Overview
About this Role
All California Department of Public Health (CDPH) employees perform work that is of the utmost importance, where each employee is important in supporting and promoting an environment of equity, diversity, and inclusivity, essential to the delivery of the department’s mission. All employees are valued and should understand that their contributions and the contributions of their team members derive from different cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences, supporting innovations in public health services and programs for California.
Competencies The competencies required for this position are found on the classification specification for the classification noted above. Classification specifications are located on the California Department of Human Resource’s Job Descriptions webpage.
Job Summary
This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by providing public health laboratory testing for the Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Section (FWDS). The Public Health Laboratory Technician (PHLT) I, acting as the Laboratory Support and Testing Technician, assists with routine laboratory tests by receiving and testing environment samples; processing and preparing specimens; prepares complicated media and reagents for specific tests; performs quality control procedures on equipment, media, and reagents; and assists in the performance of all tests.
Key Responsibilities
35% Handle and inoculate animals to detect and identify marine toxins of public health significance. Perform environmental testing on shellfish samples and generate results reviewed and approved by PHM or supervisor. Perform computer data entry for accessing and receiving specimens using laboratory information management systems.
20% Responsible for the movement of equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 lbs. (or more with assistance); clean, measure, divide, and dispense equipment and supplies. Maintain and clean laboratory equipment and perform instrument calibration. Clean and wash laboratory glassware and shellfish equipment. Contact CDPH facilities to schedule minor laboratory or equipment repairs. Schedule equipment preventative maintenance and service visits. Autoclave, disinfect, and dispose of contaminated materials and infectious agents. Work in full compliance with biosafety requirements and federal and state regulatory standards.
20% Prepare reagents and complex media for use in diagnostic testing. Prepare labels and aliquot reagents using pipetting devices and finely graduated glassware. Perform quality control testing on reagents, media, and test kits using standards and characterized control materials. Maintain inventory and monitor expiration dates on test reagents, kits, and media. Maintain laboratory stocks of consumables and glassware. Use and maintain computer databases to manage inventories.
20% Assist with low complexity testing, equipment maintenance and reading of instrument data output. Manipulate laboratory materials, instruments, and glassware to successfully and consistently make aseptic transfers, measurements, and other manipulations involving living organisms. Effectively use small, intricate instruments such as, pipettes, balances, thermometers, and pH meters with skill.
5% Other job-related duties as required.
Qualifications
All employees shall possess the general qualifications, as described in California Code of Regulations Title 2, Section 172, which include, but are not limited to integrity, honesty, dependability, thoroughness, accuracy, good judgment, initiative, resourcefulness, and the ability to work cooperatively with others.
Special Requirements
Conflict of Interest (COI)
Background Check and/or Fingerprinting Clearance
Medical Clearance
Travel:
Bilingual: Pass a State written and/or verbal proficiency exam in
License/Certification:
Other:
About California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
CDPH works to protect the public's health in the Golden State and helps shape positive health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. The Department's programs and services, implemented in collaboration with local health departments and state, federal and private partners, touch the lives of every Californian and visitor to the state 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Our Shared Vision
CDPH public health professionals, researchers, scientists, doctors, nurses, and other staff members have a shared vision to protect and improve the health of all Californians. We are dedicated to public service and passionate about our work and the people and communities we serve and protect.
Diversity Statement
At CDPH, equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.
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