This is a managerial level class responsible for managing the technical and administrative activities of a Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services regional laboratory. Positions in this class are responsible for managing all activities of the laboratory to include developing and implementing laboratory policies and procedures; directing testing operations; recommending the allocation of staff and resources; and managing the fiscal and administrative activities of the laboratory. This class is distinguished from the Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor and the Forensic Scientist Senior classes by the added responsibilities of managing a laboratory which is both geographically removed from the central office and of such size and complexity as to require the use of subordinate laboratory supervisors.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of unusual difficulty requiring the management and coordination of the functions of a large microbiology or forensic regional laboratory. The work typically involves directing laboratory operations; developing laboratory policies and procedures; providing evidental support and consultations to law enforcement officers and criminal justice agency representatives; managing drinking water and sample kit fee collecting, billing, and reporting activities; approving and recommending the purchase of services, supplies, equipment, petty cash expenditures, leases, and contracts, developing estimates of budget needs; preparing statistical data on laboratory operations and expenditures; establishing and maintaining a quality assurance program; coordinating laboratory activities with central office staff; consulting with and providing advice to laboratory users regarding available services, interpretations of laboratory results, and problems associated with requests for services; supervising, training, and evaluating employees; developing employee performance standards; recommending hiring and disciplinary actions; and overseeing the maintenance of the laboratory building, grounds, and equipment.

Supervision Given: Supervises subordinate laboratory supervisors.

Supervision Received: Receives administrative direction from a Consolidated Laboratory Bureau Director. Positions are expected to independently manage the assigned laboratory.

Scope: Plans, develops, and manages all aspects of a microbiology or forensics regional laboratory and affects the accuracy and reliability of services provided by multiple users.

Impact of Actions: Work has a serious impact on laboratory compliance with federal laws; the accuracy, volume, and timeliness of test production; the development of laboratory services; the transfer of information between laboratory and service users; the compliance with safety, quality control, and standard testing procedures; and the laboratory’s credibility. Work may affect the economic condition of regulated industries.

Personal Contacts: Positions have frequent internal and external contacts with hospital, clinic, and laboratory personnel; law enforcement officers and administrators; Criminal Justice Agency Representatives; physicians; officials from state and local health departments; public and private system operators; the general public; and other state agencies’ personnel to interpret results and provide information on laboratory policies and procedures.

Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of scientific theory, principles, practices, and laboratory operations in the assigned area; 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 interpret and communicate laboratory results; and to supervise personnel.

QUALIFICATION GUIDE*

Licenses or Certificates: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with coursework in chemistry, forensic science, methodology 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 substitute for this education and experience.

This class was established in January 1989 as a result of the Classification Review/Specification Update Program. This class replaces the Microbiology Regional Director and Regional Forensic Laboratory Director classes.