Public Health Laboratory Technician I and II

Advance your public health career by becoming a laboratory technician and helping to promote a healthy community! 

Starting salary up to $38.45/hour ($80,249/year) and a competitive total compensation package!*

The County of Sonoma Department of Health Services is seeking qualified candidates to fill a Public Health Laboratory Technician position at either the I or II level. If you are interested in being considered for both levels, you will need to apply to the separate, concurrent recruitments being conducted for each level.

About the Position

Public Health Laboratory Technicians use precision and accuracy to process and test environmental and select human specimens. Public Health Laboratory Technicians follow standard operating procedures and established policies, consult with others as needed, and support the Public Health Microbiologists. Responsibilities include:

• Performing microbiological laboratory tests on river, ocean, recreational, drinking, and shellfish growing waters
• Performing laboratory tests on milk samples
• Operating and maintaining various types of laboratory support equipment (pH meters, balances, media dispensers, conductivity meters, distilled water system, autoclaves, etc.)
• Performing quality control testing for biological testing and equipment compliance
• Preparing and processing a variety of microbiological specimens for examination by the Public Health Microbiologists
• Assuring sterilization and cleanliness of work area, instruments, and equipment
• Preparing microbiological media and reagents
• Providing phone and in-person customer support
• Conducting inventory and supply management for the lab

Hours for this position are typically 8 am-5 pm weekdays. The selected individual may be required to work weekends and/or holidays as needed, depending on the current response to health issues. Work is performed indoors with strict requirements around health and safety protocols and appropriate personal protective equipment is provided. Note: Possession of the State of California Milk Inspection Certificate of Proficiency is required prior to being promoted to the Public Health Laboratory Technician II level.

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
• Career Advancement - With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Public Health Laboratory Technician II ($38.45/hour)
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• 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
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Additional Benefits: Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more
• 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 and benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. For more information, including minimum qualifications, & to apply, visit www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org or call 707-565-2331. The County of Sonoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to having a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. Apply by 1/19/26