Salary : $5,598.34 - $6,690.54 Monthly
Location : 1800 Mt. Vernon Ave., Bakersfield, CA
Job Type: Full time
Job Number: 10168
Department: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Opening Date: 10/06/2026
Closing Date: 10/12/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Position Information
This is a Department Promotional Examination and is open only to eligible employees of the Department of Public Health.

EXAMINATION SCHEDULE:

Written Exam: will be conducted on October 23, 2026

Examinations:Written Exam (Weight 100%): Will be conducted for the purpose of assessing the applicant's knowledge of current laboratory principles, methods and techniques; knowledge of the use and care of laboratory equipment; knowledge of methods to control personal contamination and infection which may derive from substances being tested; ability to correctly perform a variety of laboratory tests and do laboratory diagnostic work; ability to accurately read and record results of laboratory tests; ability to work with a variety of media under carefully controlled conditions; ability to establish and maintain cooperative and productive work relationships with departmental employees and other governmental representatives; ability to prevent harm to self and others by maintaining a safe working environment; ability to recognize and maintain confidential information; ability to keep accurate records and prepare reports.

The Human Resources Division may solely conduct an appraisal of application materials should there be an insufficient number of candidates to warrant a written examination.

Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the examination process.

Examination components for promotional testing will be administered during the scheduled date(s)/time(s)/location(s) without exception.

Minimum Qualifications / Employment Standards:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in Microbiology or equivalent related major and approval for entrance into a Microbiologist training program by the State of California, Department of Public Health.

Incumbents may be exposed to pathogenic organisms, acids and caustic or volatile chemicals, and must be willing to work with AIDS virus. Incumbents must be willing to be immunized against various communicable diseases, including rabies, in order to handle specimens.

Please ensure applicable materials are attached to your application. If you are unable to attach application materials to your application, you may deliver a copy to the Human Resources Division at 1115 Truxtun Ave. First Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301 or fax to (661) 868-3928.

Full job description
About Kern County

Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county.

To learn more about Kern County, click or follow us:
Growth Mindset
We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work. We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities for career growth.

Additional Information

Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date.

A background check may be conducted for this classification.

This examination will establish an eligible list from which immediate appointment(s) will be made. Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed. Successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of twelve-months, unless specified otherwise by the Civil Service Commission.

For more information regarding Kern County's recruitment process, please see our
Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Kern County Employee Benefits

*As a regular or provisional employee of Kern County, working twenty (20) hours or more per week, you are presently eligible for the following benefits as described below:

: (Medical/Dental/Vision): Kern County offers five affordable medical options. Kern Legacy Health Plans are medical and prescription health plan options administered directly by the County of Kern. Kaiser Permanente is also an option. Employees may also choose from two dental plans; Liberty Dental PPO or HMO. The vision coverage is provided through Vision Service Plan (VSP).

: Kern County Employees' Retirement Association (KCERA). This Section 401 (a) defined benefit retirement plan requires employer and employee contribution and pays retired employees a pension based on salary, years of service, and age upon retirement.

: This section 457 plan allows employees to contribute on a pre-tax basis to a supplemental retirement account which is then paid out to them when they retire.

Note: Both Kern County and the employee contribute to Social Security and Medicare as follows:

The County of Kern withholds 6.2% for Social Security (FICA1) and 1.45% for Medicare (FICA2) from employee's payroll warrants
The County matches the employee's 6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare

: EAP is available to help you take control of your life!

: Chimienti & Associates (Administrator) offers the following voluntary benefits and can be deducted on a pre-tax bases: Short Term Disability Coverage, Accident Plan, Cancer Plan and a Flexible Spending Account.

Paid Holiday Leave: 12 set days (per calendar year)
01

I have attached a copy of my degree or official or unofficial transcripts demonstrating that I have graduated from an accredited college or university with a major in Microbiology or equivalent related major.

I have attached a copy of my letter from the California Department of Public Health demonstrating that I have been approved for entrance into a Microbiologist training program.

I have successfully completed my initial 6 or 12 month probationary period as an employee of Kern County (temporary and extra help time is not qualifying). A "no" response is disqualifying - refer to Civil Service Rule 903.00

I had an overall rating of Standard or better on my last performance appraisal. A "no" response is disqualifying - refer to Civil Service Rule 903.00.

Have you for any reason separated from County employment (layoff, voluntary or involuntary resignation) and gained re-employment within the last six months? A "yes" response is disqualifying - refer to Civil Service Rule 903.00 and County Ordinance 3.08.140 A & B.

I understand that this is a competitive examination. I agree that I will not discuss the content or nature of any component for this examination, in general or specific terms, with anyone until the examination process is completed for all candidates.

I understand the unauthorized disclosure of examination material is a violation of Civil Service Rules and can result in my disqualification, by the Civil Service Commission, from this examination and future examinations with the County of Kern.

I was appointed to my present classification and level on (Date):
Required Question

Microbiologist-Trainee - Department Promotional - Public Health

Microbiologist-Trainee - Department Promotional - Public Health

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