Public Health Laboratory Technician at County of Shasta – Redding, California

Salary: $40,116.00 - $51,192.00 Annually
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Department: Health & Human Services Agency - Public Health
Opening Date: 03/20/2026
Closing Date: 03/27/26
Location: 96001, CA
Job Number: 320_ HHSA_PH_031226

Description:

CURRENT VACANCY IS WITHIN THE SHASTA COUNTY

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY – PUBLIC HEALTH BRANCH

ORAL EXAM IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 2026

SEE SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS SECTION REGARDING

POSSESSION OF A VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE

RESPONSES TO SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS REQUIRED

FINAL FILING DATE: MARCH 27, 2026 AT 12:00 PM

SALARY INFORMATION

$3,343 - $4,266 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $19.29 - $24.61 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*

This position is in the UPEC - General bargaining unit. Please refer to the applicable bargaining unit labor agreement (Memorandum of Understanding) for potential future salary increases: Shasta County Labor Agreements

ABOUT SHASTA COUNTY

Shasta County offers all of the amenities of the big city while retaining a comfortable small town atmosphere. With its natural beauty, affordable housing, excellent educational system, abundance of recreational opportunities, and excellent quality of life, Shasta County is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Health and Human Services Agency

The Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) partners with communities to protect and improve the health and well-being of Shasta County residents. Established in 2006, the HHSA is organized into four branches: Behavioral Health & Social Services, Public Health, Economic Mobility, with a centralized Administration Services. The HHSA promotes optimal health for all. The frail, the abused, the mentally ill and those without resources look to the HHSA for services and resources to meet their basic needs, and to protect their health and safety. This transformation improves efficiency, avoids unnecessary duplication of effort, encourages collaboration among programs and organizes the HHSA’s services to be more responsive to the needs of the public.

Public Health focuses on community-wide prevention of communicable disease, chronic disease, injury, substance abuse, family violence, and lead poisoning. Public Health helps the community develop policies and support community environments that encourage healthy behaviors. It promotes nutrition and physical activity, healthy aging, worksite wellness and healthy communities. Public Health is also where the HHSA’s emergency response unit is headquartered, and its laboratory provides testing services for Shasta and numerous other Northern California counties.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Under general supervision, to assist in performing biological and chemical examinations and related technical procedures in a public health laboratory; to operate and maintain basic laboratory equipment; and to perform other work as required.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate for this role will be someone interested in pursuing a career in science, who has experience in a laboratory setting, and who is trainable to the functions of a public health laboratory. The ideal candidate will work well with a team to implement standardized processes to ensure smooth laboratory functioning.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Assists professional staff by performing portions of bacteriological, biochemical, or related examination procedures which require minimal scientific judgment and observation; assists microbiologists in preparation of specimens for examination; sets up, dismantles, and maintains apparatus or equipment used in the examination of specimens; maintains incubator and refrigerators' temperatures; cleans and sterilizes glassware; operates equipment for the preparation of specimens; prepares media, reagents, stains, and sterile solutions; maintains stocks of media; may perform standardized examinations of water; performs standardized examinations of milk and milk products when certified; may be responsible to type reports, letters or general communications.

QUALIFICATIONS

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Any combination of education and experience sufficient to directly demonstrate possession and application of the following:

Knowledge of: Basic laboratory methods and procedures; fundamentals of basic science; use and care of laboratory equipment and apparatus.

Ability to: Follow detailed oral and written directions; learn and apply specialized public health techniques accurately and rapidly; keep accurate records; establish and maintain cooperative working relationship.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

