Microbiologist

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Job description

Summary

This full-time career service position conducts and interprets microbiological and related laboratory tests for diagnosis of communicable diseases, environmental sanitation, and related research in the Public Health Laboratory.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE:

As the only jurisdiction in the world named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.

We have a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all - in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from vulnerable communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.

To learn more, please visit

Job Duties

* Conduct and interpret large volumes of microbiological and serological laboratory tests on clinical specimens and environmental samples for pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites, including but not limited to HIV antibody tests, syphilis serology, hepatitis serology, gonorrhea cultures, and nucleic acid amplification tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
* Log in and label specimens, record laboratory test results on worksheets, and enter results into laboratory information system.
* Calibrate instruments and check quality control of reagents and other solutions or materials used in laboratory tests.
* Follow safety requirements and guidelines, recognize potential safety hazards and take corrective action.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

* Bachelor's degree in microbiology, medical technology, or chemical, physical, or biological science, and one year laboratory training/experience in microbiology.
* Knowledge of relevant principles and bench-level practices of microbiology and serology.
* Knowledge of procedures and protocols for detection and identification of disease agents.
* Knowledge of common causes of communicable diseases and methods of transmission and control.
* Knowledge of laboratory hazards and safety precautions.
* Knowledge of use and care of laboratory instruments and equipment.
* Knowledge of laboratory principles and applications of Quality Assurance and Quality Control.

Supplemental Information

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer.

As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:

* submit proof of vaccination or
* have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.

People are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving the final dose of a vaccination approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive branch, the Assessor's Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff's Office, and the Executive Office. King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.

Who May Apply

This position is open to all qualified candidates. We are currently recruiting for a full time Career Service position.

Application Process:

The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:

* An electronic application through or (use the "Apply" link) including work history and position duties.
* Responses to supplemental questions.

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

* The selection process may include but is not limited to: evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing. For more information on our selection process, please refer to
* Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
* Staff may be required to play an active role in the event of a public health emergency, which may include changes in responsibilities, work location, and working hours.

Necessary Special Requirements

* The selected candidate will be required to submit to a thorough background investigation.
* The selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment physical exam.
* Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
* Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing required training on time.

Work Schedule

The individual selected for this position will work typically between the hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.This position FLSA Non-Exempt and is eligible for overtime.

Work Location:

The home base for this position is Harborview Medical Center located at 908 Jefferson St. Seattle, WA 98104

Union Affiliation:

This position is represented by the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, Local 17.

Contact:

If you have questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Debbie Baker, HR Analyst, at or .