MICROBIOLOGIST I-III

Full Job Description

Applications are available online beginning Thursday, February 19, 2026 through 11:59 pm, Thursday, March 05, 2026.

Vacancy Information: Currently, there is one Grade III vacancy in the Health and Human Services Department, Laboratory Services Division.

This position supervises Microbiologist I’s and II’s and other laboratory staff and acts as the Technical Supervisor in accordance with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) or the Technical/QA Manager in accordance with the accreditation guidelines by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA).

SALARY INFORMATION:

Grade I - $34.634 - $47.031 Hourly

Grade II - $37.331 - $50.740 Hourly

Grade III - $41.276 - $56.161 Hourly

Requirements

Performs technical procedures for the detection, isolation and identification of infectious disease agents, including emerging pathogens; Performs screening and supplemental tests on blood specimens for detection of sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, hepatitis viruses and other infectious diseases; Performs moderately complex clinical testing including clinical chemistry, toxicology, hematology and blood lead; Examines food and water samples for detection of microbiological pathogens; Performs clinical testing including clinical chemistry, toxicology, hematology and blood lead; Implements and/or performs molecular diagnostic techniques to provide more sensitive and specific results; May perform chemical analysis of environmental samples when required; Validates and interprets scientific laboratory test data, keeps records and prepares routine reports; Enters patient information and test results in automated lab data system and compiles statistics; Utilizes independent action and judgment in resolving equivocal or indeterminate results; Performs quality control and quality assurance procedures; Complies with safety rules and regulations while working in the laboratory; Assists in orientation of new staff members, other department staff and in lab presentations for outreach; Undertakes special training for new procedures and assists in the development of procedure manuals for use by other staff; Performs preventive maintenance procedures on equipment and instruments; Troubleshoots equipment problems using manuals and/or telephone consultations with equipment representatives; for additional examples duties please see the classification specification: Microbiologist I-III.

Qualifications

• A current State of California Public Health Microbiologist Certificate (Proof required*);
• Ability to have normal color vision and normal digital dexterity.

*Proof of required documents, such as degree or transcripts, must be uploaded to the online application at the time of filing.

Any proofs submitted must contain either the applicant's name or other identifying characteristic on the form.

Degrees must indicate the field of study and transcripts must indicate a field of study and degree conferred date.

Candidates who possess degrees from colleges or universities outside the United States must attach proof of educational equivalence at the time of filing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of principles and techniques used in laboratory examination and testing;
• Knowledge of laboratory safety precautions and procedures;
• Knowledge of laboratory processing standards to effectively oversee the work of technical/professional staff and provide feedback for revisions;
• Ability to successfully perform a high volume and wide variety of laboratory tests and manage time effectively; and
• Ability to accurately prepare clear and concise written reports.

Willingness to work overtime, weekend and/or holiday hours and/or during health emergencies as needed.

A valid driver’s license, or the ability to arrange necessary and timely transportation for field travel, may be required for some assignments.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Qualification as a Technical Supervisor in accordance with CLIA; OR
• Qualification as a Technical/QA Manager in accordance with accreditation guidelines by AIHA.

Additional Information

EXAMINATION WEIGHTS:

Application and Supplemental Application......................................................Qualifying

Screening of applicants will be conducted on the basis of application and required supplemental application submitted.

This selection procedure will be conducted using a continuous non-competitive process, which means applications are evaluated solely on training, experience, education, or certification.

All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be placed on an eligible list.

This is a continuous eligible list, which means eligible lists may be established periodically and may expire six months from their effective date.

Applicants may apply only once during a four-month period.

Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications with applications received by March 05, 2026, will be placed on Test #01 established eligible list.

If you have not received notification within two weeks after close of filing, please contact the Human Resources Department at (562) 570-7008.

In accordance with Civil Service Procedure 3.38, all eligible veterans that successfully qualify on any or all open-competitive examinations shall receive an additional credit of ten (10) points that will be added to their original passing score.

Disabled veterans passing the examination shall receive a credit of fifteen (15) points that will be added to their original passing score.

(A copy of the veterans DD-214, Member 4 form indicating honorable discharge must be attached to the application at the time of filing.)

This position is eligible for Local Hiring Preferences and Veterans Preference Points. Learn more about available preferences and eligibility criteria here: www.longbeach.gov/jobs/working-for-the-city/hiring-preferences.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION
The City of Long Beach is committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are. Having our workforce reflect the diversity of our community at various levels of the organization is a continuous goal embraced by our departments, management staff, and policymakers. To support efforts of fairness and diversity, City Leadership is committed to incorporating equity and inclusion into our work by supporting staff and community partners. We are committed to promoting transparency by publishing updated demographic information for employees, including workforce diversity data and pay by race and gender.

The City of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act.

You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer.

If the City of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act

In support of the City's Language Access Policy, bilingual skills (Spanish, Khmer and/or Tagalog) are desirable for some positions interacting with the public.

J.O.B. G08AN-26 MB: BS HR 2/19/2026