One (1) year of experience in a public health, medical research, clinical or comparable laboratory may be substituted for the required education.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and color vision.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock and explosives. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The employee will also be exposed to infectious agents, blood-borne pathogens, and other biohazards.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• All new employees are required to have their paycheck directly deposited to a bank account.
• Some positions may require a valid California driver's license and acceptable driving record according to County policy.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for those persons who are disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act to perform the essential functions of the position.
• As part of the selection process, all individuals provided with a preliminary offer of employment with Shasta County will be subject to a background investigation, including a criminal history check (primarily completed through the taking of fingerprints). An image of your fingerprints will be captured and sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history, (if any), will be evaluated along with the other information received in connection with your application. Except as otherwise required by law, a criminal conviction will not necessarily disqualify you from the position. The nature of the offense, the date of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and the relevance of the offense to the position applied for may, however, be considered.
• Based on the results of the background investigation and criminal history check, applicants may then be provided with an offer of employment conditioned on the results of a medical examination, which includes drug/alcohol testing.
• Shasta County participates in E-Verify. For more information visit https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RighttoWorkPoster.pdf (Download PDF reader). If you do not have internet access, contact Personnel at (530) 225-5515 to request a flyer.
• In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
• Positions in this classification are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the County and the United Public Employees of California – General.
• Employees in this classification are covered under the CalPERS retirement program. Depending on the provisions of the California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and other applicable laws, an employee in this classification will be covered under one of the following CalPERS retirement formulas: (1) 2% at 55, (2) 2% at 60, or (3) 2% at 62. An employee in this classification will also contribute up to 9.5% his/her pay to this plan or will contribute such other amount to the plan as authorized by PEPRA and other applicable laws. Please visit our employees benefit page at https://www.shastacounty.gov/personnel/page/employee-benefitsfor additional information regarding benefits and CalPERS coverage information. The provisions in this flyer and on the County’s website are for information purposes only. To the extent the provisions of the flyer or the County’s website are inconsistent with PEPRA and other applicable laws, PEPRA and other applicable laws shall govern.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES

• All new employees are required to have their paycheck directly deposited to a bank account.
• Some positions may require a valid California driver's license and acceptable driving record according to County policy.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for those persons who are disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act to perform the essential functions of the position.
• As part of the selection process, all individuals provided with a preliminary offer of employment with Shasta County will be subject to a background investigation, including a criminal history check (primarily completed through the taking of fingerprints). An image of your fingerprints will be captured and sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history, (if any), will be evaluated along with the other information received in connection with your application. Except as otherwise required by law, a criminal conviction will not necessarily disqualify you from the position. The nature of the offense, the date of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and the relevance of the offense to the position applied for may, however, be considered.
• Based on the results of the background investigation and criminal history check, applicants may then be provided with an offer of employment conditioned on the results of a medical examination, which includes drug/alcohol testing.

• In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
• Positions in this classification are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the County and the UPEC – General Unit.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES

Shasta County Personnel will accept applications and responses to the supplemental questions until 12:00 p.m., on March 27, 2026.A resume and/or cover letter will be accepted in addition to the application but will not serve as a substitute for a completed application. It is not acceptable to complete the application with statements such as “Refer to resume and/or cover letter,” or “See attached resume and/or cover letter.” The application must be completed in its entirety prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Closing date postmarks or faxes will not be accepted. This recruitment will establish a list that may or may not be used by other departments. Prior applicants must reapply to be considered.

Applicants will be screened and those considered best qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the announced requirements does not guarantee inclusion in the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

Veterans' Credit:Veterans (as defined by California Government Code section 18973) who have been discharged from military service under conditions other than dishonorable and who receive a passing score on all components of the employment examinations (up to and including oral examinations) shall receive credit for an additional five points to be added to their final examination score. To be considered for this credit, a veteran must provide a copy of his or her discharge document (DD-214 or equivalent) and information as to the type of discharge (honorable, dishonorable, etc.) with the employment application on or before the final filing date. Applicants are encouraged to apply online at www.ShastaCountyCareers.com or submit an application to the Shasta County Personnel Office.

Arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities. Requests for accommodations may be made to the Shasta County Personnel Office by the filing deadline posted on this bulletin. Shasta County does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you feel you are being denied service based on a disability, our ADA Coordinator may be reached at (530) 225-5515; relay service (800) 735-2922; fax (530) 225-5345.

