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Public Health Laboratory Director

(Unclassified)

Recruitment #2009-11710-01

Salary:

$7,340 - $8,924/month; $42.35/hour

Department:

Health and Human Services

Job Type:

Open

Date Opened:

8/20/2009 5:01:00 PM

Filing Deadline:

6/10/2010 5:00:00 PM

Employment Type :

	Permanent/Full Time (40 hrs/week)
	Temporary/Extra Help

Work Location:

Auburn Area (Applegate, Auburn, Colfax, Foresthill, Meadow Vista, Penryn)

HR Analyst:

Jon Harned

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Bulletin

POSITION INFORMATION

Placer County Health and Human Services Department is currently hiring for a permanent Public Health Laboratory�Director�position.

The Public Health Laboratory Director will be assigned to the Community Health Division and has overall responsibility for management and administration of the Placer County Public Health Laboratory. The Laboratory Director provides coordination/liaison with County departments; direct supervision to the Public Health Laboratory staff and is responsible for compliance with all relevant County, State and Federal laws, regulations and agreements.

This position requires possession of a valid Public Health Microbiologist Certificate issued by the California State Department of Health Services.�

DEFINITION

To plan, organize, manage, and coordinate the programmatic, administrative, and operational activities of the Public Health Laboratory which performs highly complex testing as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control; to direct, manage, and supervise the work of the Public Health Laboratory staff/team members; perform complex laboratory tests and analyses to identify communicable, chronic, and other diseases; provide expert technical assistance and consultation to department staff, community physicians, nursing personnel, laboratory technicians, hospitals, schools, businesses, general public, and other private and public agencies on diseases of public health.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from a Client Services Program Director.

Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and clerical personnel.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Plan, organize, and manage programmatic, administrative, and operational activities in support of the Public Health Laboratory; oversee and coordinate the allocation of designated resources, administer the record keeping and reporting functions, and ensure compliance with stated mission, goals, regulations, and guidelines.
Establish program objectives and performance standards; evaluate programs operations and activities in terms of over-all effectiveness and compliance; implement improvements and modifications as necessary; and adjust over-all goals and objectives in response to program directives and/or client needs.
Develop, coordinate, and participate in collaborative activities, programs, and projects to maximize available resources and responsiveness; provide necessary and requested resources; act as team member/leader for the Public Health Laboratory.
Develop, implement, and manage clinical, administrative, and operational systems and processes to maximize the effectiveness and responsiveness of the Public Health Laboratory; act as professional, technical, and managerial resource to program staff, project teams, and clients as well as other County departments and departmental colleagues in a positive and supportive manner.
Provide professional, technical, and managerial expertise in support of the Public Health Laboratory as well as the Department�s over-all mission, goals, objectives, and directives; act as a primary resource to the Department�s level staff, boards, committees, contractors, and clients in the planning, development, and implementation of the Public Health Laboratory�s activities.
Plan, coordinate, and conduct special research projects related to a variety of microbiological fields including, immunology, bacteriology, virology, serology, parasitology, and mycology.
Assist in developing protocols and providing training in support of bioterrorism and preparedness activities; oversees laboratory bioterrorism response plan and activities and related safety and security requirements; assist in monitoring, tracking, reviewing, and performing assignments related to the Select Agent Program.
Collaborate with appropriate departments, programs, and work units to secure advice, resources, and technical services necessary to achieve assigned program goals, objectives, and directives in accordance with mutually agreed upon time frames and in compliance with pertinent guidelines and regulations.
Investigate questionable test results and review such reports for quality control measures; develop quality assurance and safety guidelines, policies and procedures.�
Participate in budget preparation and administration for the Public Health Laboratory; preparing cost estimates/projections, submitting justifications for requested resources, and monitoring and controlling expenditures.
Direct, oversee, and administer contracts in the implementation of Public Health Laboratory services; review and evaluate quality of service and contract compliance; verify billings and payments; respond to inquiries and trouble-shoot complaints; and represent the Department and assigned programs to contractors and vendors.
Represents the Department and the Public Health Laboratory, and provides consultation and expert technical assistance to Department staff, other organizations, community physicians, nursing personnel, laboratory technicians, hospitals, schools, businesses, the general public; and other private and public agencies; act as primary and major technical resource regarding the assigned program; respond to inquiries; and promote the Department�s mission and goals.
Participate in statewide committees on laboratory testing.
Establish and maintain open communications with other department programs, projects, and multi-disciplinary teams; coordinate data, resources, and work products as necessary and upon request in support of a productive and positive working environment.
Perform related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Training:
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.� A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Four years of increasingly responsible experience as a Public Health Microbiologist in a public health laboratory, including at least two years of supervisory responsibility.

