Job Announcement

This job is being re-advertised. If you applied before you do not need to re-apply to be considered.

Under minimal supervision of the laboratory director, this position is responsible for the direct supervision of professional and paraprofessional laboratory staff in one or more sections of the laboratory; including clinical and/or environmental testing and laboratory support services. Responsible for planning, developing, and coordinating public health laboratory (PHL) services and quality assurance program for assigned section(s). In coordination with the laboratory director, participates in the development of division goals and objectives; ensures compliance with multiple regulatory agencies and assesses competency of PHLS I & II annually; and assists with preparation of annual budget. Prepares internal policies based on evaluation of short- and long-term consequences of potential policies. Reviews, analyzes, and interprets scientific data; reviews PHLT work; monitors accuracy/quality of lab data; researches, evaluates method validation and performance verification results. Investigates and resolves complex technical problems and presents corrective actions as required. Provides consultation services to medical professionals and environmental specialists regarding laboratory testing, regulatory compliance, laboratory safety, and quality assurance. Orients and trains staff as required. Successful applicants must possess 5 years progressively responsible experience performing high complexity testing in a clinical or public health setting, to include at least 1 year of supervisory experience. Must possess certification in one of the following; Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), Medical Technologist (MT), or specialty area through a nationally recognized laboratory accreditation organization. Depending on area of assignment, may be required to possess Waste Management Facility Operators License Class I and Class III.

PLEASE NOTE: This position may be underfilled as a Public Health Laboratory Scientist II; the underfill requirements are stated below in the Employment Standards section.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Comprehensive knowledge of biology, chemistry, and medical laboratory principles and procedures;
Knowledge of state and federal regulations governing clinical and environmental tests in certified laboratories;
Knowledge of the use, operation, and care of laboratory equipment and techniques used in laboratory analysis;
Knowledge of laboratory hazards and safety conditions. This includes skill in handling and disposing of hazardous substances and waste;
Knowledge of new test procedures, techniques, literature and current developments in area of specialization;
Knowledge of County personnel policies and practices governing the management and supervision of employees.
Ability to perform advanced technical laboratory procedures in specialty area(s);
Ability to gather, analyze and collect data to solve vaguely defined practical problems;
Ability to apply statistical and algebraic techniques in practical situations;
Ability to communicate orally to exchange technical and non-technical information with co­workers, nurses, physicians, environmental health specialists, and citizens regarding testing and test results;
Skill in calibrating laboratory instruments and equipment;
Ability to train and supervise professional laboratory staff;
Ability to analyze and interpret data and write comprehensive reports and procedures;
Ability to plan, develop, and coordinate laboratory services and quality assurance programs;
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
Ability to work with a high degree of accuracy and precision;
Ability to interpret and apply the professional standards of laboratory practice, County Health Department policies and procedures and applicable federal, state, and county laws and regulations.
Ability to prepare written justifications for budget, personnel, or other resource requests;
Ability to apply or introduce technology to facilitate decision-making and foster communication with laboratory customers and stakeholders.

Employment Standards

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in medical/clinical laboratory science, microbiology, or chemistry; OR a degree in a directly related field of study; OR completion of a post-graduate degree in a directly related field of study relevant to public health clinical laboratory testing;
Plus five (5) years progressively responsible recent experience performing high complexity testing in a clinical or public health laboratory environment, to include one (1) year of supervisory experience.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Possession of a valid motor vehicle driver's license.
Certification in one of the following: Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), Medical Technologist (MT), or in a laboratory specialty area through a nationally recognized laboratory accreditation organization.
Depending on area of assignment, may be required to possess Waste Management Facility Operators License Class I and Class III.
AED - Required within 60 days
CPR- Required within 6o days

UNDERFILL REQUIREMENTS:
This position may be underfilled as a Public Health Laboratory Scientist II (Grade S22, $54,219.36 - $90,365.81). The Minimum Qualifications for the underfill are: graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in medical/clinical laboratory science, microbiology, or chemistry; OR a degree in a directly related field of study; OR completion of a post-graduate degree in a directly related field of study relevant to public health clinical laboratory testing; Plus four (4) years recent relevant experience performing high complexity testing in a clinical or public health laboratory environment.
Within one year of hire obtain a certification in one of the following; Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), Medical Technologist (MT), or specialty area through a nationally recognized laboratory accreditation organization.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a check of the Child Protective Services Registry, a sanction screening, and a driving record to the satisfaction of the employer.
Tuberculosis test

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Preferred candidates must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups while working independently and in a collaborative team environment. Working knowledge of microbiological and molecular procedures, chemistry, safety, and quality assurance is highly desirable for this position. Experience and knowledge of environmental test methods for drinking water is desirable for this position. Experience with Laboratory Information System (LIS). Ability to read, analyze, interpret and communicate complex scientific, technical, administrative and educational documents. Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints from both internal and external clients. Preferred candidates will have knowledge and experience of CLIA/EPA regulatory requirements for clinical/environmental testing procedures; knowledge and experience utilizing BSL-2 and BSL-3 operations and practices; knowledge and experience of quality management systems and practices. Candidates should possess strong oral and written communication skills; must be results driven, detail oriented, and demonstrate effective and customer oriented communication skills. One or more years of direct supervisory experience of professional level staff or demonstrated work experience monitoring and directing the work of others. Experience and knowledge of Health Department policies and procedures is desirable.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, see, and hear. Job is generally sedentary in nature, however, job entails walking, sitting, standing, climbing stairs, reaching, and bending; uses hands to grasp, handle, or feel. Visual acuity is required to read data on computer monitor and laboratory equipment, and to distinguish fine gradation of color, bands, or structure and closely examine specimens microscopically. The incumbent must be able to operate keyboard driven equipment and possess the ability to communicate with others verbally and in writing. Employee must be able to drive a motor vehicle and may be required to lift up to 25 lbs. Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to work with small instruments and delicate laboratory equipment. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview.

It is the policy of Fairfax County Government to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314 . EEO/AA/TTY.