JOB TITLE: ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY DIVISION CHIEF, DEP

JOB CODE: 14246

DEFINITION: This is professional managerial work directing a division in the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Bureau of Laboratories.

An employee in this job plans, organizes, and directs laboratory science activities in chemical and biological analysis, technical services, or other related division-level program operations. Work involves directing complex laboratory analysis, overseeing investigational and developmental research to support regulatory and legal needs, and developing and implementing laboratory standards for quality assurance, methodology, operations, and health and safety. Work includes providing consultation to agency staff on sampling collection and analysis, quality assurance, and federal and state compliance standards. Supervision is exercised over professional and technical staff engaged in various areas of laboratory operations. Work is performed with considerable independence and is reviewed through reports, meetings, and program evaluations by the Director, Bureau of Laboratories, DEP or the Technical Laboratories Director, DEP for adherence to established goals and objectives, program quality, and effectiveness.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Plans, organizes, and directs laboratory programs and services for environmental sample analysis to support DEP’s monitoring and enforcement of federal and state regulations.

• Oversees analysis of environmental samples collected by field staff for program management and enforcement.

• Directs research on testing limitations, supervises protocol development, and provides findings for regulatory limits and litigation support.

• Produces analytical results and reports for decisions on environmental and public health protection, monitoring and enforcements actions, and public notification activities.

• Ensures proper operation of lab equipment and recommends purchases based on life cycles and emerging technologies.

• Oversees the coordination of emergency laboratory services with environmental programs during drinking water emergencies and natural and man-made disasters.

• Oversees the development of requested methods and procedures for analyses of emerging environmental contaminants.

• Maintains Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) functionality and implements upgrades as needed.

• Ensures staff compliance with bureau laboratory quality assurance and safety programs and initiates corrective actions.

• Recommends operational changes and technical guidance to bureau leadership and manages implementation to support testing and agency initiatives.

• Consults and collaborates with external laboratories to provide backup support for interrupted laboratory testing to maintain continuity of analytical operations.

• Oversees maintenance of quality assurance and control items required by accreditation and regulations.

• Implements safety, chemical hygiene, and hazardous waste policies and procedures.

• Manages bureau wide technical support services involving sample management and operational inventory and supply.

• Travels to emergency response sites.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations of environmental protection related to environmental laboratory analysis work.

• Knowledge of the principles of the biological, chemical, physical, and radiological sciences related to environmental laboratory analysis work.

• Knowledge of the principles, methods, techniques, and practices utilized in environmental laboratory analysis work.

• Knowledge of the safety precautions required for environmental laboratory analysis work.

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used to implement and monitor laboratory quality assurance programs.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to analyze and interpret rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to evaluate lab findings for environmental and health impact.

• Ability to evaluate laboratory practices and recommend improvements to procedures, methods, facilities, and equipment.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Two years as a Chemist 4 (Commonwealth title);

or

• Six years of professional experience in environmental laboratory analysis work that includes two years of supervisory experience and a bachelor’s degree that includes 30 college credits in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes two years of professional supervisory experience in environmental laboratory analysis work and 30 college credits in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related field.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Certain positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license.