Training: Qualify as a Laboratory Director of a high complexity laboratory as defined by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, Federal Regulation Section 493.1443.� A typical and desired qualification includes possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a chemical, physical, biological science, or clinical laboratory science and possession of certification by a board approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in one of the laboratory specialties.
�
Or:

On or before February 28, 1992, held a position as a Laboratory Director or could have qualified as a Laboratory Director under regulations at 42 CFR 493.1415, published March 14, 1990 at 55 FR 9538.

Or:

On or before February 28, 1992, be qualified under California State law to direct a public health laboratory.

License or Certificate:

This position requires possession of a valid Public Health Microbiologist Certificate issued by the California State Department of Health Services.�
May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.� Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Local, State, and Federal laws, regulations, and standards pertaining to clinical and Public Health Laboratories.
Bioterrorism preparedness and response regulations, protocols, and activities.
Principles, techniques, and equipment used in a variety of microbiological fields including, immunology, bacteriology, virology, serology, parasitology, and mycology.
Techniques, equipment and terminology used in laboratory diagnosis of disease and/or conditions.
Testing principles, procedures and safety techniques for performing microbiological and related biological and bio-chemical examinations on clinical and environmental specimen for the detection and identification of microbial agents of disease; or of biochemical or chemical substances. Techniques used in the preparation of specimen(s), stains, slides, culture media and reagents to examine food and water samples for microbial or chemical agents.
Common causes of diseases and of the methods of transmission and control of communicable diseases.
Proper laboratory safety precautions and procedures associated with the processing or testing for contagious diseases.
Techniques used in the collection and processing of clinical and environmental specimens.
Current techniques, trends, concepts, and developments in public health laboratory research and development.
Causes and modes of transmission of communicable disease.
Health and safety precautions and procedures.
Principals and practices of quality control.
Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluations.
Budgeting procedures and techniques.
Computer systems and techniques as applied within the field of public health microbiology and related office management.
Cultural, religious, economic, and social groups and their relationship to the delivery and acceptance of health and human services.

Ability to:�

Plan, organize, implement, and direct a public health laboratory operation and activities.
Interpret and explain laws, regulations, and standards pertinent to the operation of a Public Health Laboratory.
Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.
Observe the use of laboratory media, reagents, and equipment to ensure that procedures are performed within laboratory specifications.
Organize test data for the purpose of reporting and documenting test results for interpretation, preparing policies, procedures, and guidelines in overseeing the operations of a Public Health Laboratory; communicate highly technical and complex information clearly to physicians, medical personnel, laboratory technicians, the public, and the courts.
Analyze situations, prepare accurate long and short range program plans, and make appropriate recommendations.�
Maintain proper laboratory safety precautions and procedures; maintain adequate quality control; read and interpret Material Safety Data Sheets to ensure safety of all personnel.
Prepare and maintain technical, statistical, and administrative reports and correspondence.
Perform a wide variety of laboratory tests and procedures; interpret and analyze laboratory data and results of microbiological testing.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Assist in the development and monitoring of an assigned program budget.
Develop and recommend policies and procedures related to the Public Health Laboratory.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
On a continuous basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone, and communicate through written means; sit while using microscopes and inoculating specimens; walk to transport materials from work station to work station; stand to remove or replace chemicals in cabinets; bend to reach into lower cabinets and drawers; squat or kneel to remove media stored on lower shelves on refrigerators or freezers; twist to reach items on bench tops; visual requirements to distinguish colors for microscopy and to read cultures and biochemical reactions; auditory requirements to hear timers on equipment; fine hand manipulation required to operate equipment and manipulate a specimen; and lift light weight.
On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job, analyze test results and biochemical reactions; identify micro-organisms; interpret tests and quality control results; know principles of test systems; observe safety precautions and handling of infectious specimens; remember principles involved in biochemical reactions; understand identify and interpret technical and numerical information, intermittently observe and problem solve operational and technical policies and procedures; explain procedures and findings to medical personnel.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

