12/1/89 A

This directorial level class either (1) directs daily technical and administrative operations for a variety of central laboratories in a Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) Bureau or (2) directs, develops, and administers a Bureau program(s) that has unusual scientific or legal complexity, impact, and scope, such as the newborn screening program in the Bureau of Microbiology or the evidential breath alcohol and law enforcement training programs in the Bureau of Forensic Science. Positions that direct daily technical and administrative operations are responsible for Bureau personnel transactions, technical program review and analysis, statistical evaluations, operational and strategic planning, budgetary reviews, and laboratory liaison activities. Positions that direct special programs are responsible for planning and developing program services, evaluating programs, serving as State authorities in program areas, developing regulations, and identifying and resolving potential legal challenges in program policies, procedures, and operations. The Consolidated Laboratory Assistant Bureau Director class is distinguished from the Consolidated Laboratory Bureau Director class by the formers responsibility for directing all activities within a bureau.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of unusual difficulty requiring the application of scientific and administrative principles and practices to the State’s central regulatory, law enforcement, and reference laboratory services in chemistry, forensic science, and microbiology. Positions in this class typically evaluate bureau or program statistics; review and analyze technical and administrative programs; recommend operational and strategic planning; review budgets; plan and coordinate the development of program services; oversee the resolution of operating problems; review proposed legislation to determine its impact on programs; assign bureau personnel as required; implement standards of conduct; approve purchases; supervise, train, and provide technical and administrative guidance to section chiefs; and recommend and implement changes in physical facilities, equipment supplies, and personnel. These positions also serve as technical and administrative liaison with user agencies to convey information or resolve problems; serve as back-up to the bureau director; supervise research and evaluation of new methods and equipment; evaluate national and international programs; supervise bureau proficiency testing activities; manage inspection and licensure activities; supervise safety and security activities; develop and administer weekend, holiday, and emergency assignments; implement State and agency policies and procedures; and respond to general inquiries from court officials and news media representatives.

Supervision Given: Supervises scientific, law enforcement, office service, and other positions, including laboratory section chiefs and supervisors.

Supervision Received: Administrative direction is received from a Consolidated Laboratory Bureau Director. The bureau director provides guidance on overall priorities and general policy and is informed of bureau or program activities.

Scope: Work affects the technical and administrative operations of (1) a DCLS Bureau providing statewide scientific laboratory services or (2) an exceptionally complex statewide scientific or law enforcement program that has special administrative requirements. Plans, develops, and implements complex programs which have statewide implications.

Impact of Actions: Effective job performance ensures laboratory compliance with Federal and State laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; accuracy and timeliness of testing data; responsiveness of laboratory to user agency needs; resolution of employee concerns; availability of data for agency reporting, budgetary, equipment, and space requirements and projections; identification of legal challenges in program policies, procedures, and operations; and identification of the impact of proposed legislation on laboratory programs.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contacts with private physicians and medical personnel; the general public; law enforcement officers and administrators; Criminal Justice Agency representatives; attorneys; vendors and contractors; and individuals from State and local health departments, public health laboratories, blood plasma centers, the Center for Disease Control, federal agencies, Virginia state agencies, private industry, Office of the Attorney General, academic institutions, and federal, state and municipal forensic laboratories. Contacts involve providing information about technical and administrative policies and procedures, discussing related legislation, evaluating programs, and responding to general inquiries.

Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of scientific theory, principles, practices, and laboratory operations in the area directed; of applicable Federal, State, agency, division, and bureau policies and procedures; of business administration principles and practices, including personnel and budget management; and of the criminal justice system and rules of evidence.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to administer laboratory operations; to plan and develop scientific laboratory programs; to interpret scientific and administrative concepts; to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to administer and supervise training functions; to manage personnel and materials; to interpret and communicate laboratory results; and to supervise personnel.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None identified for this class.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with coursework in chemistry, forensic science, microbiology or a related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Extensive experience in scientific laboratory administration and operations; supervision of scientific personnel; scientific testing and analysis; and administration of scientific training programs.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may be substituted for education and experience.

This class was revised by the Department of General Services and edited and validated by a Classification Review/Specification Update team, effective December 1, 1989.