SERVICE DIRECTOR, PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY SERVICES
There is no civil service exam for Service Director, Public Health Laboratory Services. As a non-competitive state title, it is filled on the strength of meeting the listed qualifications.
The requirements come down to a doctoral degree and 3 years of relevant experience. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $126,854 to $187,691.
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See where to apply for this title →Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the general supervision of the Director, Public Health and Environmental Laboratories, in the Department of Health, plans, organizes and directs the activities and staff of two or more programs within the Public Health Laboratory Services (PHLS) section which include newborn screening, bio-threat response laboratory (BTRL), molecular diagnostic services (MDS), virology, microbiology, clinical chemistry activities, specimen processing/management, central support services, and the automated assays program; develops, implements, and evaluates program policies, goals, objectives and priorities; performs research for publication and/or use as laboratory protocol; drafts or supervises the drafting of recommendations for public health laws, regulations, and departmental polices; does other related duties as required.
<b>SPECIAL NOTE:</b> Incumbents will be responsible for administering and directing programs in one of the following functional service areas; Microbiology Services (Molecular Core, Clinical Microbiology, Sanitary Bacteriology, Food Safety, Bio-Threat, Central Support Service, etc.) OR Chemistry Services (Automated Assays, Clinical Chemistry activities, specimen processing/management, central support services, Newborn Screening, etc.)
Examples of work
- Plans, organizes and directs laboratory program activities and staff in the area of assignment
- Formulates policy; evaluates program activities; assesses issues related to medical, clinical, and/or public health laboratory development, improvement, and quality control needs
- Develops procedures to aid in the diagnosis, control and management of preventable diseases
- Oversees laboratory operations and activities that include the monitoring, evaluation, and control of the quality of laboratory testing in all areas of laboratory work by means of proficiency testing, confirmation testing, and developing of improved testing methods and standards
- Provides expert consultation and clinical diagnosis to laboratory personnel and to other members of the medical and public health community; consults with Federal, State, local and private sector laboratories on administrative and/or scientific problems
- Initiates, plans, and participates in research of laboratory methods and practices
- Develops or assists in the preparation and/or revision of operational budgets
- Researches, evaluates and monitors public health trends; plans and implements activities in response to developing public health issues
- Determines appropriate laboratory staffing levels
- Determines the training needs of laboratory personnel; arranges for further education and training
- Manages the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for employee evaluations and for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees
- Prepares and supervises the preparation of detailed correspondence and reports
- Directs the maintenance of essential records and files
- May be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units
Requirements
For positions assigned to Microbiology Services:
Education
An earned doctorate degree in Microbiology, Molecular Microbiology, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Medicine, or a closely related discipline.
An earned doctorate degree in Chemistry, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Medicine, or a closely related discipline.
Experience
Three (3) years of experience in supervising a Public Health Laboratory or high complexity clinical laboratory program
Three (3) years of experience in supervising a Public Health Laboratory or high complexity clinical laboratory testing
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of principles, practices and techniques of microbiology and/or clinical chemistry and their relation to public health
- Knowledge of analytical testing methods and principles
- Knowledge of the methods used to conduct chemical, biological and physical analyses
- Knowledge of scientific research methodology
- Knowledge of the methods and techniques used to receive, identify, label, and store laboratory samples
- Knowledge of and application of quality management systems for clinical laboratory operations
- Knowledge of the equipment used to conduct laboratory analyses
- Ability to interpret applicable Federal, State or local laws and safety regulations, and apply them to specific situations
- Ability to evaluate laboratory practices and make recommendations relative to selection or improvement of procedures, methods, facilities and equipment
- Ability to promote continuous laboratory improvement and laboratory efficiency
- Ability to evaluate and interpret the results of laboratory analyses and research studies
- Ability to apply managerial principles and techniques
- Ability to plan, direct and integrate staff activities
- Ability to maintain cooperative relationships with staff and members of the public
- Ability to order, store and properly utilize public health laboratory equipment and supplies
- Ability to establish and maintain public health laboratory records and files
- Ability to prepare exhibits for use in court proceedings and to act as an expert witness in court
- Ability to utilize various types of electronic and or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units
- Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication
- Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
- CODE: 12/24/2016
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
The successful completion of a one (1) year postdoctoral fellowship focused in public health, medical/clinical microbiology, or clinical laboratory medicine in a clinical laboratory environment may be substituted for one (1) year of experience as described above.
The successful completion of a two (2) year postdoctoral fellowship focused in public health, medical/clinical microbiology, or clinical laboratory medicine in a clinical laboratory environment may be substituted for two (2) years of experience as described above.
<b>LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION:</b>
American Board of Medical Microbiology (ABMM) certification or equivalent
Must possess New Jersey State requirements for obtaining licensure as a Bio-analytic laboratory director, plenary or Microbiology subspecialty.
The Appointing Authority is responsible for certification and license verification.
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
For positions assigned to Clinical Chemistry Services:
The successful completion of a one (1) year postdoctoral fellowship focused in public health, clinical chemistry, or laboratory medicine in a clinical laboratory environment may be substituted for one (1) year of experience as described above.
The successful completion of a two (2) year postdoctoral fellowship focused in public health, clinical chemistry, or laboratory medicine in a clinical laboratory environment may be substituted for two (2) years of experience as described above.
<b>LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION:</b>
American Board of Clinical Chemistry (ABCC) certification or equivalent
Must possess New Jersey State requirements for obtaining licensure as a Bio-analytic laboratory director, plenary or Chemistry subspecialty.
The Appointing Authority is responsible for certification and license verification.
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.