DIRECTOR DIVISION OF ANIMAL HEALTH LABORATORY SERVICES

Code: 62305 State Competitive Range: &35 (FY 2027) Work week NL: FLSA exemptOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $126,854.39 - $187,690.79/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

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, Division of Animal Health/State Veterinarian, in the Department of Agriculture, plans, organizes, develops, establishes, and directs comprehensive administrative and scientific activities and staff of laboratory programs within the Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory which include agriculture-threat response laboratory (biosafety level-3), bacteriology, clinical chemistry, molecular diagnostic services, pathology, serology, virology, food chemistry, and food microbiology, and specimen processing/management; develops, implements, and evaluates program policies, goals, objectives and priorities; directs research for publication and/or use as laboratory protocol; drafts or supervises the drafting of recommendations for animal health laws, regulations, and departmental policies; assists in directing, planning, developing, implementing and evaluating animal health programs; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Plans, organizes, develops, and directs administrative and scientific activities and staff of the animal health diagnostic laboratory programs.
• Directs quality management program in compliance with national and international standards (AAVLD, ISO , NAHLN, OIE, etc.).
• Formulates laboratory policies, evaluates laboratory program activities, assesses issues related to animal health laboratory development, improvement, and quality assurance/control needs.
• Oversees laboratory operations and activities that include the monitoring, evaluation, and control of quality assurance in all areas of laboratory work through proficiency testing, competency, and developing improved testing methods and standards.
• Directs research, development, and implementation of procedures to aid in the diagnosis, control, and management of animal diseases.
• Develops the laboratory operational budgets, oversees laboratory spending and ensures efficient operation of the laboratory within budgetary constraints; plans, organizes, develops, and directs State-Federal co' operative funding agreements in support of laboratory's mission to protect animal and human health.
• Monitors animal and public health situations, technologies, and trends; plans and implements activities in response to developing animal health and public health issues and diseases.
• Provides expert consultation to internal stakeholders (Division personnel and the Department staff) and external stakeholders (private veterinary practices, public health, and animal health community); consult with federal agencies, federal laboratories, and other state laboratories on administrative and or scientific problems.
• Communicates laboratory policies, service updates, laboratory issues, sample collection, and submission, etc. to laboratory clients and stakeholders.
• Oversees the preparation of work plans and reports containing findings and conclusions regarding animal health laboratory problems and activities.
• Participates in the preparation of the Division budgets, monthly and annual reports, special studies, explanatory materials, and other informational materials.
• Writes scientific papers and informational articles for publication in scientific journals and trade publications, respectively.
• Addresses professional and non-professional groups for the purpose of informing the general public and interested groups as to the problems and policies involved in the operation of the diagnostic laboratory.
• 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.
• Determines appropriate laboratory staffing levels.
• Determines the training needs of laboratory personnel; arranges for further education and training.
• May act as the department designee in matters regarding infectious and contagious animal diseases when directed.
• May assist in directing, coordinating, and/or participating in laboratory and field investigations concerning livestock and poultry diseases.
• Administers electronic Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and data; plans, organizes, and directs activities to improve LIMS and customer service.
• Prepares and supervises the preparation of detailed correspondence, monthly reports, and annual reports.
• Directs the maintenance of essential records and files including electronic records.
• 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.

Education

Graduation from an accredited College of Veterinary Medicine approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) with a degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, or completion of the training program administered by the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) of the (AVMA), or completion of the training program administered by the Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE) of the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB), or achievement of diplomate status in any (AVMA) specialty board.

Experience

Five (5) years of professional experience in veterinary diagnostic medicine or any other veterinary laboratory diagnostic field, including clinical and field experience of which three (3) years shall have included supervisory responsibility.

<b>CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE:</b>

American College of Veterinary Microbiologists (ACVM), American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP), American Board of Veterinary Toxicology certification or equivalent is preferred, but not required.

The appointee 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 veterinary diagnostic laboratory disciplines and their relation to animal and human health (bacteriology, chemistry, molecular biology, mycology, pathology, parasitology, serology, toxicology, virology, etc.).
• Knowledge of laboratory testing methods, equipment, and principles.
• Knowledge of scientific research methodology.
• Knowledge and application of quality management systems and laboratory safety for diagnostic laboratory operations.
• Knowledge of the diseases of animals, the causative agent, the symptoms, treatment, prognosis, preventative measures either by vaccines, insect control or other control methods.
• Knowledge of the corrective measures taken when contagious diseases are found.
• Knowledge of the procedures used to collect, analyze, and interpret disease data.
• Knowledge of individual administrative, budget, fiscal, personnel and related operating characteristics and problems related to the management of large programs.
• Ability to interpret applicable Federal, State or local laws and safety regulations, and apply them to specific situations in animal and public health.
• Ability to evaluate laboratory practices and make recommendations relative to selection or improvement of procedures, methods, facilities, and equipment.
• Ability to develop administrative procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to promote continuous laboratory improvement and laboratory efficiency.
• Ability to evaluate and interpret the results of laboratory analyses and research studies.
• Ability to compile, tabulate, and interpret animal disease statistical data for use at meetings and in official publications.
• Ability to apply managerial principles and techniques.
• Ability to plan, direct and integrate staff activities.
• Ability to maintain cooperative relationships with clients and members of the public.
• Ability to speak before groups at public meetings.
• Ability to prepare correspondence.
• Ability to prepare reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to direct the establishment and maintenance of essential 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, 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 if 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 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 Appointing Authority is responsible for certification and license verification.