SERVICE DIRECTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL AND CHEMICAL LABORATORY SERVICES
New Jersey classifies Service Director, Environmental and Chemical Laboratory Services as non-competitive, which skips the exam-and-list step and turns on whether you meet the minimum requirements.
Candidates need a doctoral degree and 5 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, Department of Health, plans, organizes and directs the activities and staff of the Environmental Chemical Laboratory Services (ECLS) section which includes organic, inorganic and radiological testing, chemical terrorism response, bio-monitoring, food testing, and information technology/data management; 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.
Examples of work
- Plans, organizes and directs environmental and chemical laboratory programs, activities and staff; directs the receipt, storage, testing and analysis of various types of environmental and clinical samples and/or specimens (water, soil, food, vegetation, air, etc.).
- Manages 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 technical expertise and laboratory services to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection program areas, and other public and private entities requiring laboratory services
- Reviews and devises solutions to issues and/or problems affecting ECLS programs and services
- Directs the development and revision of analytical methods, techniques and procedures
- Ensures laboratory policies and procedures conform to regulatory guidelines
- Reviews test results to ensure quality and reliability of test reports
- Develops research protocols and provide guidance for their implementation
- Maintain a safe working environment: ensure that staff adheres to all established laboratory safety guidelines
- Develops or assists in the preparation and/or revision of operational budgets
- Researches, evaluates and monitors environmental health trends; plans and implements new programs and activities in response to emerging public health needs
- Determines appropriate laboratory staffing levels for continuity of operation and adequately to respond to an emergency.
- Determines the training needs of laboratory personnel; arranges for further education and training when necessary
- 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
- Directs the purchase and/or lease of laboratory equipment and supplies
- 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
Education
An earned doctorate degree in the fields of Chemistry, or Environmental Sciences, Physical or biological sciences
Experience
Five (5) years of experience in supervising a chemical, environmental or public health laboratory program
License
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.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of principles, practices and techniques of chemistry and microbiology, 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 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 evaluate and interpret the results of laboratory analyses and research studies
- Ability for developing, coordinating and conducting organized research projects of environmental health significance
- 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.
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.