Microbiologist
- Summary
This full-time career service position conducts and interprets microbiological and related laboratory tests for diagnosis of communicable diseases, environmental sanitation, and related research in the Public Health Laboratory.
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE:
As the only jurisdiction in the world named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.
We have a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from vulnerable communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.
To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity- Job Duties
- Conduct and interpret large volumes of microbiological and serological laboratory tests on clinical specimens and environmental samples for pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites, including but not limited to HIV antibody tests, syphilis serology, hepatitis serology, gonorrhea cultures, and nucleic acid amplification tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
- Log in and label specimens, record laboratory test results on worksheets, and enter results into laboratory information system.
- Calibrate instruments and check quality control of reagents and other solutions or materials used in laboratory tests.
- Follow safety requirements and guidelines, recognize potential safety hazards and take corrective action.
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, medical technology, or chemical, physical, or biological science.
- One (1) year laboratory training/experience in microbiology.
- Knowledge of relevant principles and bench-level practices of microbiology and serology.
- Knowledge of procedures and protocols for detection and identification of disease agents.
- Knowledge of common causes of communicable diseases and methods of transmission and control.
- Knowledge of laboratory hazards and safety precautions.
- Knowledge of use and care of laboratory instruments and equipment.
- Knowledge of laboratory principles and applications of Quality Assurance and Quality Control.
- Supplemental Information
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement:
King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.
As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:- submit proof of vaccination, or
- have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.
The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive branch, the Assessor's Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff's Office, and the Executive Office.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer:
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply:
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
Application Process:
The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:- An electronic application through www.kingcounty.gov/jobs or www.governmentjobs.com (use the "Apply" link) including work history and position duties.
- Responses to supplemental questions.
- The selection process may include but is not limited to: evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing. For more information on our selection process, please refer to www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring.
- Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
- Staff may be required to play an active role in the event of a public health emergency, which may include changes in responsibilities, work location, and working hours.
- The selected candidate will be required to submit to a thorough background investigation.
- The selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment physical
- Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
- Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing required training on time.
Work Location: This position is located at Harborview Medical Center, 325 9th Ave, Seattle, WA.
Union Affiliation: This position is represented by the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, Local 17.
Contact:
If you have questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Sarah Dunkinson, sdunkinson@kingcounty.gov.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite gyms and activity centers
- Employee giving program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
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01Do you possess a Bachelor's degree in microbiology, medical technology, or chemical, physical, or biological science, and one year laboratory training/experience in microbiology?
- Yes
- No
02If you answered no to question #1 please describe any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides you with the skills, knowledge, and abilities required to perform this work.03Do you have demonstrated experience conducting and interpreting microbiological and serological laboratory tests on clinical specimens and environmental samples for pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites?- Yes
- No
04If you answered yes to question #2, please describe your experience with conducting and interpreting microbiological and serological laboratory tests. Include in your response where your experience was acquired, length of experience, the type of specimens and environmental samples you worked with, and your role or level of responsibility. If you answered no, put N/A.05Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?- Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
- No.
06If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoffRequired Question