Salary: $22.86 - $29.34 Hourly
Location : Eureka, CA
Job Type: Extra-help
Job Number: 25-00106
Department: Department of Health and Human Services
Division: 435 - Public Health Laboratory
Opening Date: 11/17/2025
Closing Date: 12/1/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

DEFINITION

Please note: This is for a non-benefited, grant funded, Extra-Help assignment in DHHS Public Health.
*EXTRA-HELP* PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGIST TRAINEE

Department of Health & Human Services
Are you interested in making a difference? If so, please consider joining our dedicated team!
Please note: This position requires a current Public Health Microbiologist Trainee Certification issued by California Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services (CDPH LFS). You can find more information here:
Job Highlights:
This position is responsible for a variety of duties, including:

Performs bacteriological, biological, parasitological, toxicological, molecular and serological tests and analyses.
Performs tests on environmental health samples, such as water, wastewater and food.
Travels to and attends formal microbiologist training programs as necessary.

Work Location:
This position is located at 259 I St. Eureka, CA. There will also be required on-site training at the CDPH Lab in Richmond, CA.
There will be required travel to and from Eureka, CA to Richmond, CA.
A typical work schedule for this position is M - F; 8AM - 5PM
DEFINITION

Under close supervision, gains work experience and learns to perform microbiologist and related public health laboratory examinations in order to attain certification as a Public Health Microbiologist from the California Department of Health Services; develops skills in specimen processing, test performance, and test results reporting on clinical and environmental specimens with increasing independence; performs related work as assigned or required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the trainee level position in this professional series. The purpose of this position is to provide the practical experience necessary for certification as a Public Health Microbiologist to candidates with the proper academic qualifications. Under close supervision, incumbents conduct and interpret microbiological and other analytical tests while fulfilling the training requirements for certification as a Public Health Microbiologist established by the California State Department of Health Services. This class is distinguished from Public Health Microbiologist I in that the latter has certification from the State of California as a Public Health Microbiologist and fully competent to perform a broad range of microbiologist duties. Public Health Microbiologist Trainee incumbents may advance to Public Health Microbiologist I once they have attained the required certification.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Examines clinical specimens for the presence of pathogens.
Performs bacteriological, biological, parasitological, toxicological, molecular and serological tests and analyses.
Performs tests and examinations for a variety of communicable diseases including HIV, tuberculosis, diphtheria and gonorrhea.
Performs tests on environmental health samples, such as water, wastewater and food.
Performs general tests on submitted cultures for the identification of bacteria.
Performs laboratory quality control tests on media and reagents used in laboratory testing; maintains quality assurance standards.
Travels to and attends formal microbiologist training programs as necessary.
Operates and maintains a variety of laboratory equipment; troubleshoots operating problems and makes adjustments.
Maintains detailed records of laboratory testing and prepares written reports as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

Principles, practices and procedures of clinical laboratory operations including chemistry, microbiology, serology, mycology and parasitology.
Medical terminology and concepts.
Principles and practices of laboratory quality control, statistical measurements, and evaluation.
Operation and minor maintenance of a wide variety of laboratory equipment used in the work.
Computer applications related to laboratory support and recordkeeping.
Clinical procedures and recordkeeping requirements.
Safety precautions and safe work methods related to the work.

Skill in:

Performing a wide variety of laboratory tests and procedures.
Operating and maintaining complex laboratory equipment.
Developing and implementing test procedures to isolate and identify pathogens.
Maintaining quality control in performing laboratory work.
Preparing and maintaining accurate records of work performed.
Observing safety practices related to the work.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Other Requirements:

Must be willing to work with infectious material, including the AIDS virus.
May be required to be immunized against various communicable diseases, including rabies.
Must possess a letter of approval as a Public Health Microbiologist Trainee issued by the California State Department of Health Services.
Must be willing to travel out of the local area for extended periods for training purposes.
Must be able to obtain certification from the California State Department of Health Services as a Public Health Microbiologist within two years from date of hire.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County's automated application system at [click to reveal website link].

