H-1B Visa Public Health Jobs
Public health roles in epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and program management regularly qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations when tied to a relevant graduate degree. Government agencies, academic medical centers, nonprofits, and consulting firms all sponsor H-1B petitions for these positions, making it a viable path for internationally trained professionals.
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A Drug-Free Workplace
Invites your interest for the position of Public Health Microbiologist II
$7,130 – $9,739 per Month
Final Filing Date: 7/5/2026
Exam # 26/50C22/06PH
SUMMARY OF POSITION
Monterey County Health Department’s Public Health Bureau is seeking to fill a full-time, temporary Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) II position in their Public Health Laboratory. The Public Health Laboratory is part of the Monterey County Health Department (MCHD) which holds a nationally recognized accreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board. The laboratory provides testing services to support MCHD Communicable Disease and Tuberculosis Units, Clinics, Environmental Health, and local hospitals and health care providers in protecting the community from infectious diseases and harmful microbes in food and water. As of 9/8/2023, the Health Department offers up to a $10,000 signing bonus to candidates hired into regular full-time positions for this classification from this recruitment. The Eligible List established by this recruitment process will be used to fill current and future vacancies, both regular and temporary, as they arise. This classification is part of a flexible series. Incumbents appointed at the lower level of the career series may be promoted up to the higher level of the career series subject to their meeting the employment standards for the higher class and a recommendation for their promotion by the appointing authority in accordance with the Flexible Staffing Program and Guidelines. The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and the process, be sure to read the Hiring Preference for Veterans and Eligible Military Spouses section located towards the end of this job flyer.
Examples of Duties
- Makes laboratory examinations and control tests including hematological, chemical, bacteriological, and parasitological test to determine the absence of presence in the culture of disease or abnormal conditions.
- Analyzes and interprets laboratory data; keeps records of results of tests; makes reports of findings.
- Makes qualitative examinations of blood, urine and other body fluids.
To view the complete job description, please visit the Monterey County website: Public Health Microbiologist II
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Working Knowledge of:
- Bacteriological, serological, mycological, parasitological, and other microbiological principles, used in the laboratory for detection and identification of disease agents.
- Chemical principles and techniques used in the examination of body fluids, foods, dairy products, water and air.
- Proper laboratory safety precautions and procedures.
Some Knowledge of:
- Methods of transmissions, causes, and control of communicable diseases.
Skill and Ability to:
- Operate and care for laboratory equipment.
- Perform a variety of laboratory tests and examinations.
- Keep records and prepare clear and concise written reports on examinations performed.
- Establish and maintain effective working relations with those contacted through the course of work.
Examples of Experience/Education/Training
Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:
Experience:
Six months to a year of experience performing a full range of laboratory testing duties in a Public Health laboratory comparable to the class of Public Health Microbiologist I with Monterey County.
Additional Information
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- Successfully complete a background check to include fingerprinting.
- Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license or the ability to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.
- Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency.
- Pursuant to Title 17, Section 1079 of the California Administrative Code, possession of a valid Public Health Microbiologist certificate issued by the California State Health Department is required for positions in this class.
BENEFITS:
The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the Bargaining Unit H Benefit Summary Sheet. This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.
NOTES:
As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions.
Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9.
If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCEDURES:
Apply on-line at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/montereycounty by the final filing date of Sunday, July 5, 2026 at 11:59 PM (PST)
or
Hard copy applications may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours,
Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM by contacting:
Monterey County Health Department
Attn: Human Resources Division
1270 Natividad Road
Salinas, CA 93906.
Phone: (831) 755-4519
Fax: (831) 796-8682
The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. To assess applicants' possession of required qualifications, the examination process may include an oral examination, pre-examination exercises, performance examination, and/or written examination. The competitive examination process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application package will include:
- A completed County of Monterey Employment Application
- Responses to the Supplemental Questions
Applicants who fail to provide all required materials by the final filing deadline will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. Those applicants that are determined to be the most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.
