Virology Technician
Salary
Depends on Qualifications
Location
Houston, TX
Job Type
Regular Full-time
Job Number
17067
Department
Public Health Services
Division
Mosquito & Vector Control
Opening Date
08/14/2026
Closing Date
10/30/2026 11:59 PM Central
- Description
- Benefits
- Questions
Position Description
If you're looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.
About Harris County Public Health:
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.
Our Values:
HCPH embraces a foundation of progressive work anchored by the department's cornerstone values guiding our work to improve the community's health and well-being.
- Transparency - We share information openly and honestly so that staff, partners, and the community understand our actions and the reasons behind them.
- Integrity - Our actions reflect strong ethical principles, ensuring we remain trustworthy, accountable, and consistent with our mission.
- Respect - We foster a supportive environment by valuing diverse perspectives, listening intentionally, and treating people with dignity in every interaction.
- Impact - We focus our efforts on activities that improve health, reduce disparities, and create meaningful, measurable outcomes for the communities we serve.
- Collaboration - We actively partner across teams, disciplines, organizations, and communities to align our efforts toward common goals.
Position Overview:
Under the supervision of the Virology Manager, the Virology Technician will assist the Virology team with tasks and responsibilities related to vector-borne disease testing. The results of testing will guide treatment and intervention strategies to protect the residents of Harris County from vector-borne diseases.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Assists with preparation and testing samples to isolate arthropod-borne diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, birds and ticks.
- Process mosquito and other arthropod vectors for microbiological detection using various molecular assays to include ELISA, qPCR, and Ramp test methods
- Maintains and ensures compliance with laboratory biocontainment, biosafety, laboratory protocols, policies, and regulations.
- Responsible for the quality assurance and quality control of laboratory equipment, records, reagents and other chemical while maintaining inventory of all laboratory supplies, media, and reagents.
- Ensures that all laboratory equipment are cleaned, disinfected, and organized daily.
- Performs daily temperature checks of incubators, refrigerators, freezers, and ensure laboratory instruments are calibrated and maintained.
- Prepare laboratory supplies and make ready for testing.
- Maintains the virology database.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net
Requirements
Education:
- High School Diploma/GED or Higher
Experience:
- At least six (6) months of biological science.
Certifications/Licenses:
- Current Texas Drivers License (upon hire)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Experience in molecular biology such as qPCR or ELISA.
- Excellent aseptic technique and microbiological skills common to a bio-containment laboratory.
- Strong documentation and organizational skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in a team with diverse backgrounds.
- Understands the organizational mission.
- Ability to adapt to change and work under pressure.
- Ability to work well independently with limited supervision for completion of test procedures.
Core Competencies:
- Data Analytics and Assessment Skills: Ability to use data to analyze community health needs and support decisions that improve community health outcomes.
- Communication Skills: This competency focuses on using clear and effective communication to engage audiences, address misinformation, and build trust, supporting informed decisions and stronger public health outcomes.
- Health Advancement Skills: This competency focuses on applying principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion to public health, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting fair access to resources for healthier communities.
- Community Partnership Skills: This competency focuses on collaborating with communities to address the systems and policies affecting health, fostering engagement, shared ownership, and sustainable improvements in well-being.
- Public Health Science Skills: This competency focuses on using public health science and evidence-based approaches to develop and improve policies and programs, ensuring effective delivery of the 10 Essential Public Health Services.
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
Education:
- Bachelors degree in Basic Science or related field from an accredited college or university
Experience:
- At least one (1) year of microbiological experience.
General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- This is a Regular Full-Time position.
- 40 hours per week.
- Days and hours may vary based on the operation needs.
Work Environment:
- This job operates in a professional laboratory and office environment.
- This role routinely involves using standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
Physical Demands:
- Must be able to lift 35 lbs.
- This position might also require bending & standing for periods at a time.
Work Location:
- Harris County Public Health: Mosquito & Vector Control Division - 3330 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, Texas 77021.
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Wellness Plan
- Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
- Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
- One (1) floating holiday per year
- Paid Parental Leave*
- Sick Leave
Retirement Savings Benefit
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
- Professional learning & development opportunities
- Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
- Flexible work schedule*
- METRO RideSponsor Program*
- Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the Countys behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
www.benefitsathctx.com
01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?
- High School or Equivalent
- Associates Degree
- Bachelors Degree
- Masters Degree or higher
- None of the above
02
Which of the following best describes your verifiable experience in biological science. (To be considered, the qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history)
- Less than 6 months
- 6 months or more.
- I do not have this experience.
03
Please provide details about your verifiable experience in biological science. DO NOT USE "Please see Resume" or "See Resume" (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history) Please include your (a) roles, (b) types of organizations, (c) scope of duties and responsibilities, (d) employment dates (ex. MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY). If you do not have this experience, please type "None" in the space provided.
04
This role requires a Valid Drivers License (Texas upon hire). Do you have a Valid Drivers License?
- I have a valid Texas driver's license.
- I have a valid driver's license from another state but can obtain a Texas license upon hire.
- I do not have a valid driver's license.
05
Which of the following best describes your verifiable experience in microbiological. (To be considered, the qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history)
- Less than 1 year
- 1 year/years or more.
- I do not have this experience.
06
Please provide details about your verifiable experience in microbiological. DO NOT USE "Please see Resume" or "See Resume" (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history) Please include your (a) roles, (b) types of organizations, (c) scope of duties and responsibilities, (d) employment dates (ex. MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY). If you do not have this experience, please type "None" in the space provided.
Required Question
Employer Harris County
Address 1111 Fannin St
Ste. 600
Houston, Texas, 77002
Phone 713-274-5445
Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx