LABORATORY DIRECTOR

Full Job Description

This position serves as Director of a Laboratory; It is one of three multi-disciplinary laboratories specifically Eastern Laboratory (EL), Midwestern Laboratory (MWL), and Western Laboratory (WL)]that are part of the Laboratory Regulatory Operations (LRO) of the Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS).

The laboratory provides analytical services and support to various FSIS programs from defined geographic areas up to national or international in territory and scope.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

Time in Grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet the time in grade requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled (e.g., one year at the GS-14 grade level for consideration at the GS-15 grade level.) Specialized Experience: For the GS-15 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-14 level) that demonstrates the following experiences: (You MUST demonstrate these requirements within your resume to be qualified for the position).

Performing as a laboratory manager or supervisor in a food analyses, residue or public health laboratory, or veterinary diagnostic laboratory.

Performing as an agency liaison with other agencies (federal, state, local, foreign, etc.), offices, or entities on sampling and analytical testing programs.

Leading staff or managing responsibilities for an analytical laboratory working in an ISO 17025 accredited environment.

Overseeing or performing leadership for the validation and implementation of newly created or revised analytical laboratory methods.

Performing oversight or leadership for administrative functions such as budget, performance management, personnel or procurement activities.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:

• Manages a laboratory encompassing analytical services in the disciplines of chemistry, pathology, and microbiology, exercising complete responsibility and authority for managing the full range of scientific, and technical activities.
• Develop program policies. Create and establish administrative policies, goals, and strategic objectives for the organization.
• Direct policy implementation. Oversee the execution of established laboratory policies and priorities to ensure they are effectively integrated into operations.
• Assess laboratory quality. Conduct ongoing evaluations of the overall quality and performance of laboratory operations.
• Adjust operational priorities. Readjust objectives and resource allocation based on continuous assessments to maintain operational standards.
• Perform supervisory duties. Exercise the full range of managerial responsibilities for the assigned unit.
• Direct professional staff. Oversee chemistry, microbiology, and/or veterinary pathology professionals through subordinate managers.
• Coordinate supervisory efforts. Ensure consistency of actions and collaboration among various subordinate supervisors.
• Develop internal plans. Create procedures that ensure administrative programs and goals are supported and implemented.
• Manage administrative programs. Implement initiatives including incentive awards, safety, performance management, and selective placement.
• Determine laboratory resource requirements, specifically identifying needs for funding, personnel, and materials.
• Direct laboratory operations: Organize, control, and coordinate all monitoring, surveillance, and enforcement programs.
• Method Development: Oversee the improvement and extension of existing analytical methods and the rollout of new ones.