Public Health Microbiologist I - Public Health Laboratory

Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Department: Health
Division: Public Health
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.
Makes laboratory examinations and control tests including hematological, chemical, bacteriological, and parasitological test to determine the absence of presence in the culture of disease or abnormal conditions.
Analyzes and interprets laboratory data; To view the complete , please visit the Monterey County website:
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.
Operate and care for laboratory equipment.
Perform a variety of laboratory tests and examinations.
Examples of Experience/Education/Training
Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. 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.

Successfully complete 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.
Pursuant to Title 17, Section 1079 of the California Administrative Code, possession of a valid Public Health Microbiologist certificate issued by the California State Health Department is required for positions in this class.
Please visit our website to view the 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.
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.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCEDURES:

by the final filing date of Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM (PST)
Hard copy applications may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours,
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM by contacting:
Phone: [click to reveal phone number]View phone number on us.fitly.work Fax: [click to reveal phone number]View phone number on us.fitly.work
To assess applicants' possession of required qualifications, the examination process may include an oral examination, pre-examination exercises, performance examination, and/or written examination. The competitive examination process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application package will include:
A completed County of Monterey Employment Application
Applicants who fail to provide all required materials by the final filing deadline will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. HIRING PREFERENCE FOR VETERANS AND ELIGIBLE MILITARY SPOUSES:
The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses (i.e., surviving spouses of veterans, spouses of totally disabled veterans, and spouses of active-duty service members) and awards veterans' preference points for this recruitment. To obtain a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application, please visit the Human Resources website or click on the following link:
To apply for veterans' preference points, veterans or eligible military spouses must complete and email a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application with supporting documentation of their eligibility by the final filing deadline of Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM (PST) to
The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. Monterey County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Priscilla Herrera, Human Resources Analyst II, at [click to reveal phone number]View phone number on us.fitly.work or [click to reveal email address] View email address on us.fitly.work response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your responses to the supplemental questions as incomplete. Note: All application materials submitted will be reviewed along with your supplemental questions and County of Monterey application.

~ Pursuant to Title 17, Section 1079 of the California Administrative Code, do you possess a valid Public Health Microbiologist certificate issued by the California State Health Department? (A copy of your license/certificate must be submitted with your application)