Laboratory Technician I, II - Microbiology (LO-173-26E) Carson

Job Description:

Laboratory Technician I, II - Microbiology (LO-173-26E) Carson

Description

JOB POSTING

NOTICE OF JOB OPPORTUNITY
POSTING #LO-173-26E

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN I, II
MICROBIOLOGY

LOCATION:
TECHNICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, LABORATORIES SECTION, MICROBIOLOGY GROUP, A.K. WARREN WATER RESOURCE FACILITY, CARSON

NOTE: The work schedule for this position is 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, including weekends and holidays. The employee will be required to return to work beyond regularly scheduled hours in response to emergencies, or report to the San Jose Creek Laboratory in Whittier as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
To collect environmental samples and perform a variety of routine chemical, biological, or microbiological tests and analyses.

JOB SUMMARY:
Under the general supervision of a Supervising Scientist, the incumbent:

• Performs standardized and non-standardized microbiological analyses on environmental and wastewater treatment samples to test for indicator and pathogenic microorganisms
• Prepares laboratory media, standard solutions, and reagents
• Inspects, adjusts, cleans, maintains, troubleshoots, and operates laboratory equipment
• Maintains laboratory supplies, reagent inventories, and equipment maintenance logs
• Performs both laboratory bench work and field sampling activities
• Responds to spill and stormwater events
• Assists senior staff with special research projects, sample analyses, and report preparation
• Uses the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for data entry and peer review of laboratory data
• Maintains laboratory records and prepares routine laboratory reports
• Performs other related duties as assigned

This position may be filled at either level:

• LABORATORY TECHNICIAN I is the entry-level training class in the series. Incumbents perform a variety of laboratory tests following standardized procedures or detailed instructions.
• LABORATORY TECHNICIAN II is the experienced working-level class in the series. Incumbents may perform a broader range of both standardized and non-standardized tests and analyses. This class differs from the Laboratory Technician I class by the greater technical knowledge and the greater independence of action.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

All Candidates must possess:

• A valid California Class C driver's license is required for positions that involve on-the-job driving. -AND-

For Laboratory Technician I

• Any combination of education or experience that provides the required knowledge and skills for the position.

For Laboratory Technician II

• Twelve (12) semester units of college chemistry; -AND-
• Two (2) years of laboratory experience conducting chemical, biological, or microbiological analyses and testing in sewage or water treatment operations.
• A bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or a closely related science may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience preparing microbiological media
• Experience performing microbiological testing for coliform bacteria and other indicators of fecal contamination
• Experience testing for human pathogens, including bacteria, parasites, and enteric viruses
• Experience performing mammalian cell culture assays
• Experience conducting molecular analyses
• Proficiency using computers and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
• Knowledge of statistics and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) protocols
• Familiarity with the California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP)
• Familiarity with The NELAC Institute (TNI) 2016 Standard

EXAMPLES OF ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The competitive selection process may cover:

Knowledge of:

• Principles of bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, virology, and molecular biology
• Microscopy techniques and laboratory safety practices
• Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) practices
• Microbiology laboratory accreditation requirements
• Laboratory techniques, equipment, chemicals, reagents, materials, and terminology
• Scientific method, statistics, and experimental design

Ability to:

• Perform routine and non-routine microbiological analyses
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Drive to various Districts' facilities and sampling sites
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot microbiology laboratory instrumentation and equipment

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SELECTION PROCESS:

• All applications will be reviewed to determine if the minimum qualifications are met.
• The selection process will consist of a written exam which will be pass/fail and an interview weighted at 100%.
• Candidates must receive a qualifying score on each selection component to move forward in the selection process.
• Candidates will be notified of their results in the selection process by Human Resources via Neogov.

TO APPLY :


Please apply online at governmentjobs.com within this application period. By using the online application system, you willreceive confirmation via e-mail that your application was received for this position. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed LACSD Employment Application or online application . Check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as notifications may be sent via e-mail. Please verify that your registered email address is accurate andcurrent. To ensure proper delivery, add [email protected] to your contact list.

