What are the responsibilities and job description for the LABORATORY ASSISTANT JC-513061 position at California Department of Public Health?
Department Information
At the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.
The Center for Laboratory Sciences (CLS) is based on the Richmond Campus which employs more than 1,200 people. The Richmond Campus is a flat, 29-acre property located in Richmond's Marina Bay. The CLS serves to protect and promote the health of all Californians through innovative and collaborative infectious disease and environmental testing, including provision of investigation and surveillance activities which form the basis of disease response and prevention. The CLS works to bring together emerging scientific capabilities in testing, analytics, and communications reflecting a new level of coordination, support, and leadership for the public health laboratory system at the state, local and national level. In addition, the Center relies on a continuous improvement infrastructure as a core value in developing solutions that emphasize a culture of quality and performance through performance management success.
Job Description And Duties
This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by performing biological, chemical, or related procedures involving a varied sequence of technical operations that follow well-defined methods and assist with the training and direction of laboratory assistants. Performs functions related to setting up and operation of the Centralized Services Branch, Bioscientific and Technical Support Services Section (BTSSS) including specimen receiving, processing, and data entry into a centralized database, the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS); prepares centralized glassware and equipment; delivers and collects specimens, materials, and/or equipment; collects medical and biological waste; decontaminates and disposes of materials; and prepares media and reagents.
The incumbent works under the general direction of the Supervising Laboratory Assistant II.
Please refer to the duty statement for essential functions for this position.
In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.
Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CDPHRecruitment
Final Filing Date: 4/16/2026
Position Details
Job Code #: JC-513061
Position #(s): 580-710-7884-909
Working Title: Specimens and Media Assistant
Classification: LABORATORY ASSISTANT $3,383.00 - $4,230.00 A $3,635.00 - $4,545.00 B
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions: 1
Work Location: Contra Costa County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
Should you have any questions regarding the application process, our Recruitment Team is ready to help you at Apply@cdph.ca.gov or (916) 445-0983.
At the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.
The Center for Laboratory Sciences (CLS) is based on the Richmond Campus which employs more than 1,200 people. The Richmond Campus is a flat, 29-acre property located in Richmond's Marina Bay. The CLS serves to protect and promote the health of all Californians through innovative and collaborative infectious disease and environmental testing, including provision of investigation and surveillance activities which form the basis of disease response and prevention. The CLS works to bring together emerging scientific capabilities in testing, analytics, and communications reflecting a new level of coordination, support, and leadership for the public health laboratory system at the state, local and national level. In addition, the Center relies on a continuous improvement infrastructure as a core value in developing solutions that emphasize a culture of quality and performance through performance management success.
- The salary information listed on this advertisement may not reflect recent salary increases from salary adjustments or changes in the fiscal year.
- The CDPH is an E-Verify employer.
Job Description And Duties
This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by performing biological, chemical, or related procedures involving a varied sequence of technical operations that follow well-defined methods and assist with the training and direction of laboratory assistants. Performs functions related to setting up and operation of the Centralized Services Branch, Bioscientific and Technical Support Services Section (BTSSS) including specimen receiving, processing, and data entry into a centralized database, the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS); prepares centralized glassware and equipment; delivers and collects specimens, materials, and/or equipment; collects medical and biological waste; decontaminates and disposes of materials; and prepares media and reagents.
The incumbent works under the general direction of the Supervising Laboratory Assistant II.
Please refer to the duty statement for essential functions for this position.
In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.
Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CDPHRecruitment
Final Filing Date: 4/16/2026
Position Details
Job Code #: JC-513061
Position #(s): 580-710-7884-909
Working Title: Specimens and Media Assistant
Classification: LABORATORY ASSISTANT $3,383.00 - $4,230.00 A $3,635.00 - $4,545.00 B
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions: 1
Work Location: Contra Costa County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
Should you have any questions regarding the application process, our Recruitment Team is ready to help you at Apply@cdph.ca.gov or (916) 445-0983.
Salary : $3,383 - $4,545