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Update the Public Health Microbiologist Trainee classification specification
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HUMAN RESOURCES' RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Human Resources recommends the Civil Service Commission approve revisions to the Public Health Microbiologist Trainee classification specification.
SUMMARY:
The Department of Human Resources recommends the Civil Service Commission approve minimum qualification (MQ) revisions to Public Health Microbiologist Trainee (PHM Trainee) classification specification. These revisions are proposed to ensure compliance with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) certification requirements.
DISCUSSION:
The Public Health Microbiologist Trainee is the first level in the Public Health Microbiologist classification series, which also includes an entry, journey and supervisory level. These positions are responsible for conducting technical laboratory examinations to detect and identify microbial disease agents in support of general public health and clinic operations, and communicable disease control. The Health and Social Services (H&SS) Department is one of several California Counties identified by the CDPH to formally train people who are interested in becoming Public Health Microbiologist.
Historically, the County’s minimum qualifications (MQs) for this trainee classification allowed candidates to participate in the training program if they possessed a Bachelor’s of Science degree from an accredited college or university with a concentration in Microbiology or a related life science and received a PHM Trainee letter of approval from the CDPH Laboratory Field Services Division (LFS). However, the CDPH LFS, which oversees the statewide training program, now requires that all PHM Trainees possess a Public Health Microbiologist Trainee Certificate. This certificate permits trainees to participate in the training program. The LFS is responsible to review the applicant’s academic records and issues the PHM Trainee certification. Human Resources is updating the classification specification MQ to comply with the LFS requirement and to ensure the requirement is clearly stated for those persons applying to the position.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Civil Service Commission could elect not to approve the recommended changes to the MQs; however, this would negatively impact the County’s ability to effectively attract and screen applications to determine candidates who possess the certification required to participate in the PHM Trainee program.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Human Resources staff worked with staff from Health and Social Services to confirm the minimum qualifications for the program requirement. On October 7, 2026, the County notified SEIU, Local 1021 of the proposed changes to the minimum qualifications. On October 8, 2026, SEIU, Local 1021 advised it had no objections to the proposed changes. Therefore, the County has met its obligation to meet and confer over the revised classification specification.