Position Description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING
Position Number: 50247921	Description Activated On: 2/6/2026 12:41:10 PM

Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively.

Provide technical support to the quality assurance and safety activities required for the Bureau of Laboratories.

Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

A.Quality Assurance activities for the Bureau of Laboratories:

1) Conduct training seminars, classes, PC-based training related to Quality Assurance, Data Integrity, and Laboratory Safety for:

a) Onboarding training for incoming/new employees such as initial Safety Training (“Right-to-Know Training”) and Data Integrity Training.
b) Annual Safety and Data Integrity refresher training for all employees.
c) Additional trainings related to operational updates related to NELAP, EPA, or other Laboratory Quality System requirements

2) Performs sample receipt, reporting of results, and other assigned duties related to requirements and procedures for the Bureau’s proficiency (PT) testing activities.

3) Assists in the development and implementation of the quality assurance policies and quality control procedures that are part of the BOL quality system and Quality Assurance Manual as specified by accreditation standards and the EPA.

4) Performs calibration of Bureau instrument/equipment required for laboratory accreditation compliance according to Bureau procedures:

a) Quarterly calibrations for all micropipettes used by Bureau staff
b) Volume calibration checks for non-class A glassware and plastic ware used by all Bureau staff and annual gravimetric volume verification for new lots of this equipment.
c) Assist in maintaining the laboratory's thermometer calibration and temperature monitoring program

5) Print logbooks as requested by sections.
a) Distribute printed logbooks after checking for accurate printing.
b) Maintain logbook tracking database.

6) Assist staff with other quality assurance activities performed in the section including:

a) Printing and tracking of quality assurance documents
b) Preparing renewal and modification packages for accreditation authorities
b) Development or revision of laboratory quality assurance record templates such as standard and reagent preparation logs, sample preparation logs, sample batch processing forms, oven and refrigerator temperature forms.
c) Annual review of the laboratory Quality System
d) Creation and updates of Blaze Inventory labels.
e) Preparing vials of Ascorbic acid as requested by Bureau of Safe Drinking Water
f) Maintain inventory, distribution, and calibration of standard weights for laboratory sections

7) Assist in the annual review of the laboratory NELAP Quality System which may include the review of analytical Sops, administrative policies, and the laboratory Quality Assurance Manual.

8) Assist in the review and revision of existing Sops, both analytical and QA/Safety. Review and revise SOPs and confirm agreement with method TNI Standard and Chapter 252. Ensure SOPs are clearly written and unambiguous.

9) Assist in maintaining COOP Plan.

10) Assist in maintaining NELAC and PA accreditation for BOL’s main laboratory with preparing renewal and modification packages
a. Assist with NELAC on-site audits and audit responses.
b. Consult with the New Jersey NELAP, the Pennsylvania Laboratory Accreditation Program, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and other appropriate agencies.

11) Review and track the progress of annual Quality Assurance (MDLs, DOCs, Internal Audits, SOP Reviews) from the laboratory.
a. Review MDLs and DOCs for accuracy and compliance.
b. Collect appropriate signatures for Internal Audits.
c. Document the receipt of MDLs, DOCs, Internal Audits and Biennial SOP Review forms in the Progress Tracking Spreadsheets

B. Safety activities for the Bureau of Laboratories:

Crosstrain in safety activities for the Bureau of Laboratories to assist as needed

1. Perform & document the monitoring of Bureau safety equipment according to Bureau procedures.

a) Monthly checks of the eyewashes and safety showers in the Bureau, prepare portable eyewashes for use when necessary
b) Assist with monitoring of fume hoods in the laboratory spaces for adequate flow
c) Monthly check of automated external defibrillators and list of trained operators in building
d) Maintain supplies on spill carts and 1st aid kits and replenish as needed by creating electronic purchase orders for safety supplies and equipment.

2. Perform and document activities related to hazardous substances and waste according to Bureau procedures.

a) Assist colleagues with compliance to federal and state regulations regarding accreditation including hazardous waste inventory and pickup and safety shower and eyewash ANSI Z358.1-2009 regulations.
b) Maintain the Right to Know Hazardous Substances Survey Form and inventory database for chemicals stored at the Bureau of Laboratories. Update it annually and provide a copy to the Department of Environmental Protection's HSSF coordinator.
c) Provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) as needed by the Bureau of Labs personnel.
c) Monitor the hazardous waste in satellite accumulation areas throughout the laboratory and the Hazmat room (final accumulation area). Perform weekly checks of Hazmat room and compressed gas storage room.

