticated laboratory instrumentation and/or advanced techniques, solves unusual scientific problems referred to a reference laboratory, develops innovative methods; originates and evaluates experimental methods; makes interpretive analyses of data obtained; serves as the expert in his/her specialty area of microbiology (parasitology, mycology, anaerobic bacteriology, immunoserology, food microbiology, environmental microbiology); provides highly technical consultations and expert testimony in the area of expertise; and does other related duties.

For information regarding position location(s), please refer to the Eligible List Information section.

Examination Information

The examination will consist of a Qualifications Assessment and is the sole component of the Public Health Microbiologist Specialist examination. To obtain a position on the eligible list, aminimum score of 70% must be received. The Qualifications Assessment is designed to elicit specific information regarding each candidate’s education, training, and experience relative to the testing classification. Responses to the questionnaire will be assessed based on pre-determined rating criteria. The Qualifications Assessment package will be emailed to the applicant in the form of a survey. Please monitor your email account’s SPAM, Junk, Bulk, etc. Folder (s) as the examination email may be filtered depending on your specific account settings.


The Department of Public Health reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service law and rules and all competitors will be notified.

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1WrittenAfter Acceptance100%

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

Knowledge of:

1.Microbiological principles, techniques, equipment, and terminology used in the laboratory for thedetection and identification of disease agents.

2.Quality control procedures applicable to the general field of microbiology.

3.Bacteriological principles, techniques, and terminology.

4.Immunology principles, techniques and terminology.

5.Common causes of diseases and methods of transmission and control of communicablediseases.

6.Scientific reference and information material.

7.Microbiological pathogens and common non-pathogens with clinical, environmental, or publichealth significance.

8.Methods of disease transmission and epidemiological principles.

9.Basic mathematical and statistical methods for data analysis.

10.Scientific terminology and notation to communicate with other scientists and physicians in acommon language.

11.Quality control and quality assurance principles and regulations, as well as its application tolaboratory operations and record keeping in accordance with federal regulations.

12.The use, maintenance, and principle of operations of laboratory equipment used for analyticaltesting and environmental control to assure proper operation and valid laboratory results.

13.Laboratory safety regulations, principles and procedures for the identification and control ofchemical and biological hazards routinely encountered in the public health laboratory.

14.Common computer programs, (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite), to meet program objectives.

15.Laboratory resource materials including current literature to improve laboratory operations and forpreparation of materials for publication. 

16. Disease progression in the human host for the selection and timing of proper specimen collection and testing.

17. Procedures for detection and identification of microbiological disease agents.

18. Patient confidentiality principles and information security practices as required by laboratory policy and federal regulations.

19. Basic chemistry, microscopy, immunological, and molecular principles in order to understand and perform standardized laboratory assays and develop new testing methods.

 

Skills to:

1. Safely perform laboratory operations including work with cultures, diagnostic specimens, pathogenic organisms, and laboratory equipment (such as, biological safety cabinets, sharps and autoclaves), to ensure the safety of the laboratory environment and staff.

2. Recognize and solve problems in performance of test assays, equipment, and data that significantly impact the quality of results to assure high quality laboratory results.

3. Effectively and accurately communicate, both verbally and in writing, with staff, the public, other state and local agencies to provide information and direction.

4. Read and comprehend the scientific literature, directives, manuals, reports, and other job related documents to maintain a suitable knowledge base and enable performance of complex laboratory tasks.

5. Effectively lead a group, including coaching and mentoring, to improve performance, productivity and expertise.

6. Identify project resources and deadlines in order to prioritize work assignments, establish timelines for completion, and to assure that project goals are met.

7. Devise an effective and innovative research protocol for the purpose of evaluating new methods.

8. Design training presentations and/or programs to maximize the effectiveness of employee knowledge and participation.

9. Provide expert advice and assistance to staff and external constituents concerning implementation or application of new and existing policies and procedures.

 

Ability to:

1. Work on multiple projects and assignments simultaneously under pressure from timelines, while maintaining appropriate priorities.

2. Adapt to changes and priorities of work assignments and policies which may impact courses of action for completion of projects and assignments.

3. Communicate verbally in a clear and effective manner with departmental staff and state and local agencies when providing consultation and technical guidance.

4. Interact and collaborate with staff of various job descriptions and backgrounds in order to foster team building and cooperation.

5. Perform varied microbiological laboratory tests efficiently and safely.

6. Maintain, organize, and keep laboratory records.

7. Clearly communicate complex concepts to other scientists for consultation or training.

8. Problem solve and troubleshoot when problems occur in the laboratory.

9. Evaluate effectiveness of training, analyze problems in the laboratory and take appropriate action according to established management policies.

10. Follow written or verbal direction to complete laboratory tasks and assignments, ensure safety, and accomplish laboratory goals and policies.

11. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive issues, including patient and employee information.

12. Critically review scientific literature and assess its potential applications.

13. Represent the department in a professional manner in interaction with the public, scientific community, and legal proceedings.

14. Work at a lead capacity or as part of a team, remaining attentive to ideas, recognizing responsibilities, and actively participating with others to accomplish assignments.

15. Work independently to complete laboratory work, adjust priorities and meet deadlines.

16.Operate and adapt to complex office and laboratory equipment, such as computers, officemachines, microscopes, centrifuges, and balances.

17. Reform varied and specialized microbiology laboratory tests.

18.Provide technical guidance to laboratory staff.

19. Retain records and compare reports.

20.Analyze situations accurately and take effective action.

21.Work cooperatively and effectively with others.

22.Practice proper safety precautions and procedures.

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGIST SPECIALIST Classification will be established for:

  • Department of Public Health

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 24 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of California.

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

  • A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
  • A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

Testing Departments

  • Department of Public Health

Contact Information

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

Department of Public Health
Examination Services Unit
Department of Public Health
1615 Capitol Avenue Suite 73-430
P.O. Box 997378 MS 1700-1702
Sacramento, CA 95899-7378
Phone:

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Drug Free Statement

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State work place. Any applicant for State employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective, because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing civil service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

General Information

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

Department of Public Health reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
In Person (see bulletin for details)
Alternate Application Process

While we recommend that you utilize your CalCareer Account to take advantage of all the tools available, you may choose to apply for this examination without using your account. In this case, print and complete the Exam Application Package Checklist and include it if you submit a hard copy application.

Exam Application Package Checklist

Blank Application Form (STD678)

Accommodation Request (STD679)