SUPERVISOR OF LABORATORIES (CLINICAL AND WATER ANALYSIS)

Definition

Under direction supervises work performed by technical and other personnel involved in conducting complex tests and analyses in chemistry, bacteriology, serology, and/or other clinical laboratory fields, and in the testing and microbiological analysis of water samples collected from potable water, wastewater, or other sources to determine their sanitary quality; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Oversees execution of laboratory methods, procedures, tests, and analyses.
• Checks to ensure that laboratory equipment is in proper working condition.
• Approves and finalizes laboratory records and reports prior to statistical interpretation.
• Develops and implements safety rules and regulations governing a clinical and water analysis laboratory.
• Supervises work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees.
• Supervises technical personnel in the reporting of tests and analyses within the category for which they are qualified.
• Supervises and performs chemical and microbiological analyses and studies of potable and nonpotable water samples collected from various sources including water supplies, sewage plants, stream samples, and trade wastes; determines types of substances and/or pollutants present.
• Provides assignments and instructions to technical and nontechnical employees of the laboratory; supervises performance of various tests, and coordinates testing activities with those of other cooperating agencies of various tests and interlaboratory projects.
• Supervises and performs a variety of testing methods including but not limited to analysis of organic and inorganic substances to determine chemical and physical properties utilizing such techniques as gas chromatography, spectroscopy, and spectrophotometry.
• Conducts bacteriological analysis for coliform (total and fecal), fecal streptococcus, staphylococcus, and pseudomonas.
• Prepares stains and reagents, analyzes organic substances using a gas chromatography, and conducts physical tests and measurements to determine color, odor, and turbidity.
• Adapts standardized procedures, formulas, and techniques for solution of technical problems.
• Calibrates and uses laboratory equipment such as microscopes, autoclaves, gas analyses, analytical balances, colorimeter, UV-Spectroscopy, and electronic instruments for pH tests and other measurements.
• Compiles testing data and interprets data to determine testing standards, special testing procedures, quality assurance standards, and efficiency of equipment.
• Selects studies and projects, interprets technical significance of data, and prepares reports and recommendations.
• Compiles data to be used in the formulation and execution of plans for effective utilization of available funds, personnel, equipment, and supplies.
• Participates in conferences and meetings to exchange technical and scientific information and to keep abreast of developments in laboratory testing and analyses.
• Prepares clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Supervises establishment and maintenance of records and files.
• Will 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.
• <b>REQUIREMENTS
• EDUCATION:</b>
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology.

Experience

Six (6) years of experience as a medical technologist conducting chemical, bacteriological, serological, and/or other tests and analyses in a clinical laboratory.

License

A license as a medical physician or a Ph.D. in a chemical, physical, or biological science may be substituted for four (4) years of required experience.

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 essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of chemical laboratory techniques and procedures involved in testing for chemical components found in water.
• Knowledge of procedures used to interpret chemical and microbiological analysis of water and other substances.
• Knowledge of microbiological principles, practices, and methodology involved in testing for microorganisms.
• Knowledge of procedures used in interpreting chemical and microbiological test results.
• Knowledge of safety precautions to be observed in performing chemical and microbiological analyses.
• Knowledge of standard water microbiological and chemical reference manuals.
• Knowledge of various chemical compounds and microorganisms found in water.
• Knowledge of equipment and instruments used in an analytical laboratory.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply public health laws and standards.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply rules and regulations governing water and clinical quality laboratories.
• Ability to calibrate and operate instruments for gas chromatography, atomic absorption, spectrophotometry, UV spectrophotometry to evaluate their use in the analysis of a variety of organic and inorganic substances.
• Ability to provide assignments and instructions to technical and nontechnical staff and to evaluate the performance of their work.
• Ability to calculate and record analytical data and to compile data for use in reports.
• Ability to test for and identify various organic and inorganic compounds found in water samples.
• Ability to isolate and make cultures of microorganisms in prescribed media, and to identify them.
• Ability to keep abreast of current developments in the fields of water microbiology and water chemistry, and to develop and revise laboratory procedures according to current developments.
• Ability to identify a testing problem, select the appropriate method or procedure to obtain data for solving the problem, and to perform appropriate test or test and to interpret the results.
• Ability to conduct or supervise conduct of accurate, precise chemical tests and analyses.
• 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, and 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.

Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute ninety (90) semester hour credits from an accredited college or university, which shall have included twenty-four (24) semester hour credits in the chemical, biological, and physical sciences, AND must have successfully completed twelve (12) months in an accredited school of medical technology.

A Master's degree in a chemical, physical, or biological science may be substituted for two (2) years of required experience.