Assistant Public Health Laboratory Director - Project

Position Information

Apply today as our Assistant Public Health Laboratory Director - Project at the Sonoma County Public Health Laboratory, where public service meets scientific excellence!

Starting salary up to $71.07/hour ($148,331/year) and a competitive total compensation package!*
The Department of Health Services is recruiting to fill an Assistant Public Health Laboratory Director - Project position that is currently funded by LabAspire through June 30, 2027.

Please note: P ossession of a valid certificate as a Public Health Microbiologist issued by the California State Department of Public Health is required for this position . In addition, candidates must qualify for the LabAspire Fellowship Program.

About the Position

The Sonoma County Public Health Laboratory (SCPHL) is seeking a qualified and motivated Assistant Public Health Laboratory Director (APHLD) to support the laboratory’s vital public health mission. A LabAspire fellowship at the SCPHL is challenging yet rewarding and will provide the APHLD with many learning opportunities across various disciplines to help prepare the candidate for national board examinations and eventually become a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) qualified public health laboratory director. This position is a unique opportunity for laboratory professionals passionate about quality testing, regulatory compliance, and continuous learning. Duties include:

• Planning, directing, scheduling, and supervising the work of the Public Health Microbiologists and Public Health Laboratory Technicians
• Performing the most complex laboratory tests and providing coverage for the laboratory staff as needed
• Implementing and validating new laboratory assays and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
• Leading laboratory safety initiatives and overseeing quality assurance
• Reviewing quality control records, writing, and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and monitoring proficiency testing programs
• Providing operational oversight and training staff while fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment
• Coordinating daily schedules, testing priorities, and addressing any technical issues day to day
• Work closely with the Laboratory Director to establish and implement strategic and operational goals

As the ideal candidate for this position, you will possess many of the following:

• An interest in continuous learning and professional development
• Expertise in molecular assay development and validation
• Experience with Laboratory Response Network (LRN) protocols
• The ability to build and maintain professional relationships with lab staff, as well as internal and external clients
• A strong desire to foster a collaborative and respectful work environment while delivering high-quality outcomes
• A Doctoral degree in a related subject (desired, not required)

The Public Health Division

The Public Health Division promotes optimal health and quality of life for the people of Sonoma County through service, science, leadership, and community action. We monitor the health of the population, track infectious diseases, provide health care services, educate about disease and injury prevention, assure environmental health and safety, and advance personal and population-based health programs and policies. This Division prioritizes and centers its work around the achievement of health equity and eliminating disparities that result from systemic racism and structural injustices. We envision a future in which every resident of the county, regardless of who they are or where they come from, has the opportunity to thrive.

What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• Staff Development/Wellness Pay - Annual benefit allowances of up to $2,000 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Incentive Retirement Savings Plan (IRSP) and 457 Voluntary Deferred Compensation - 3% of salary County contribution to a 401(a), in addition to the County matching up to 1% of base salary in 401(a), based upon employee contribution
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Salary Resolution (SalRes) and our Employee Benefits Directory .

This recruitment is being conducted to fill an Assistant Public Health Laboratory Director - Project position in the Department of Health Services that is currently funded through June 30, 2027. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.

Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience and Education: Any combination of experience, training, and education that would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed herein. A typical way to qualify is:

Two years of full-time experience as a Public Health Microbiologist or equivalent experience as a Microbiologist in a high-complexity laboratory.

AND

Possession of a doctoral degree in Public Health, Biology, Chemistry, Medicine, or closely related scientific discipline.

License: Possession of a valid Public Health Microbiologist certificate issued by the California Department of Public Health.

Possession of a valid driver’s license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.
The position advertised on this announcement does not require possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Considerable Knowledge of : accepted techniques, methods and procedures for performing bacteriological, serological, mycological, virological, molecular biological, parasitological and other related new diagnostic procedures; chemistry as related to public health work; safety, quality assurance and quality control; current rules, regulations and standards for public health laboratories; and proper safety precautions and procedures issued by OSHA for Blood Borne Pathogens (BBP) and Select Agents in Bioterrorism (BT) tests.

Working Knowledge of: the causes, methods of transmission and control of communicable disease.

Knowledge of: the principles, practices, and techniques of public health administration, organization, and public health laboratory operations; principles and practices of personnel management, employee supervision, and training methods; principles, practices and methods of staff development; and budget and financial analysis.

Ability to: keep accurate records and reports; ensure compliance with applicable regulations; assist with budgetary and revenue-related activities; understand, interpret, and apply procedures, laws, rules, and regulations as they pertain to laboratory functions; read, review, research, and analyze complex rules and regulations; prepare and maintain comprehensive reports and records; provide training to subordinates; establish and maintain effective working relations with laboratory staff, the public, and members of the medical profession; supervise, train, and evaluate staff; communicate ideas clearly and logically both verbally and in writing; understand and accept differences in human behavior; and effectively interact with all populations, such as individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, educational, generational, and/or socio-economic backgrounds.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

• Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
• You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
• You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
• Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.

Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire be completed.

Responses to supplemental questions will be used in assessing minimum qualifications. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%). Each application and supplemental questionnaire will be thoroughly evaluated for satisfaction of minimum qualifications and relevance of educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities that relate to this position. Candidates possessing the most appropriate job-related qualifications will be placed on an employment list and referred to the department for selection interviews.

Additional Information

A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org . Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be received by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: SZ
HR Technician: KK

IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: MANAGEMENT*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:

Paid Time Off :Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.

Health Plan :Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generousCounty contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.

Retirement :Fully integrated with Social Security.For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired .

IRS 457 Plan :Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.

Retiree Medical :County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.

Student Loan Debt Relief :County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.

Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331.Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources/divisions-and-units/employee-relations/labor-agreements-and-salary-resolution . For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900.

*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

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• County of Sonoma

• 707-565-8059

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