The Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), Public Health Services (PHS) is currently accepting applications for
Public Health Microbiologist - Temporary
Interviews and job offers will take place beginning the week of September 21, 2026
Reflecting our commitment to attracting and retaining top talent, candidates selected for this classification are hired at the highest step 5, at the base pay of $107,660.80 within the salary range.
Future Salary Increases:
** June 2027 – 4.6% increase to base pay (3% Across-the- Board + 1.6% Market Adjustment)
This recruitment is for temporary positions only. Temporary assignments can last up to 12 months.
Certified Temporary employees have the option to enroll in medical coverage. Click here for more information.
The Health and Human Services Agency's Public Health Services (PHS), which holds national accreditation for public health services from the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), is one of the largest and most complex public health laboratories in California. PHS is seeking a mission-driven candidate who wants to make a difference in community health. The Public Health Laboratory provides quality laboratory services to protect community health and prevent the spread of disease.
The Public Health Laboratory serves TB and STD public health clinics, community epidemiology, local hospitals and health care providers, county agencies including Juvenile and Adult Detention, Department of Environmental Health and Animal Services. This lab performs a wide variety of testing, such as rabies, enteric diseases, molecular diagnostic assays, and beach and bay bacteriological levels.
The Public Health Microbiologist is responsible for conducting a wide variety of clinical diagnostic and microbiological tests on specimens from humans, animals, environmental, and food sources. In addition, they support daily laboratory operations and training of new and existing staff. Incumbents in this class are fully certified as Public Health Microbiologists.
Read a complete job description for Public Health Microbiologist.
To learn more about Public Health Services of the Health and Human Services Agency, see the Strategic Plan: Public Health Services Strategic Plan - 2025-27
Hiring Process and Timeline
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
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Job Offer and Background Process begins begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
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Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
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Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
Minimum Qualifications
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Certification as a Public Health Microbiologist issued by the California Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services; OR,
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A certificate from the California Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services indicating that the applicant has passed the state Public Health Microbiologist certification examination.
Notes:-
The possession of a current license as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist by the State of California is desirable at the time of application.
The Ideal Candidate
A quality candidate for Public Health Microbiologist is a certified laboratorian who performs accurate, reliable microbiological testing across bacteriology, virology, parasitology, serology, mycology, and molecular methods. They demonstrate strong technical skill, attention to detail, and sound judgment when isolating and identifying organisms, interpreting results, and ensuring data accuracy. They operate a wide range of laboratory equipment safely and effectively, follow rigorous quality and biosafety standards, maintain organized records, and collaborate well with epidemiologists, clinicians, and public health staff to support surveillance, outbreak response, and timely reporting.
Blind Applicant Screening
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.
Condition of Employment
As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
Evaluation
The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a
six (6) month employment list based upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental application questionnaire.
Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
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Veteran’s Preference Policy
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.
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Disaster Service Worker
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
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