Exam Bulletin - PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGIST SPECIALIST (Virology)

Department of Public Health

Exam Code: EX-2829

Examination Plans Included:

  • PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGIST SPECIALIST (VIROLOGY) - Open

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

Classification Details

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

View the PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGIST SPECIALIST (VIROLOGY) 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:

  • 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 (VIROLOGY) - Open

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

Exam Code(s):

    2829

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

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-02829

How To Apply:

To apply for this examination, please complete and return the following:

COPY OF UNOFFICIAL/OFFICIAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS

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
    P.O. Box 997378 MS 1700 – 1702
    Sacramento, CA 95899-7378

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.

00107939 - PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGIST SPECIALIST (VIROLOGY)

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 of experience performing the duties of a Public Health Microbiologist II (Virology) in the

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 including at least two years of virologic experience. [A Master's Degree or

higher degree in Medical Microbiology or Public Health with emphasis in virology or allied disciplines

(e.g., microbiology, epidemiology, administration, biostatistics) may be substituted for one year of

experience.]

It is your responsibility to make sure you meet the education and/or experience requirements stated

on this announcement on the date you submit your application. Your signature on your application

indicates that you have read, understood, and possess the basic qualifications required.

NOTE: Applications must include “to” and “from” dates (month/day/year), time base, job titles and/or

civil service class title(s), and range (if applicable) for all work experience. College course

Information must include title, number of semester or quarter units, name of institution, completion

dates, and degree. Applications received without this information will be rejected. Applicants must

submit a copy of either official or unofficial transcripts along with the application when using education

to meet the entrance requirements for this examination.

Position Description

00107939 - PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGIST SPECIALIST (VIROLOGY)

This is the technical expert of the series. Under general direction, organizes and performs the more

advanced, complex, or innovative virologic 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 virology (immunoserology, viral isolation and identification, AIDS virology,

electron microscopy, and viral pathogenesis, zoonotic and vector-borne diseases) and provides

highly technical consultations and expert testimony in the area of specialty; and does other related

work.

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

Examination Information

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. Principles and practices of bacteriological, virological, mycological, parasitological, serological

and other microbiology to perform daily duties.

2. Techniques, equipment, and terminology used in the laboratory for the detection and identification

of disease agents.

3. Virological and rickettsia pathogens with clinical and public health significance for the detection

and identification of human, zoonotic, and vector-borne pathogens.

4. Methods of disease transmission and epidemiological principles to select proper specimens for

testing.

5. Personal protective equipment and laboratory safety devices required to prevent accidental

exposure to biological materials, infectious agents, chemicals, toxins, etc.

6. Quality control and assurance principles and regulations, as well as their application to laboratory

operations and record keeping in accordance with state and federal regulations.

7. The use and maintenance of laboratory equipment to ensure accuracy and safety.

8. Laboratory safety regulations, principles, and procedures for the identification and control of

chemical and biological hazards.

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

and testing.

10. Patient confidentiality principles and information security practices as required by laboratory

policy, State, and Federal regulation.

11. Basic chemistry, microscopy, immunological, and molecular principles in order to understand and

perform standardized laboratory assays and develop new testing methods.

12. Principles, techniques, and terminology used in immunology to carry out daily duties.

13. The common causes of diseases and methods of transmission and control of communicable

diseases.

14. Laboratory equipment and its care to effectively and accurately perform daily duties.

15. The preparation of chemical reagents, culture media, stains, compounds, and solutions required

in scientific testing.

16. Principles and methods of scientific research, scientific theories, and new, innovative test

methodologies.

Skills to:

1. Make minor modifications or adaptations to established methods, procedures, and/or

techniques to solve problems in the work environment.

2. Work cooperatively and effectively with staff and management to maintain a healthy working

environment.

3. Maintain detailed workbooks/documentation and ensure all documentation fulfills generally

accepted professional/industry standards.

4. Maintain a neat and orderly workspace to maintain health and safety standards.

5. Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions,

conclusions or approaches to problems.

6. Prepare and maintain individual records of daily activities and complete detailed and thorough

work tasks to achieve departmental goals.

Ability to:

1. Perform virological laboratory tests in order to diagnose infections and guide treatment

decisions.

2. Provide technical guidance to lower level staff on various laboratory activities.

3. Keep organized records and make detailed reports regarding virological testing.

4. Analyze situations accurately and take effective action to meet program needs.

5. Observe and practice proper safety precautions and procedures during daily activities.

6. Search scientific literature for new methods and procedures that may be considered for

application or modification for experiments and/or procedures.

7. Elect the appropriate methodology and procedures to meet the experimental or testing

objectives.

8. Follow all department policies and procedures to ensure product integrity and quality control.

9. Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery (e.g. calculator, copy machine, and

computer printer).

10. Effectively and accurately communicate both orally and in writing, with staff, the public, and

local agencies to provide information and direction.

11. Work efficiently, effectively, and cooperatively in a group, independently, and in a team based

environment.

12. Properly practice safety and sterilization procedures to minimize the risk of any hazardous

accidents.

13. Identify microbiological agents utilizing different testing platforms.

14. Develop new or modify existing methods and procedures to stay incompliance with changing

rules and regulations.

15. Plan, direct, and conduct highly technical, difficult, and complex microbiological analyses of

data.

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGIST SPECIALIST (VIROLOGY) 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 in

    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)