3) Assist section staff with additional safety activities according to Bureau procedures:

a) Conduct accident investigations and recommend corrective actions.
b) Investigate safety violations and complaints including preparation of accident reports. Take personnel to medical treatment if needed. Ensure that all Worker’s Compensation forms are submitted to the Bureau of Human Resources within 24 hours.
c) Review and update the Bureau of Laboratories Chemical Hygiene Plan annually
d) Investigate and document odor/safety complaints in the building
e) Assist QA & Safety manager with conducting fire and evacuation drills. Remind searchers of their duties before each fire drill. Post updated searchers list throughout the building.

4) Assume the role of Safety Officer when the Safety Officer is not on the premises.

5) Coordinate Quarterly Safety Inspection Program

a) Schedule quarterly safety inspections.
b) Conduct safety inspections and perform safety checks as assigned.
c) Track the completion of quarterly safety audits. Track findings and follow up on corrective action.
d) Attend quarterly Safety Committee meetings and other meetings as requested by QA and Safety Manager.

C. Tax Free, Undenatured Alcohol Policies

a) Update and maintain records of the Tax-Free alcohol received by the Bureau of Labs (e.g. whenever a new shipment is received).
b) Conduct a physical bi-annual inventory of the Tax-Free alcohol and maintain accurate records.
c). Issue Tax-Free alcohol as requested by the laboratory staff and update the inventory records.
d). Ensure that the Tax-Free alcohol is stored in secure locations.
e). Ensure that an adequate supply is kept on hand and re-order from authorized vendor as needed.
f). Keep the BOL undenatured ethanol licenses up-to date, submit renewal applications as needed.
g). The records of receipt, storage and use of tax-free, undenatured ethanol are stored to be easily accessed by a federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) inspector or a representative of the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement.

D. May be required to appear as a witness in legal or administrative hearing actions.

E. Perform duties, as assigned, to support the overall operation of the laboratory.

a) The chemists in the QA/Safety section will be cross trained for all of their respective tasks by section staff. They will function as backup for each other, whenever the need arises.
b) Employee may be required to work in an analytical capacity in the laboratory. Read, understand and perform the most recent approved version of the SOPs for the test methods assigned to perform in the laboratory. Work overtime and/or flexible schedules, as needed, during emergency situations.
c) Promotes the Department's mission.
d) Inputs appropriate data in a prescribed format to meet data quality standards set forth by guidance, training, and policy across all of DEP’s electronic data systems; to include specific tools to ensure duplicative entries and data quality issues are minimized.
e) Testifies in legal proceedings in federal courtrooms
f) May require air/land travel for attendance in training and/or conferences related to work.

This job description in no way states nor implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested

Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

Assignments are given by the Quality Assurance and Safety Manager for the development of individual, sectional, and Bureau objectives. Employees are self-directed in performing routine assigned activities but will consult other Bureau supervisors when any clarifications are required.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:

Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1.   Real ID or Equivalent

2.   N/A

3.   N/A

4.

5.

6.

Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.

1.	Plan, organize, and present training sessions on a variety of laboratory, accreditation, and safety topics.
2.	Consistently perform standard laboratory, quality assurance, and safety activities according to Bureau procedures
3.	Traverse a laboratory environment in a manner which does not endanger self or others.
4.	Perform basic and advanced computer functions using Word, Excel and other software.
5.	Interpret and evaluate data from analytical and quality assurance section.
6.	Read, understand, evaluate, and interpret administrative, scientific and regulatory materials, in printed and electronic form.
7.	Communicate effectively and efficiently, orally and in writing.
8.	Learn, understand and apply the principles and techniques of analytical chemistry in the preparation/analysis of environmental samples.
9.	Document all work performed in an accurate and timely manner. Maintain all assigned databases.
10.	Attend training. Some of the training might involve overnight travel.