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.
SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

You should allow 30 - 45 minutes to fill out your application.

Can I change my application after submitting it?

No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at [click to reveal phone number]707-476-2349 or [click to reveal email address]personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us.

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways - oftentimes, outside of formal institutions - and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant's qualifications for a position.

If you're excited about this role but your past work experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at [click to reveal phone number](707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.
OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.
LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver's license.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County's intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.
Please Note: Extra Help positions are non-benefitted but may be eligible to purchase health insurance upon meeting the hours worked requirement under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

RETIREMENT
The County of Humboldt participates in the CalPERS, with both the County and the employee making contributions toward the employee's retirement.

CalPERS Retirement Program:

Tier I - Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7% @ 55
Tier II - Post 7/6/2012: 2% @ 55
Tier III - Post 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62

Please note that these are the tiers available at the County of Humboldt. Tier determination is made by CalPERS. Please reach out to Personnel if you have questions regarding tier placement.

COMPREHESIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE
Our generous benefits package includes:

Health Insurance
- Medical: Multiple plan options available through CalPERS
- County covers majority of employee premium and contributes to dependent coverage
Additional Insurance Coverage
- Dental: Full premium coverage for employees and all dependents
- Vision: Full premium coverage for employees and eligible dependents
County-Provided Benefits
- Life Insurance
- Longevity Pay
- Educational Reimbursement
- Deferred Compensation
- Employee Assistance Program
- Bus Pass Program

Optional Benefits
Employees may elect to purchase additional coverage including:

Supplemental Life Insurance with guaranteed issuance period at time of hire
Flexible Spending Accounts

VACATION
1 - 3 completed years of service = 12 days (192-hour cap)
4 - 10 completed years of service = 15 days (240-hour cap)
11 - 15 completed years of service = 20 days (320-hour cap)
16 - 20 completed years of service = 25 days (400-hour cap)
21+ completed years of service = 30 days (480-hour cap)

HOLIDAYS
Employees earn 15 paid holidays per year (specific dates as defined in their specific Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)), including 2 personal holidays.

SICK LEAVE
Employees earn 12 sick days per year with an unlimited cap on sick day accumulation.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS
The County is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer.

INCENTIVE PAY
County employees may be eligible for additional incentive pay, such as on-call pay, shift differential pay, locked facility pay, or annual uniform allowance, as defined in their specific MOU.
Please visit the County of Humboldt Human Resources website at for more information on benefits, labor agreements, and job opportunities.
01

This position requires that the incumbent be willing to work with infectious material and may be required to be immunized against various communicable diseases. Please acknowledge that you understand this requirement.

02

This position requires a letter of approval as a Public Health Microbiologist Trainee issued by the State. Do you have a current Public Health Microbiologist Trainee Certification issued by California Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services (CDPH LFS)?

03

If you answered yes to the above question, have you uploaded proof of your Public Health Microbiologist Trainee Certification with your application?

04

This position requires that the incumbent be able to obtain certification from the California State Department of Health Services as a Public Health Microbiologist within two years from date of hire. Please acknowledge that you understand this requirement.

05

This position requires that the incumbent be willing to travel out of the local area for extended periods for training purposes. While this position does not require a driver's license, there will be required travel to/from Eureka, CA to Richmond CA. Please acknowledge that you understand this requirement.

06

This position will require you to attend a six-month training in Richmond, California. Training is projected from January 2026 through July 2026. Please acknowledge that you understand this requirement.

07

Financial assistance may be available. Following an oral examination, you will have an opportunity to speak with the hiring authority regarding any questions you may have. Please acknowledge that you have read and that you understand.

08

Any other coursework, training or experience you would like to add that directly relates to this position.
Required Question

Extra-Help Public Health Microbiologist Trainee