MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY SUPERVISOR 53074

12/01/93 B

This class is responsible for managing the administrative and technical activities of a microbiology laboratory in a central office setting. Positions in this class are responsible for managing all activities of the laboratory, to include developing and implementing technical methodologies, section objectives, policies, and practices; recommending the allocation of staff and resources; and supervising section training activities. This class is distinguished from the Microbiologist Supervisor class by responsibility for management of a microbiology laboratory normally characterized by multiple subunits or by a location that is geographically remote from the central office. It is distinguished from the Consolidated Regional Laboratory Manager class by the latter's responsibility for managing a regional laboratory of such size and complexity as to require the use of subordinate laboratory supervisors. This class is distinguished from the Microbiologist Principal by the latter's recognition as the central authority in a particular area of analysis. This class is distinguished from the Consolidated Laboratory Group Manager by the latter's responsibility for the management of statewide services requiring a large group of laboratory staff qualified in multiple specializations in the analytical chemistry or microbiology field.

Complexity of Work: Work is of considerable difficulty, requiring the technical direction and coordination of the functions of a microbiology laboratory. The work typically involves establishing protocols to be followed by the laboratory; developing, implementing, and interpreting laboratory objectives, policies, and procedures; coordinating and monitoring laboratory proficiency testing, quality control, and safety activities; reviewing results of tests performed by subordinates and determining the need for additional testing; conducting complex tests and examinations; recommending the allocation of staff and resources; conducting research to develop or adapt tests and procedures and to evaluate new products; prioritizing and scheduling work; preparing management reports summarizing section work activities; consulting with and providing advice to laboratory users regarding sample collection techniques, testing procedures, and the interpretation of results, quality control, and safety; and supervising and evaluating employees, developing employee performance standards and objectives, and recommending hiring and disciplinary actions. In an Agriculture and Consumer Services regional laboratory, is also responsible for reviewing and approving invoices; overseeing the maintenance of the laboratory building and grounds; and supervising the procurement, receipt, storage, and disbursement of supplies.

Supervision Given: Supervises Microbiologist Supervisors, Microbiologists, Microbiologist Assistants, and other workers assigned to the laboratory.

Supervision Received: Administrative direction is received from an Agricultural Program Supervisor, or other higher level administrative position. Positions are expected to manage all laboratory activities with minimal supervision.

Scope: Plans, develops, and manages either specialized or general testing services of a microbiology laboratory and affects the accuracy and reliability of services provided to multiple users.

Impact of Actions: Work has a serious impact on the accuracy, volume, and timeliness of unit test production; development of laboratory services; transfer of information between laboratory unit and service users; the availability of scientific laboratory evidence for diagnosis of human or animal diseases or identification of disease agents (including the identification of epidemics and contamination of foods, water, and milk); compliance, safety, quality control, and safety testing procedures; the laboratory's credibility; and may affect the economic condition of regulated industries.

Personal Contacts: Frequent contact with hospitals, laboratories, physicians, clinics, laboratories, other state agencies, veterinarians, county extension agents, and the general public to interpret results and provide guidance on proper procedures; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other federal agencies to inquire as to the status of submitted cultures and organisms and to obtain technical assistance or information; and the Health Department's Epidemiology staff to report findings of certain organisms and exchange information.

Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of the theory and application of microbiologic methods and instrumentation related to field of assignment.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to supervise, train, and evaluate the work of microbiologists; independently perform and evaluate the results of a variety of complex microbiological examinations; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, physicians, veterinarians, county extension agents, public health officers, other users of laboratory services, and the general public.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

License or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in microbiology, biology, or related science. Course work must include microbiology and be related to a specialty area.

Level and Type of Experience: Extensive experience as a microbiologist in area of specialization and considerable supervisory experience in a laboratory.

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 revised in January, 1989, as part of the Classification Review/Specification Update Program. It replaces the Microbiologist C class. The class specification was amended in December, 1993, as a result of the reorganization of the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services.