Before date of hire, applicant must pass a medical examination which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation, sign a constitutional oath, and submit proof of U.S. Citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.� Applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background check, be bonded, and/or be fingerprinted.

MODIFIED AGENCY SHOP

All new permanent employees, with the exception of law enforcement and management, shall be required to join the employee organization or pay an 'Agency Fee' as a condition of employment.

SUBSTITUTE LISTS

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.� For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

EMPLOYEES OF OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES

Placer County now offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List,�to download forms, or to apply, please visit our website at: http://www.jobaps.com/placer/sup/abfreenames.asp .

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County.� Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active, nondiscrimination program.� It is stated in the policy of Placer County that harassment is prohibited and that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment.� All recruitment, hiring placement, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualification of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer), age (over 40), or marital status.� Please contact the Personnel Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process.� Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

BENEFITS

Bereavement Leave
May use up to five days of sick leave.

Cafeteria Plan
Effective 1/1/08, Management employees receive $2,100 per year, which can be used for a contribution into a 401(k), dependent care, medical co-insurance or cash.

Deferred Compensation
Voluntary 457 and 401(k) are available through payroll deduction. Beginning 1/1/08, the County will match employee contributions to a 401(k) $1 for every $4, to a maximum of $750/yr.

Education Allowance
Tuition reimbursement available for approved classes up to a maximum of $550.00 per year.

Health Insurance
The County of Placer provides Medical, Dental and Vision insurance for its employees and their dependents. MEDICAL: Several medical plans are offered including HMO and PPO plans. Depending on which plan the employee chooses, the maximum County contribution for medical insurance for a family is up to $1317.64/mo. DENTAL: The maximum County contribution for dental insurance for a family is $42.00/mo. VISION: The maximum County contribution for vision insurance for a family is $9.20 per month. (These are non-Tahoe rates.)

Holidays
13 days/yr.

Life Insurance
$50,000 coverage, employer paid at a cost of $15.50/mo.

Long-Term Disability
Employee paid LTD for the first 5 years of employment, County paid there after at a cost of $0.36/100 of pay.

Management/Administrative Leave
72 hours per year plus a 4% adjustment per formula.

Retiree Medical
Hired prior to 1/01/05 with 5 years of PERS service credit same as active employee. Hired after 1/01/05, must have 10 years PERS service credit with 5 years with Placer County to receive 50% of the County contribution paid medical with an additional 5% for each additional year.

Retirement
PERS 2.5% @ 55 Local Miscellaneous, Employer's contribution is 14.370%. Employees contribution is 8%, employer picks up 7% of the employee contribution. EPMC 7%. (Note: Placer County employees contribute 6.2% into Social Security and 1.45% into Medicare, which is matched by the County.)

Sick Leave
12 days per year unlimited accrual.

Special Assignment/Additional Pay
Tahoe Subsidy of $675/month and Tahoe Rural Health Subsidy of $2000 for single coverage and $3000 for family coverage per year. Access pay of an additional 5% if assigned. Additional 5% upon presentation of the certificate of Registration as a licensed Architect issued by the CA State of Architectural Examiners. Additional 5% bilingual pay. Longevity pay of an additional 5% after 5 years at Step 5.

Stand-By Pay
$21 for weekdays and $24 for weekends and holidays paid for in units of 8 hours.

Vacation
Vacation time: 0 - 2 years = 10 days, 3 - 4 years = 12 days, 5 - 9 = 15 days, 10 - 19 years = 20 days and 20 or more years = 25 days. Maximum accrual of 400 hours with less than 10 years of service and 520 hours with more than 10 years of service.