Shasta County will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Shasta County is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting Fair Chance Act | CRD.

SHASTA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Shasta County Personnel

1450 Court Street, Suite 348; Redding, CA 96001; (530) 225-5515

Benefits:

NOTE: Various bargaining units may have benefits that alter from this general summary. This summary of benefits is not a binding document and is provided as a courtesy. Refer to labor agreements (MOUs) for specific benefit information.

THESE BENEFITS DO NOT APPLY TO EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES

Holidays:

• 12 paid holidays (96 hours) per year.
• 1 Floating holiday annually.
  

Vacation:

• 10 working days a year during the first three years of service.
• 15 working days a year - 4 through 9 years of service.
• 17 working days a year - 10 through 15 years of service.
• 20 working days a year - 16 or more years of service.

Note - accrued vacation leave may not be used until after three months of employment. For purposes of vacation accrual, a working day is no more than 8 hours.

Employees may elect to receive a payment for Vacation hours (in lieu of use) for up to twenty hours – in five whole hour increments – of accrued vacation. *Subject to criteria as outlined in section 13.9C in the UPEC-General MOU.

Sick Leave:

• 96 hours of sick leave are earned each year with no maximum accrual.
  • Employees terminating in good standing after completion of 5 years of continuous service will receive a pro-rata payoff of accumulated sick leave.
  • Unused sick leave may be converted to PERS service credit upon retirement.

Note - sick leave may be used immediately as accrued. Accrued paid leave benefits are used in conjunction with FMLA/CFRA as appropriate.

*Vacation and Sick Leave accruals are based on regularly scheduled working hours. Additional time will not be accrued on hours worked over 80 hours within a one pay period.

Bereavement:

• 24 hours paid leave for each non-concurrent death in the immediate family.
  

Health Plan:
Shasta County contracts with PERS for medical insurance.
Depending on the plan selected, the County pays most of the employee premium, and contributes a portion of the dependent premium.
Contributions are made for a portion of a retiree's insurance premium.

Dental Plan:
The County pays a portion of the employee's and dependents' premium for dental insurance. The employee pays the full premium during the first six months of coverage.

Vision Plan:
The County pays the employee premium and employees may enroll dependents at their own expense.

Life Insurance:
The County pays the premium for life insurance for most employees. The amount of coverage varies by bargaining unit. For UPEC-General employees the current coverage amount is $25,000.

Additional Life insurance is available to purchase through Aflac and The Standard.

Retirement:
The County is in the Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) coordinated with Social Security.

• Members hired prior to May 8, 2011 are covered under the retirement formula of 2% @ 55 benefit.
• Members hired after May 8, 2011 but before January 1, 2013 are covered under the retirement formula of 2% @ 60 benefit.
• Members hired after January 1, 2013 are covered under the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) with a benefit formula of 2% @ 62.

Please review the specific MOU for stipulated retirement formulas.

Employees pay 9.5% of his or her salary, on a pre-tax basis for a period of time as specified in his or her labor contract, or Personnel Rules as appropriate. Members hired prior to 2013 may have a different contribution percentage.

Miscellaneous:

• Deferred Compensation plans available through specified companies with employer match up to 3%
• IRC Section 125 plan available for pre-tax payroll deductions for contributions towards un-reimbursed medical expenses and dependent care.
• Optional additional insurance products are available through Aflac.
• Employee Assistance Program through ACI Specialty Benefits.
• Golden State Finance Authority – Down payment Assistance
• ScholarShare 529 – College Savings Plan
• Longevity Pay eligibility review with at least ten years of continuous service with Shasta County
  

SHASTA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Any information on this page or links is subject to change without notice.

Shasta County Personnel
1450 Court Street, Room 348
Redding, CA 96001-1676
(530) 225-5515

Comments, please email: schr@shastacounty.gov

Questions:

Required Question

Employer: County of Shasta
Address: 1450 Court Street, Suite 348 Redding, California, 96001
Phone: (530) 225-5515
Website: https://www.shastacounty.gov/personnel