CANNABIS LABORATORY EVALUATOR 1

Definition

Under limited supervision of a Cannabis Laboratory Evaluation Supervisor or other supervisory official in the Cannabis Regulatory Commission, surveys, reviews, evaluates, and documents the performance of cannabis testing laboratories; performs testing of cannabis products; monitors, evaluates, and analyzes the status of testing, cultivation, and manufacturing of products by licensed cannabis businesses; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

Visits cannabis testing laboratories and cannabis dispensaries throughout the state to evaluate the performance of the laboratory tests and provide consultation in all matters relevant to improving the quality of performance of laboratory tests and protecting the health and safety of medicinal and recreational cannabis consumers. Assists in the identification of regulatory concerns and modification of procedures for licensing, inspecting, and investigating Alternative Treatment Centers and Recreational Dispensaries. Implements guidelines concerning testing methods consistently and in accordance with approved scientific principles, procedures, and practices. Participates in the collection of data from the seed-to-sale tracking system and licensing database to identify testing parameters and related results. Participates in site visits at alternative treatment centers (ATC's), cultivation sites, and recreational dispensaries to evaluate their standard operating procedures, observe testing methodologies, and inspect the licensed premises to determine compliance with state regulations. Assists with the monitoring and tracking of the status of Cannabis business licensees, certifications, and mandatory requirements. Assists in the implementation of measures to ensure that ATCs, recreational dispensaries and cultivation sites are using a quality system approach to laboratory testing that provides accurate and reliable test results. Assists in enforcement actions of approved testing protocols and procedures to ensure that Cannabis business licensees are in compliance with state laws and regulations. Reviews data and surveys from cannabis laboratories to ensure compliance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) , on testing calibration laboratories. Learns how to assist with the risk assessment of laboratory results. As directed, ensures participation of cannabis testing laboratories in approved programs and evaluates the testing of proficiency specimens and performance to determine compliance with state and laws, rules, regulations, and accepted principles of safety. Assists in the evaluation of quality assurance plans and activities of cannabis testing laboratories, to determine that provisions are in place and are monitored at established frequencies to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results and the health and safety of medicinal and recreational cannabis consumers. Assists in the review of quality control programs that are in daily use within the various cannabis testing laboratories, to assess compliance with applicable state requirements and acceptable principles of safety. Assists in the evaluation of qualifications of cannabis laboratory personnel and performance of testing laboratories, to ensure compliance with state standards. Ensures that check sample production is timely/accurate and meets standards set forth in state rules and regulations for the operation of testing laboratories. Maintains detailed and accurate reports/records pertaining to all work performed in cannabis testing laboratories. Prepares clear, scientifically sound, accurate, and informative reports of investigations/ inspections containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Prepares correspondence in the course of official duties. Assists in the review of laboratory records to ensure that the cannabis laboratory has verified the manufacturer's performance specifications or established performance specifications for each test system. Maintains close surveillance on all relevant literature, trends of thought, and new developments in the fields of cannabis, chemical testing, and laboratory management. Maintains records, reports, and files. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Requirements

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Forensic Science, or a related field.

Experience

Two (2) years of laboratory experience in analytical or forensic chemistry in a certified testing laboratory utilizing ISO/IEC principles or its predecessors.

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 ISO/IEC principles concerning general requirements for the testing and calibration of laboratories. Knowledge of the chemical scientific fields of knowledge involving extensive laboratory analyses/techniques and use of standard laboratory equipment/supplies/reagents. Knowledge of existing state regulations pertaining to cannabis testing laboratories, and the ability to evaluate compliance to such standards after a period of training. Knowledge of FDA-approved inactive ingredients for drug products in the case of inhalable and topical formulations or FDA GRAS ingredients for ingestible products. Knowledge of laboratory management principles, including management requirements, structural requirements, resource requirements, process requirements, and management requirements. Knowledge of the purpose of varied tests routinely performed in a cannabis testing laboratory. Knowledge of the function and use of cannabis testing equipment in various specialties. Knowledge of precautions to be taken in shipping/receiving all types of cannabis samples to avoid damage, spoilage, and other factors that may result in testing errors. Knowledge of the medicinal and recreational cannabis industries, including all aspects of the supply chain such as growing, testing, packaging, processing, and distribution. Knowledge of state regulations related to the testing of cannabis. Ability to detect errors in laboratory performance as a result of onsite visits or review of proficiency test results. Ability to analyze technical chemical laboratory problems, organize assigned work, and develop effective work methods. Ability to provide technical assistance to individuals and groups of professional/ paraprofessional laboratory, regulatory, customer service, or dispensary employees. Ability to review laboratory analyses/tests of varied types per standard and prescribed procedures. Ability to prepare clear, scientifically sound, and accurate laboratory reports of tests/ analyses containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to maintain laboratory reports, records, and files. Ability to learn how 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 if they can perform the 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. A Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Forensic Science, or a related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience. A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Forensic Science, or a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. A Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.