Laboratory Assistant-26433008

 The County of San Diego is currently accepting applications for

Laboratory Assistant Interviews and job offers will take place beginning the week of October 26, 2026. 
The starting salary for this position will be based on the candidate’s qualifications at time of appointment.
Future Salary Increases:

June 2027 – 4.3% increase to base pay (3% Across-the- Board + 1.3% Market Adjustment) 

The Laboratory Assistant performs a wide variety of laboratory support work in County laboratories. The current vacancies are in the Public Health Laboratory and Medical Examiner's Office; however, the eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in other departments. 

The Public Health Laboratory will be hiring for certified temporary and permanent positions. Temporary assignments can last up to 12 months. Certified Temporary employees have the option to enroll in medical coverage. Click here for more information.

The Medical Examiner’s Department will be hiring two full-time permanent positions. 
As a Laboratory Assistant you:

• Perform work following laboratory safety practices
• May perform animal dissections and remove brain tissue from rabid animals
• Assist microbiologists, veterinary pathologists, plant pathologists or other laboratory personnel in varied laboratory functions
• Prepare lab test kits, culture media, stains and reagents
• Fill tubes and bottles with specified solutions and apply identification labels
• Set up, label, and file microscope slides used for testing
• Receive and prepare specimens for study and processing utilizing various methods and equipment
• Perform lab courier duties picking up specimens and delivering supplies
• Computer data entry and accessioning of sample data
• Will work with infectious agents and infectious materials
• And perform other related duties as required

In addition to the above duties, positions in the Medical Examiner’s Department will also perform the following:

• Assist with deceased persons, intake, process and release decedents, assist with postmortem examinations, work within the autopsy room.
• Assist forensic pathologists, forensic autopsy specialists, forensic autopsy supervisors or other laboratory personnel in varied laboratory functions.
• Prepare decedents for autopsy, prepare autopsy instruments and equipment for pathologists, perform sanitation and housekeeping duties in the examination room.
• Fingerprint, photograph and x-ray decedents.
• Perform histology-related duties, working directly with the contracted laboratory to coordinate the submission and return of histology slides.
• Attend daily pathology meetings and provide technical and administrative support by operating the computer and managing electrical information and materials required for the meeting.

Working Conditions for Medical Examiner's Department: Exposure to deceased persons, caustic chemicals and fumes, decomposed tissue, and noxious odors. Exposure to computers and X-ray equipment.  May be required to work varied shifts, holidays, and weekends.

Click the following link for the complete Laboratory Assistant job description including examples of qualifying education and experience, and working conditions.

To learn more about Public Health Services of the Health and Human Services Agency, see the Strategic Plan: Strategic Plan.

Hiring Process and Timeline 

The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.  

• Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening. 
• Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
• Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.

Minimum Qualifications

1. One (1) year of work experience as a laboratory aide/assistant in a clinical, public health or veterinary laboratory performing the following tasks: collecting, inspecting, preparing, wrapping, distributing, washing, drying, and sterilizing laboratory glassware, instruments, syringes, and needles; operating autoclaves, ovens and glassware washers; and filing, labeling and distributing media and reagents containers; OR,
    
2. Completion of at least one (1) year college level coursework which includes biology I/II, or chemistry I/II classes from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency and must have included laboratory classes.

Blind Applicant Screening 

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
 
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.

Condition of Employment

As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.

Evaluation

The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire. 


Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis. 
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.

Veteran’s Preference Policy 
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information. 

Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your miliary experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool. 
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Please see the Strategic Plan for more information.
 

Disaster Service Workers

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.