Bacteriology Technician (SRA 1)

Under supervision, responsible for preparation and direct plating of animal tissues and fluids, environmental and food samples for classical and/or molecular bacteriological analysis, and sample processing of high-consequence, regulatory testing samples. Prepare and evaluate direct smears for bacteria, fungi and parasites. Evaluate diagnostic specimens for the presence of Trichomonads, Campylobacter and Mycoplasma. Order, stock, and perform quality control testing of commercially prepared media, reagents, and diagnostic kits. Prepare special media and reagents. Perform equipment preventive maintenance. Maintain reagents and equipment necessary for performing classical and molecular bacteriology testing, including media and solution preparation, quality control assessments on purchased and in-house reagents, preparation of materials for autoclaving, equipment monitoring and performance logging including refrigerators, freezers, incubators, thermocyclers, electrophoresis equipment, and gel imagers. Interact with submitters and veterinarians in providing information about offered testing and sample submission. Maintain accurate written/computerized records of work performed. Perform test assignment and data entry in the Laboratory Information System. Train and direct student assistants in the performance of routine lab duties. THE WORK SCHEDULE OF MONDAY-THURSDAY; 8:00AM-6:00PM AND SUNDAY; 12:00PM-4:00PM IS A PERMANENT WORK SCHEDULE!

Apply By Date: September 4, 2025 at 11:59pm

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• No minimum education required.
• Experience working in a high-volume, clinical, regulated veterinary or human diagnostic bacteriology laboratory processing clinical (animal tissues and fluids) and environmental samples for bacteriology, parasitology, and mycology testing.
• Experience following standardized protocols and performing highly repetitive operations efficiently and with close attention to detail.
• Experience in providing client service or working with the public in a medical or health-related discipline.
• Experience operating clinical laboratory equipment including centrifuges, micro-pipettors, microscopes (brightfield, darkfield and dissecting), biosafety cabinets, and laminar flow biosafety hoods; as well as analytical balances and accompanying formulas needed to prepare diagnostic reagents.
• Organizational skills to establish daily priorities, address variable workload demands, and process large sample volumes under pressure while adhering to laboratory and regulatory procedures.
• Skills to produce neat and accurate records of work performed including results from laboratory procedures, records of supply inventory, and assessment quality control performance records for biological media and organisms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with PCR for detection of microorganisms.
• Experience/background in Animal Science, and/or livestock/poultry production.
• Skills utilizing specialized software including MS Office software and/or CAHFS Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Knowledge of quality control/quality assurance standards appropriate for an accredited, clinical diagnostic laboratory.
• Knowledge of diagnostic parasitology methods.

Key Responsibilities

• 70% - Diagnostic Testing
• 20% - Media Preparation/Maintenance
• 10% - Lab Maintenance

Department Overview

CAHFS provides California's livestock and poultry industries, and veterinary practitioners who serve them, with a full range of diagnostic laboratory services for disease control, enhancement of health management, and protection from diseases common to animal and humans. In meeting this need, the CAHFS also serves as the backbone of California's disease warning system through its animal disease surveillance program. The system consists of four laboratories currently located in Davis, Turlock, Tulare and San Bernardino. Funding for this program is provided through a contract with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and through revenue generated from user fees. An additional program, the Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, is funded through a contract with the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) and horse wagering monies and provides full-service drug testing and a pharmacology research and development program.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $26.52 - $31.64/hour (Department budgeted salary range: $26.52 - $28.91/hr. Commensurate with experience.)
• Salary Frequency: Bi-Weekly
• Salary Grade: 107
• UC Job Title: SRA 1
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday-Thursday; 8:00AM-6:00PM AND Sunday; 12:00PM-4:00PM IS A PERMANENT WORK SCHEDULE
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: Yes - RX
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site
• POSITION ENDS ONE YEAR FROM DATE OF HIRE WITH POSSIBILITY OF EXTENSION

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Constant Interaction - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

THE WORK SCHEDULE OF MONDAY-THURSDAY; 8:00AM-6:00PM AND SUNDAY; 12:00PM-4:00PM IS A PERMANENT WORK SCHEDULE! THIS IS NOT AN H1B/J1 OPPORTUNITY. Candidate must be legally permitted to work in the United States and not subject to revocation. This is not a research position. The position is located in a diagnostic laboratory where quality control and assurance as well as meticulous working habits are essential. Per the terms and agreements of the department's contracts and grants, the position requires signing of a Confidentiality Agreement or Non-Disclosure Agreement regarding testing and client information. This position might, at any time, be required to participate in the select agent program. Incumbent will be required to complete Select Agent training and Select Agent background clearance procedures. Restricted/Limited vacation during peak workload periods (i.e. Outbreaks, Fiscal Close, Audits Periods, etc.)Share overtime/weekend/holiday coverage as needed. Occasional travel to CAHFS branch laboratories, conferences, etc. All CAHFS employees must know and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries. Must wear laboratory required/supplied PPE and participate in Health Surveillance Program. This position is subject to prophylactic vaccination for rabies, as well as medical surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy. Tolerate strong odors and the sight of exposed animal tissues and blood products, and to handle/dispose of infectious materials. May, at times, work with or be in areas where biohazardous and chemical materials and infectious diseases are present. Specific hazards of the position are, but are not limited to salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, Campylobacter, hot acids, bases, ethers and other chemicals.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks