Laboratory Technician

The Job

The Department of Public Health (DPH) is recruiting for Laboratory Technicians to support operations in the Public Health Laboratory. Laboratory Technicians perform routine laboratory tests used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and, under direction, conduct molecular and standardized bacteriological tests on milk products, wastewater, and other environmental samples. Responsibilities include receiving and labeling clinical specimens such as stool, blood, urine, sputum, and animal tissue, as well as environmental samples including food, vector control, and wastewater. Incumbents enter data into the laboratory information system, prepare and process samples according to standardized procedures, and prepare sterile solutions, stains, and slides for examination. Additional duties include performing test procedures on milk products in accordance with state and federal standards, participating in state proficiency programs, conducting molecular tests on wastewater samples to detect pathogens, and maintaining accurate records to support quality control. Laboratory Technicians also assist with corrective action reports related to test quality control failures, set up equipment for specimen examination, and perform preventive maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment with appropriate documentation.

Work Location: The San Bernardino County Public Health Laboratory is located in Ontario, CA. Candidates must indicate their availability in the supplemental questionnaire. Work Schedule: The position is Monday through Friday 8AM to 5PM with the possibility of call-back for urgent lab testing. Positions in DPH are designated Disaster Service Workers and may be scheduled to work after-hours, weekends and holidays to cover emergency response. Working Conditions: Incumbents are routinely exposed to dangerous chemicals and infectious materials. Pre-Employment Process: Prior to appointment, applicants must pass a background investigation which includes verification of employment history and education, fingerprinting, physical exam, and drug screening. Sponsorship: San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require Visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future. Candidates must be able to present their legal right to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet one (1) of the following options:

Option 1 - Education: Thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter units of completed college coursework from an accredited college or university, in biology, chemistry, laboratory science, molecular biology; or a closely related field. A list of completed college coursework must be attached with the application, if the candidate does not possess an Associate degree or higher.

Option 2 - Certification: Certificate of proficiency in dairy bacteriology and laboratory procedures relating to milk analysis issued by the California State Department of Food and Agriculture. The certificate must be attached to your application for consideration.

Option 3 - Experience: One (1) year of full-time equivalent experience receiving, preparing, and processing specimens in a clinical, public health, commercial food or environmental laboratory setting.

Desired Qualifications

Laboratory work experience in a food, environmental or molecular biology environment is highly desirable.

Selection Process

There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on a review of the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire. It is to your advantage to be explicit in your responses on the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire. Please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire by 5:00 PM, Friday, July 31, 2026. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaires.

To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the filing deadline. Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note: if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application.

If you need technical assistance, follow this link to review the Government Jobs online application guide or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by your internet connection, computer, or browser when submitting an application.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) / Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants.

ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and need accommodations during the testing process, please submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form (Download PDF) (Download PDF reader) within one week of the recruitment filing deadline.

Veterans' Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouses or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Policy.

For more important details, review the Applicant Information and County Employment Process.