Microbiologist

THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

 

The Water Utilities Department is finalizing a salary and compensation study to maintain standing as a regionally competitive water and wastewater employer. The results of this study may impact compensation rates for this position during mid 2025.

The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for Microbiologist. There is currently one vacancy in the Water Utilities Department.

About Oceanside’s Water Utilities Department Our Water & Wastewater Laboratory

The Oceanside Water Utilities Department is an innovative and forward-looking organization whose goal it is to ensure ongoing access to safe & affordable drinking water, reliable wastewater collection & treatment services, and environmental sustainability by maintaining top talent, resource resiliency, dependability, and system efficiency.

The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for the position of Microbiologist in the water and wastewater Laboratory Division of the Water Utilities Department. This workgroup tests, monitors and reports on water and sewer effluent quality, providing key insight on the effectiveness treatment processes and industrial waste and stormwater protection programs. 

About the position

The Laboratory is seeking a scientifically-minded individual with experience in microbiology who can quickly assimilate to our team in a highly technical role. This Microbiologist works in our professional laboratory environment and performs complex bacteriological analyses on water samples, inputs findings and data into our Laboratory Information Systems, and supports the overall operation of the Laboratory.

You should be excited about this opportunity because you will…

• Ensure public and environmental safety of the treated water entering our distribution system or being released into the environment as recycled water or at our Oceanside Ocean Outfall
• Become proficient at performing complex bacteriological water tests
• Be part of a high-functioning and professional team who values providing a critical service to the City of Oceanside

Who we are looking for…

Honing your technical microbiological expertise and have a high-level of attention to detail? You excel in this role. This person will leverage their ability to work both individually and collaboratively in a laboratory environment.

Examples of Duties

Microbiologists analyze drinking water, environmental, and wastewater samples for coliform and enterococcus bacteria, use fermentation test, membrane filter, pour plate method, etc.; read culture tubes and agar plates to determine the extent of bacterial growth; prepare solutions and stains; prepare and sterilize media and test equipment; identify, classify and photograph; prepare quality assurance documents and written records of all analyses; enter data into the main laboratory data base; prepare regulatory reports; perform maintenance on laboratory equipment; and provide back-up support for other laboratory functions.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Bacteriology, math, chemistry and analytical techniques used in water/wastewater laboratories.

Ability to:

• Perform a broad range of routine and non-standard bench tests utilizing a variety of laboratory instruments;
• Adapt standard methods and techniques to different sample types;
• Read and follow instrument manuals;
• Maintain laboratory facilities and equipment;
• Use computer and common office, technical and database software programs; and
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with others.

Experience and Training Qualifications

Experience: One year of experience in a water/wastewater or clinical laboratory performing microbiological analyses.

Training: Equivalent to college graduation with a Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology or in a closely related field with courses in microbiology.

License/Certificates: Possession of a Laboratory Analyst, Grade I certification issued by the American Waterworks Association (AWWA) or the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) within 24 months of appointment; and a valid California Class C Driver’s License.

Working Conditions and Selection Process

Environmental Conditions:  Laboratory environment; exposure to wastewater and infectious materials; work in or with water.

Physical Conditions: Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for standing for prolonged periods of time; heavy or moderate lifting.

Selection Process:  All properly completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Failure to provide all required application materials will result in disqualification from the selection process. The process may include any combination of a written exam, oral interview, and/or skills assessment to further evaluate job-related qualifications. Candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on an Eligibility List and will remain eligible for employment consideration for a minimum of six months.

Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass, a background reference check (including fingerprinting) and a medical examination. Drug screening may be required.

RÉSUMÉS ARE NOT ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS, BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.

CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION PACKAGE.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.