11/30/2012 32111

TECHNICAL LABORATORIES DIRECTOR, DEP

DEFINITION: This is professional managerial and administrative work directing the technical operations of laboratories within the Bureau of Laboratories of the Department of Environmental Protection.

The employee in this job directs, through subordinate supervisors, the technical activities of the organic, inorganic, radiation, air chemistry and microbiology laboratories by planning, developing, coordinating, implementing and evaluating environmental laboratory services. The employee in this job acts as a senior staff member in directing the activities of the Bureau of Laboratories. Work requires directing and coordinating the activities of multiple laboratories; determining goals, objectives and work priorities; and evaluating the effectiveness of the analytical services provided. Work involves interpreting assignments, rules, regulations, policies and procedures for staff; planning and implementing cross-training measures; and evaluating staff performance. Work also involves the review and preparation of budgetary requests; the analysis and justification of instrumentation purchases; the coordination and review of analytical research; the performance of special environmental tests and examinations; and the review, interpretation and validation of analytical results reported, including those achieved through difficult or unusual analyses. An important aspect of this work is coordinating the operations of multiple laboratories utilizing varying types of specialized analytical equipment. Work also involves working with federal, state, local and private industry officials concerning environmental analysis matters. Work is assigned in the form of broad program goals and objectives and the employee exercises considerable freedom in determining specific goals and objectives and program priorities. Work is reviewed upon completion by a professional manager through reports and conferences for attainment of program goals and objectives and overall program quality.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Directs, through subordinate supervisors, the planning, development, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of environmental laboratory activities encompassing organic, inorganic, radiation, air chemistry, and microbiology analyses.

Directs the implementation of policies, technical standards, and procedures for environmental analyses.

Resolves conflicts between the work units and facilitates coordination with other agency staff.

Organizes and directs cross-training efforts to ensure consistent and accurate coverage and to maximize staff resources.

Reviews and analyzes reports to determine work being performed and program trends and to evaluate program effectiveness. Reviews reports of analytical results to ensure accuracy in testing and results interpretation.

Implements and monitors adherence to quality assurance and laboratory safety programs.

Directs the development of new methods and procedures for the analysis of materials and ensures the validity of the material to be analyzed is maintained.

Researches, develops and implements new, improved or innovative analytical methods and techniques.

Plans and directs the implementation of laboratory program activities delegated to the Commonwealth by the federal government to ensure the attainment and maintenance of performance requirements.

Performs research into available laboratory technologies and makes recommendations on their use and purchase.

Responds to requests for emergency laboratory services during disasters such as floods, chemical spills, and radiation releases.

Serves as the bureau director in the director’s absence.

Prepares budgetary and personnel recommendations.

Prepares reports, correspondence and memorandum.

Testifies as an expert witness before courts or the Environmental Hearing Board.

Travels to various field sites, professional conferences, or legal proceedings.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

Employees in this job may participate in the performance of their subordinates work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations of environmental protection related to environmental laboratory analysis work.

Knowledge of the basic 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 principles and practices of employee supervision.

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

Knowledge of the research methods used in the development and implementation of new, improved or innovative analytical methods and techniques.

Skill in the operation, application and maintenance of laboratory equipment utilized in environmental laboratory analysis work.

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

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Six years of professional experience in environmental laboratory analysis work that includes three years of technical supervisory experience; and a master’s degree in chemistry, biology, public health, environmental health, or a closely related environmental field;

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Seven years of professional experience in environmental laboratory analysis work that includes three years of technical supervisory experience; and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, public health, environmental health, or a closely related environmental field.