The County of San Diego is currently accepting applications for

LABORATORY ASSISTANT

Interviews will be held on May 23 , 2024. Job offers will be made on May 31 , 2024.

Future Salary Increase

** July 2024 - 5.7% increase to base pay (2.75% Across-the-Board + 2.95% Market Increase)

The Laboratory Assistant performs a wide variety of laboratory support work in County laboratories. As a Laboratory Assistant, you:

Perform work following laboratory safety practices
May perform animal dissections and remove brain tissue from rabid animals
Assist microbiologists, veterinary pathologists, plant pathologists or other laboratory personnel in varied laboratory functions
Prepare lab test kits, culture media, stains and reagents
Fill tubes and bottles with specified solutions and apply identification labels
Set up, label, and file microscope slides used for testing
Receive and prepare specimens for study and processing utilizing various methods and equipment
Perform lab courier duties picking up specimens and delivering supplies
Computer data entry and accessioning of sample data
Will work with infectious agents and infectious materials
And perform other related duties as required

Click here to review the Laboratory Assistant job description including examples of qualifying education and experience.

The current vacancies are for temporary employment with Public Health Services (PHS). If you wish to be considered for temporary employment in addition to the permanent positions, please ensure you indicate that in the "Agency Questions" section of your application under question #12 . The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in other departments such as the Department of Environmental Health and Quality, the Sheriff's Department, and the Medical Examiner's Office.

To learn more about Public Health Services, see the Strategic Plan: Public Health Services Strategic Plan—2023-24 and 2024-25 .

HIRING PROCESS & TIMELINE:
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below. Please note that dates are approximate and are dependent upon the successful completion of each step of the process.

Job Offer and Background Process begins June 1, 2024
Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of background or other mutually agreed upon date

If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

One (1) year of work experience as a laboratory aide/assistant in a clinical, public health or veterinary laboratory performing the following tasks: collecting, inspecting, preparing, wrapping, distributing, washing, drying, and sterilizing laboratory glassware, instruments, syringes, and needles; operating autoclaves, ovens and glassware washers; and filing, labeling and distributing media and regents containers; OR,
Completion of at least one (1) year college level coursework which includes biology I/II, or chemistry I/II classes from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency and must have included laboratory classes.

The ideal candidate is able to assist microbiologists, veterinarians, or other laboratory personnel in varied laboratory functions, such as driving a County vehicle as courier of lab samples, or preparing lab test kits, culture media, stains and reagents; is able to learn basic equipment operation and maintenance, such as glassware washers, autoclaves, drying ovens, plates pouring machines, pH meters, and media dispensing machines; communicates effectively; is customer-focused and values and respects others; is a continuous learner; values ethical behavior; and is supportive of change.

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age, and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:
As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Note: current County employees may be excluded from this process.

EVALUATION:
Qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application form will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.

Note: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.

Veteran’s Preference Policy The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego.

Military Skills Translator Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help!

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) as well as our commitment to serve everyone, to build a Framework for the Future that will create a County that works for all.

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county , city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset, and our customers are our number one priority.

Laboratory Assistant-24433004

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