NOTE: The individual(s) recommended for hire must undergo an employment verification/reference check, DMV report, physical and a drug test.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Lauren Ortega at [email protected] .

As an equal opportunity employer, the Districts strongly encourage people with disabilities and people from historically marginalized communities to apply.

To learn more about how the Sanitation Districts converts waste into resources, please visit the following video: Converting Waste into Resources

RETIREMENT

• CALPERS: The Districts belong to the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), and all monthly status new hires will be enrolled in CalPERS. Most new hires will be enrolled in the defined benefit formula of 2% @ 62 in accordance with the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and are required to contribute to the plan (7.75% for the 24/25 fiscal year). Those who qualify based on current or previous public service may be enrolled in the defined benefit formula in place on December 31, 2012, which was 2% @ 55 and are considered “classic” members. For “classic” members, the Districts pay the “employee share.” Please contact the Human Resources Department for more information regarding contribution rates. Although Districts employees are exempt from Social Security, employees are required by federal law to contribute a percentage of their salary for Medicare coverage.

• DEFERRED COMP MATCH: For some bargaining units, the Districts provides a matching contribution to an eligible deferred compensation plan pursuant to Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. The match with each paycheck will be the lesser of: 3% of the employee's base monthly salary as listed in the Salary Schedule; and the amount the employee is contributing with that paycheck. The annual total combined employee and employer contribution are subject to IRS limits.

COMPENSATION

Employees receive annual salary increases until reaching step 5 of the salary range and are provided with opportunities to promote. Cost of living adjustments are implemented annually in accordance with labor agreements.

HEALTH INSURANCE

• MEDICAL: Districts paid. Employees may choose from several HMO and Indemnity plans. As of January 1, 2026, the Districts contribute $2,417.99 per month for medical insurance. Depending on the choice of health plan, the Districts contribution covers all or a large portion of the premium for family coverage.

• DENTAL: Districts paid. Employees can choose from prepaid and indemnity dental plans. The Districts pay the full premium for employee and dependent coverage. The indemnity dental plan will has an annual in network maximum of $1,750, and an out of network maximum of $1,000.

• VISION: Employee paid.

• LIFE: The Districts pay for a term life policy. Employees can buy additional types and amounts of life insurance coverage at group rates.

LEAVE TIME

• VACATION: Employees receive 88 hours of paid vacation after one full year of service, increasing up to 128 hours per year after five years, 168 hours per year after 15 years and up to 208 hours after 25 years. Prior to one year of full service, employees are given partial vacation time on January 1, based on the time worked in the preceding year.

• SICK LEAVE : Eight hours of full-pay sick leave per month.

• PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 24 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons. Some bargaining units allow up to 40 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons.

• PAID PARENTAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 80 hours of paid parental leave for each birth, foster placement and/or adoption (regardless of the number of children involved) as determined by the parental leave policy.

HOLIDAYS
13 paid holidays and one-half paid holiday depending on the employee's work schedule.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
Employees may be eligible for tuition reimbursement for approved accredited course work.

STUDENT LOAN PAYMENT REIMBURSEMENT
For some bargaining units, the Districts will provide student loan payment reimbursements for principal or interest paid by the employee on a qualified education loan incurred by the employee for the education of the employee. The annual maximum reimbursement is $5,250 and the lifetime reimbursement limit is $21,000.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & OTHER BENEFITS

• A rewarding career contributing to society and the environment.
• Flexible work schedules (e.g. 9/80 schedule) depending on the worksite.
• Clear policies and procedures.
• Health and safety programs.
• Carpool opportunities with monetary incentives depending on the worksite.

More detailed benefits information can be found here: Districts Benefits

NOTE: The provisions of this posting do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this posting may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Updated January 2, 2026

Closing Date/Time: 7/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$6,857.00 - $9,242.00 Monthly