Microbiologist 2-5
SUMMARY:
This evolving position is located in the Operations Division with the Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD). The position is responsible for performing laboratory analysis on various specimens and reporting the results.
PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
This is a summary of the duties and responsibilities commonly found within this classification. All employees must maintain a commitment to the OCCHD's mission, vision, and strategic goals. This summary is not meant to be all-inclusive, thus, other related activities or tasks may be assigned.
This position functions at the intermediate level (Tier 2) as defined by the Council on Linkages Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals with a primary focus on the following Domains:
- Data Analytics and Assessment Skills
- Communication Skills
- Health Equity Skills
- Public Health Sciences Skills
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Performing laboratory analysis on various specimens.
- Setting up and utilizing appropriate equipment.
- Conducting various microbiological and chemical laboratory tests.
- Analyzing and interpreting test results.
- Conducting appropriate quality control/assurance procedures.
- Communicating with internal staff information regarding testing and other job-related activities.
- Driving to off-site locations to perform job duties as needed.
- Completes required training in support of duties and responsibilities of this position.
- At the direction of OCCHD Chief Executive Officer and Chief Health Officer or designee, the incumbent will be assigned a variety of specific job duties and responsibilities as a member of the OCCHD Emergency Preparedness and Response Program Team (i.e., Bioterrorism Response Program). Also, as a member of the OCCHD Emergency Preparedness and Response Team, the incumbent is required to complete all necessary responder training and may be designated as a member of the first-responder team.
- In accordance with our designation of a PHAB Accredited health department and explicit commitment to a culture of continuous quality improvement, employees will receive Quality Improvement (QI) training deemed necessary by their supervisor.
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
-Bachelor's or Master's degree in Microbiology, Zoology, Chemistry, or Biology required
-Valid Oklahoma driver license required
LEVEL 2 -One year of related clinical and/or environmental laboratory experience required, pay grade 12, $2095 semi-monthly
LEVEL 3 - Two years of related clinical and/or environmental laboratory experience required, pay grade 13, $2259 semi-monthly
LEVEL 4 - Three years of related clinical and/or environmental laboratory experience required, pay grade 14, $2442 semi-monthly
LEVEL 5 - Four years of related clinical and/or environmental laboratory experience required, pay grade 15, $2636 semi-monthly
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
-Skill in performing laboratory testing
-Skill in utilizing appropriate equipment
-Skill in recording information accurately
-Knowledge of and ability to follow safe working procedures and practices
-Ability to use a personal computer
-Ability and willingness to communicate with persons from diverse backgrounds both orally and in writing using tact and diplomacy
-Ability and willingness to maintain confidentiality
-Ability and willingness to develop and maintain effective working relationships
-Ability and willingness to assume responsibility for work product
-Ability and willingness to follow established policies and procedures
WORKING CONDITIONS:
-Primarily indoors in climate-controlled building
-No smoking or use of non-smoking tobacco products is allowed at any time while conducting OCCHD business or in OCCHD vehicles
-No use of cell phones or the use of electronic wireless communications devices used to write, send or read a text-based communication while driving a motor vehicle on OCCHD business
-Subject to driving to various locations in varying weather to perform job duties
-Frequently required to manipulate materials on a countertop three (3) feet high
-OSHA category: performs tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
-Arm/hand steadiness and finger dexterity enough to operate laboratory equipment and a computer and write notes, reports, etc.
-Vision enough to read text, markings on laboratory equipment, instructions, labels, etc.
-Hearing and speech enough to communicate clearly both in person and via telephone
-Flexibility and coordination enough to operate a motor vehicle as needed
-Flexibility and coordination enough to lift, carry, pull, push and reach while performing laboratory tests
-Flexibility and coordination enough to bend, stoop, stand and walk to perform tasks such as filing and retrieving documents and delivering supplies weighing up to 35 pounds
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
This position requires contact with other employees to give and receive, and/or verify information. The employee may be required to occasionally deal with temperamental people.
SUPERVISION GIVEN AND RECEIVED/ACCOUNTABILITY:
The employee works under the functional guidance of Microbiologist 6 (Senior Microbiologist) and is supervised by the Lab and Safety Administrator. Work product subject to both specific and general review. This employee has no supervisory responsibilities and no direct accountability for budget, money or materials.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
-Will be compliant on recommended immunizations required by the CDC as a healthcare worker and as defined within the scope of Emergency Response within 30 days of hire. Exceptions accepted with documented medical or religious accommodation. OCCHD will provide vaccinations at no charge to employees.
-May be required to work outside of regular business hours or assigned shift hours due to job responsibilities
-Must have an operating vehicle available for use when field duties are required
BENEFITS:
- As an employee of the Oklahoma City-County Health Department, you will enjoy comprehensive benefits which consists of:
- 15 days per year of annual leave
- 15 days per year of sick leave
- 15 paid holidays annually
- A comprehensive health insurance package – medical, dental, vision, life insurance, dependent life insurance, and flexible medical spending account
- A generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents.
- Retirement plans: Defined Contribution Plan and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Interested candidates should apply online at www.occhd.org. Select Careers at the top of the web page, select Current Jobs, select the position you are applying for, and select "apply". You will be directed to our Career Center. Get started by uploading your resume with your profile. Otherwise, click "skip" to continue. The first step is to register with the Career Center, again you will click on apply for an active position. You may search for open positions by name or select "show all positions." You may select "view" to read the details regarding the position. Again, you will click on "apply now". You will be directed to the second step of the application process. Please complete the entire application. Do not substitute a resume for your employment history. You may attach a cover letter, resume, and an official transcript, if applicable. You will save and complete your application. You will be directed to the final step of answering job specific questions, if applicable. Once you have finished the process, you should receive a message stating, "Successfully applied". You will also receive an email stating your application has been received for the position you selected. If you do not receive this message, then there has been a step not completed. You will need to review your record. The position will be open for 30 days or until filled. Please be advised that applications will periodically be considered, as such this position could be filled any time before the closing date.
Successful candidate subject to background check, reference verification and drug screening.
AA/EOE