HIRING PREFERENCE FOR VETERANS AND ELIGIBLE MILITARY SPOUSES:
The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses (i.e., surviving spouses of veterans, spouses of totally disabled veterans, and spouses of active-duty service members) and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To obtain a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application, please visit the Human Resources website or click on the following link: Click Here to View the Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application
To apply for veterans’ preference points, veterans or eligible military spouses must complete and email a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application with supporting documentation of their eligibility by the final filing deadline of Sunday, July 5, 2026 at 11:59 PM (PST) to VeteransPreferencePoints@countyofmonterey.gov
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
Monterey County is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. Monterey County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Priscilla Herrera, Human Resources Analyst II, at (831) 755-4515 or herrerap1@countyofmonterey.gov.
Position Description
A Drug-Free Workplace
Invites your interest for the position of Public Health Microbiologist II
$7,130 – $9,739 per Month
Final Filing Date: 7/5/2026
Exam # 26/50C22/06PH
SUMMARY OF POSITION
Monterey County Health Department’s Public Health Bureau is seeking to fill a full-time, temporary Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) II position in their Public Health Laboratory. The Public Health Laboratory is part of the Monterey County Health Department (MCHD) which holds a nationally recognized accreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board. The laboratory provides testing services to support MCHD Communicable Disease and Tuberculosis Units, Clinics, Environmental Health, and local hospitals and health care providers in protecting the community from infectious diseases and harmful microbes in food and water. As of 9/8/2023, the Health Department offers up to a $10,000 signing bonus to candidates hired into regular full-time positions for this classification from this recruitment. The Eligible List established by this recruitment process will be used to fill current and future vacancies, both regular and temporary, as they arise. This classification is part of a flexible series. Incumbents appointed at the lower level of the career series may be promoted up to the higher level of the career series subject to their meeting the employment standards for the higher class and a recommendation for their promotion by the appointing authority in accordance with the Flexible Staffing Program and Guidelines. The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and the process, be sure to read the Hiring Preference for Veterans and Eligible Military Spouses section located towards the end of this job flyer.
Examples of Duties
- Makes laboratory examinations and control tests including hematological, chemical, bacteriological, and parasitological test to determine the absence of presence in the culture of disease or abnormal conditions.
- Analyzes and interprets laboratory data; keeps records of results of tests; makes reports of findings.
- Makes qualitative examinations of blood, urine and other body fluids.
To view the complete job description, please visit the Monterey County website: Public Health Microbiologist II
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Working Knowledge of:
- Bacteriological, serological, mycological, parasitological, and other microbiological principles, used in the laboratory for detection and identification of disease agents.
- Chemical principles and techniques used in the examination of body fluids, foods, dairy products, water and air.
- Proper laboratory safety precautions and procedures.
Some Knowledge of:
- Methods of transmissions, causes, and control of communicable diseases.
Skill and Ability to:
- Operate and care for laboratory equipment.
- Perform a variety of laboratory tests and examinations.
- Keep records and prepare clear and concise written reports on examinations performed.
- Establish and maintain effective working relations with those contacted through the course of work.
Examples of Experience/Education/Training
Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:
Experience:
Six months to a year of experience performing a full range of laboratory testing duties in a Public Health laboratory comparable to the class of Public Health Microbiologist I with Monterey County.
Additional Information
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- Successfully complete a background check to include fingerprinting.
- Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license or the ability to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.
- Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency.
- Pursuant to Title 17, Section 1079 of the California Administrative Code, possession of a valid Public Health Microbiologist certificate issued by the California State Health Department is required for positions in this class.
BENEFITS:
The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the Bargaining Unit H Benefit Summary Sheet. This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.
NOTES:
As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions.
Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9.
If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCEDURES:
Apply on-line at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/montereycounty by the final filing date of Sunday, July 5, 2026 at 11:59 PM (PST)
or
Hard copy applications may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours,
Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM by contacting:
Monterey County Health Department
Attn: Human Resources Division
1270 Natividad Road
Salinas, CA 93906.
Phone: (831) 755-4519
Fax: (831) 796-8682
The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. To assess applicants' possession of required qualifications, the examination process may include an oral examination, pre-examination exercises, performance examination, and/or written examination. The competitive examination process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application package will include:
- A completed County of Monterey Employment Application
- Responses to the Supplemental Questions
Applicants who fail to provide all required materials by the final filing deadline will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. Those applicants that are determined to be the most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.
