Job Announcement

The Fairfax County Health Department is a progressive public health leader serving 1.2 million residents from diverse ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds. With more than 100 years of leadership in the field, we are committed to promoting population health, protecting public health and the environment, and ensuring residents' equitable access to health services and information. Under minimal supervision of laboratory directorate, 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 under the direction of the laboratory's Quality Manager for assigned section(s). In coordination with the laboratory management, participates in the development of division goals and objectives; ensures compliance with multiple regulatory agencies and assesses competency of PHLS I & II annually and may assist with preparation of the annual budget. Prepares internal policies based on evaluation of short- and long-term consequences of potential policies. Reviews, analyzes, and interprets scientific data; reviews PHLS 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.

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
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.
CPR required within 60 days of hire.
AED required within 60 days of hire.

NECESSARY 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.

All newly hired employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two weeks after the last required dose) as a condition of employment or obtain approval of a medical or religious exemption prior to their start date. Proof of an exemption or vaccination status will be required during the pre-employment onboarding process. New employees who obtain an exemption from the vaccine mandate for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs will still be subject to the weekly testing requirement. Vaccinated employees and employees with a medical or religious exemption will complete the attestation online on their first day of employment or shortly thereafter.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Preferred candidates will have a bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, or biological science or medical technology from an accredited institution; and at least 5 years of laboratory experience in high complexity testing with a strong background in molecular (RT-PCR) and immunological assays. 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 molecular procedures, chemistry, immunology, safety, and quality assurance is highly 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 in 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. Previous supervision of professional level staff is a plus. 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.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status 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.