Microbiologist
Apply NowCompany: City of Oceanside, CA
Location: Oceanside, CA 92057
Description:
Salary : $71,592.00 - $94,332.00 Annually
Location : City Hall - 300 North Coast Highway - Oceanside, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 25-95
Department: Water Utilities
Opening Date: 03/03/2025
Closing Date: 3/28/2025 4:00 PM Pacific
Introduction
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...
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:
Ability to:
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.
RSUMS 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.
CITY OF OCEANSIDE
Oceanside City Employees' Association
Benefit Summary
The following is a highlight of benefits
Retirement
Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
Additional Retirement Credit Purchase Options
Health Insurance
Medical/Vision: (90 Day Wait)
Dental: (First of the Month following hire)
Pre-Tax Benefits
Health benefits are offered on a pre-tax basis and employees cannot add or delete coverage or benefits unless a qualifying event has occurred.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The Anthem EAP is paid for by the City.
Disability and Life Insurances
The STD/LTD/LIFE and AD&D Voya premiums are paid for by City.
Short-Term Disability (STD) Insurance:
Long-Term Disability Insurance:
Life and AD&D Insurance:
Voluntary Benefits
Benefits are employee paid.
Supplemental Life Insurance through Voya:
Flexible Spending Accounts through BCC:
Deferred Compensation - 457 and Roth IRA through Mission Square:
Hyatt Legal
GotZoom Student Loan Relief
ScholarShare 529
Tuition Reimbursement
Up to $2,000 per fiscal year
Leave Benefits
Vacation:
1 - 5 years: 3.58 hours
6 - 10 years: 5.12 hours
11 - 15 years: 6.65 hours
16 + years: 8.19
Maximum accrual:
Holidays:
Sick Leave:
Accrual: 12 days per year
Max accrual: Unlimited
Annual Sick Leave Pay Off:
Each calendar year an employee may elect to receive a 50% payment in lieu of accrued sick leave provided such employee has used 3 work days (maximum of 36 hours) or less of sick leave during the calendar year and has a minimum of 100 hours in their sick leave bank prior to the cash out request.
Sick Leave pay off at separation:
Bereavement Leave:
Certification Pay
The City will provide certification pay up to $0.87 per hour for employees utilizing designated certifications in the performance of their duties.
Bilingual and Notary Pay
Bilingual: $1.73 per hour for eligible employees
Notary: $.58 per hour for eligible employees
Uniforms
The City will provide uniforms for any employee required by the City to wear such uniform in the course of their regular job duties.
Commercial Driver License
The City will reimburse the application cost of Commercial Class A or B Driver License to full-time employees in certain classifications.
Safety Shoes
The City will provide reimbursement up to $175 towards the purchase price of safety shoes to employees who are required to wear such shoes on the job.
Term of Compensation Plan
Effective July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2024
This is a summary of available benefits. It is not intended to provide full details of all programs. The appropriate Memorandum of Understanding, Compensation Plan and/or Benefit Plan Documents will govern any discrepancies and provide program specifics.
01
Do you have a bachelor's degree in Microbiology or in a closely related field with courses in microbiology AND at least one (1) year of experience in a water/wastewater or clinical laboratory performing microbiological analyses? If no, you do not qualify. (Attach a copy of your degree.)
02
Do you possess a valid California Driver's License?
03
List any experience working in a Water and/or Wastewater laboratory. Include dates (From/To), organizations, and roles.
04
Please describe your experience performing microbiological analyses. List dates (From/To) and organizations where you gained this experience.
05
Describe your experience using a computer to record and track laboratory results, communicate findings, and complete reporting requirements. Include the type(s) of programs used, level of proficiency (basic, intermediate, advanced), and dates (From/To).
06
List specialized training courses, seminars, workshops, etc., which you have completed that are specifically related to water/wastewater microbiological analysis.
07
List the types of water/wastewater bacteria for which you conducted tests and indicate the test(s) you used for each. Include dates (From/To) and organizations for each.
08
List the types of instruments used in conducting tests listed in Question 7.
09
Describe any additional qualifications (training, experience, certificates, etc.) you may have. Please attach certification or documents.
10
Do you have a Grade I Laboratory Analyst Certificate issued by AWWA or CWEA? (If yes, atttach a copy of your certificate.)
11
If you do not have an AWWA or CWEA Grade I Laboratory Analyst certificate, are you able to obtain one within 24 months of appointment as required?
12
CERTIFICATE OF APPLICANT: I certify that all statements and information provided in this application and any attachments are true, and I understand that any false or misleading statements or omissions of material facts may forfeit right to employment considerations by the City of Oceanside.
Required Question
Location : City Hall - 300 North Coast Highway - Oceanside, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 25-95
Department: Water Utilities
Opening Date: 03/03/2025
Closing Date: 3/28/2025 4:00 PM Pacific
Introduction
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.
RSUMS 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.
CITY OF OCEANSIDE
Oceanside City Employees' Association
Benefit Summary
The following is a highlight of benefits
Retirement
Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
- Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are subject to the State laws of PEPRA in regard to retirement benefits. Each individual's benefits may differ. Consult with Employee Benefits for further details.
- Third Level 1959 Survivor Credit
- Survivor Continuation option
Additional Retirement Credit Purchase Options
- Buy additional Service Retirement Credit prior to membership
- Service Credit for unused Sick Leave
- Buy additional Military Service Credit
Health Insurance
Medical/Vision: (90 Day Wait)
- Kaiser plan provided through Teamster Medical Trust. For more information please contact #877-214-8928
Dental: (First of the Month following hire)
- Delta Preferred Option (DPO)
- Delta Care USA (DHMO)
Pre-Tax Benefits
Health benefits are offered on a pre-tax basis and employees cannot add or delete coverage or benefits unless a qualifying event has occurred.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The Anthem EAP is paid for by the City.
- Available to all members of your household
- 6 free confidential counseling visits per incident
- Self-service support online or by phone
Disability and Life Insurances
The STD/LTD/LIFE and AD&D Voya premiums are paid for by City.
Short-Term Disability (STD) Insurance:
- First 90 days - benefits paid at 55% of weekly salary to a maximum weekly benefit of $700 for non-work related disability only
- Seven day waiting period unless hospitalized
- All sick leave must be exhausted before STD is used
Long-Term Disability Insurance:
- After 90 days - benefits paid at 66.7% of monthly salary to a maximum monthly benefit of $6,000 for any disability
Life and AD&D Insurance:
- 1 times annual base salary; minimum of $30,000 and maximum of $200,000 of Basic Life and AD&D
Voluntary Benefits
Benefits are employee paid.
Supplemental Life Insurance through Voya:
- Premiums are determined by age
- Purchased up to a maximum $500,000 for employees
- Spousal coverage up to the employee amount
- Dependent coverage up to $10,000
Flexible Spending Accounts through BCC:
- Utilizes a debit card as a form of payment
- Health Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $2,850
- Dependent Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $5,000
Deferred Compensation - 457 and Roth IRA through Mission Square:
- 457 - Maximum annual pre/post-taxed amount is $22,500 for 2023; over age 50 may contribute an additional $7,500
- Roth IRA - Maximum post-taxed amount is $6,500; over age 50 may contribute an additional $1,000
Hyatt Legal
- Telephone and office consultations are avialable for an unlimited number fo personal legal matters with an attorney of your choice.
GotZoom Student Loan Relief
- Provides a no-obligation benefit analysis for federal student loans to identify, maximize and enroll employees into Federal Loan Repayment and Forgiveness Programs.
ScholarShare 529
- An easy to manage plan that helps make the most of your or a designated beneficiary's college savings with tax benefits.
Tuition Reimbursement
Up to $2,000 per fiscal year
Leave Benefits
Vacation:
1 - 5 years: 3.58 hours
6 - 10 years: 5.12 hours
11 - 15 years: 6.65 hours
16 + years: 8.19
Maximum accrual:
- 360 hours for those hired before 7/1/95
- 300 hours for those hired 7/1/95 or after
Holidays:
- New Years' Day
- Martin Luther King Jr Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Veterans' Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Friday after Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- 48 hours Floating Holidays per fiscal year
Sick Leave:
Accrual: 12 days per year
Max accrual: Unlimited
Annual Sick Leave Pay Off:
Each calendar year an employee may elect to receive a 50% payment in lieu of accrued sick leave provided such employee has used 3 work days (maximum of 36 hours) or less of sick leave during the calendar year and has a minimum of 100 hours in their sick leave bank prior to the cash out request.
Sick Leave pay off at separation:
- Sick leave paid out depends on years of service and whether an employee retires or terminates
Bereavement Leave:
- Three days for death of employee's immediate family member
- Two additional days may be charged to sick leave upon approval
Certification Pay
The City will provide certification pay up to $0.87 per hour for employees utilizing designated certifications in the performance of their duties.
Bilingual and Notary Pay
Bilingual: $1.73 per hour for eligible employees
Notary: $.58 per hour for eligible employees
Uniforms
The City will provide uniforms for any employee required by the City to wear such uniform in the course of their regular job duties.
Commercial Driver License
The City will reimburse the application cost of Commercial Class A or B Driver License to full-time employees in certain classifications.
Safety Shoes
The City will provide reimbursement up to $175 towards the purchase price of safety shoes to employees who are required to wear such shoes on the job.
Term of Compensation Plan
Effective July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2024
This is a summary of available benefits. It is not intended to provide full details of all programs. The appropriate Memorandum of Understanding, Compensation Plan and/or Benefit Plan Documents will govern any discrepancies and provide program specifics.
01
Do you have a bachelor's degree in Microbiology or in a closely related field with courses in microbiology AND at least one (1) year of experience in a water/wastewater or clinical laboratory performing microbiological analyses? If no, you do not qualify. (Attach a copy of your degree.)
- Yes
- No
02
Do you possess a valid California Driver's License?
- Yes
- No
03
List any experience working in a Water and/or Wastewater laboratory. Include dates (From/To), organizations, and roles.
04
Please describe your experience performing microbiological analyses. List dates (From/To) and organizations where you gained this experience.
05
Describe your experience using a computer to record and track laboratory results, communicate findings, and complete reporting requirements. Include the type(s) of programs used, level of proficiency (basic, intermediate, advanced), and dates (From/To).
06
List specialized training courses, seminars, workshops, etc., which you have completed that are specifically related to water/wastewater microbiological analysis.
07
List the types of water/wastewater bacteria for which you conducted tests and indicate the test(s) you used for each. Include dates (From/To) and organizations for each.
08
List the types of instruments used in conducting tests listed in Question 7.
09
Describe any additional qualifications (training, experience, certificates, etc.) you may have. Please attach certification or documents.
10
Do you have a Grade I Laboratory Analyst Certificate issued by AWWA or CWEA? (If yes, atttach a copy of your certificate.)
- Yes
- No
11
If you do not have an AWWA or CWEA Grade I Laboratory Analyst certificate, are you able to obtain one within 24 months of appointment as required?
- Yes
- No
- Not Applicable. I already have an AWWA or CWEA Grade I Lab Analyst certificate.
12
CERTIFICATE OF APPLICANT: I certify that all statements and information provided in this application and any attachments are true, and I understand that any false or misleading statements or omissions of material facts may forfeit right to employment considerations by the City of Oceanside.
- Yes
- No
Required Question