HIRING PREFERENCE FOR VETERANS AND ELIGIBLE MILITARY SPOUSES:
The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses (i.e., surviving spouses of veterans, spouses of totally disabled veterans, and spouses of active-duty service members) and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To obtain a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application, please visit the Human Resources website or click on the following link: Click Here to View the Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application
To apply for veterans’ preference points, veterans or eligible military spouses must complete and email a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application with supporting documentation of their eligibility by the final filing deadline of Sunday, July 5, 2026 at 11:59 PM (PST) to VeteransPreferencePoints@countyofmonterey.gov
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
Monterey County is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. Monterey County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Priscilla Herrera, Human Resources Analyst II, at (831) 755-4515 or herrerap1@countyofmonterey.gov.
See all 1,111+ H-1B Visa Public Health Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Public Health Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Public Health
Verify your degree supports specialty occupation
H-1B approval for public health roles depends on proving your specific degree directly relates to the job duties. A general bachelor's won't always suffice. Cross-reference your credential against the O*NET profile for your target occupation before applying.
Target government contractors and academic medical centers
Federal contractors and academic medical centers file H-1B petitions more consistently than local health departments, which often lack in-house immigration counsel. Prioritize employers with existing USCIS filing history in public health or epidemiology roles.
Search verified H-1B sponsors on Migrate Mate
Filter your job search on Migrate Mate to surface public health employers with confirmed H-1B LCA filing history. This cuts time spent approaching organizations that won't sponsor, letting you focus on genuinely viable opportunities.
Confirm prevailing wage tier before negotiating
Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the DOL prevailing wage for your job title and location. Use the OFLC Wage Search to check the applicable wage level before entering salary discussions so there are no surprises during filing.
Request premium processing for time-sensitive positions
Public health roles tied to grant-funded projects or outbreak response have hard start dates. Ask your employer to file Form I-907 for premium processing, which gives USCIS a 15-business-day adjudication window instead of the standard multi-month timeline.
Clarify cap-exempt status if joining a university or nonprofit
Universities, affiliated research institutions, and qualifying nonprofits are cap-exempt employers. If you're joining one, your H-1B petition can be filed at any time of year, bypassing the April lottery entirely. Confirm cap-exempt status with your employer's HR team before your start date.
H-1B Visa Public Health: Frequently Asked Questions
Do public health jobs qualify as H-1B specialty occupations?
Most do, but the qualifier is the degree requirement attached to the specific role. Epidemiologist, biostatistician, health policy analyst, and public health program manager positions typically qualify because they require at minimum a relevant bachelor's degree, and more commonly a master's in public health, epidemiology, or a related field. Generalist community health worker roles without a degree requirement usually don't qualify.
Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for public health roles?
Federal contractors, academic medical centers, schools of public health, state health department research arms, and global health consulting firms are the most active sponsors. Local health departments and smaller nonprofits sponsor less frequently due to limited immigration infrastructure. Use Migrate Mate to browse public health roles filtered specifically by employers with verified H-1B filing history.
Can I work for a public health agency on an H-1B?
Yes, federal and state government agencies can sponsor H-1B petitions, though the process differs slightly from private employers. Some agencies use third-party staffing arrangements. Tribal organizations and certain public health authorities affiliated with universities may qualify as cap-exempt, which means petitions can be filed year-round without waiting for the annual lottery.
How does the H-1B lottery affect public health job seekers?
The annual H-1B cap applies to most private-sector employers. USCIS accepts registrations in March and selects petitions by lottery for the 85,000 available slots, with a 20,000 subset reserved for U.S. master's degree holders. Public health professionals with a U.S. master's or doctoral degree get entered in both pools, improving selection odds. Cap-exempt employers like universities avoid the lottery entirely.
What happens to my H-1B status if my public health grant funding ends?
Your H-1B status is tied to your employer, not your funding source. If your position ends because a grant expires, you enter a 60-day grace period during which you can look for a new sponsoring employer. A new employer can file an H-1B transfer petition during this window. Acting quickly matters because the grace period doesn't extend, and working after it lapses violates your status.