Registered Respiratory Therapist
Veterans Health Administration
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Posted: March 10, 2026 (3 days ago)
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Lead Respiratory Technologist (Laboratory Technologist III)-61008902
State of South Carolina
SCDPH
Location
South Carolina, 29201
Salary
$57,700 - $60,000
per year
Type
Full-Time
More Science & Research jobs →Closes
March 18, 2026
Job Description
Summary
This job is for a lead technologist in a public health lab who oversees testing for viruses, rabies, and wastewater to monitor diseases and support outbreak responses.
The role involves running complex lab tests, coordinating with partners, training staff, and being on call for urgent situations.
It's a good fit for someone with lab experience who enjoys leading teams and working in a fast-paced environment to protect public health.
Key Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a health-related field or equivalent with journey-level experience in laboratory testing
- Previous technical supervisory experience
- Proficiency in high-complexity molecular and serological testing
- Experience with direct fluorescent antibody testing for rabies
- Ability to maintain CLIA-compliant quality control and equipment maintenance
- Rabies vaccination required; ability to wear protective equipment and perceive colors normally
- Availability for 24/7 on-call rotation, occasional overtime, and weekend/overnight travel
Full Job Description
Careers at DPH: Work that makes a difference!
Embracing Service, Inspiring Innovation, Promoting Teamwork, Pursuing Excellence, and Advancing Equity
Serves as the lead respiratory technologist. Coordinates respiratory surveillance activities with internal and external partners. Under limited supervision, performs high complexity diagnostic and surveillance testing for all programs in the Virology/Rabies/Wastewater Unit.
*Perform high complexity molecular and serological testing for all programs in the unit. These include tests for respiratory surveillance, outbreak investigations, sexually transmitted infections, immune status, wastewater surveillance and others as needed. Perform and interpret direct fluorescent antibody testing for rabies.
*Coordinate respiratory surveillance program activities. Serve as a point of contact for external submitters, agency epidemiologists and laboratory partners. Maintain databases and prepare program reports. Perform program-related outreach at the direction of the Unit Manager.
*Maintain Clinical Laboratory Improvement Acts of 1988 (CLIA ’88)
compliant quality control and quality assurance standards as described in the standard operating procedures and quality control manuals. Perform and document calibration and maintenance of complex laboratory equipment. Provide technical consultation to clinicians, laboratory scientists, and public health staff.
*Train subordinate lab technologists on all procedures performed in the unit according to established procedures.
*Serve 365/7/24 on-call rotation for rabies testing and outbreak investigations.
Requirements
State Minimum Requirements: A bachelor's degree in a health-related field and journey-level work experience in the specialty area; or an associate degree or equivalent training in a health-related or technology field and advanced work experience in the specialty area.
A master's degree in a health-related field and entry-level experience in the specialty area may be substituted for the requirements stated above.
Previous technical supervisory work experience is required for supervisory positions.
Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Agency Additional Requirements: Position is expected to work 37.5 hours per week. Rabies vaccination is required in the Virology/Rabies/Wastewater Unit. Other special vaccinations may be required.
Exposure to certain biological and/or chemical hazards may exist. Occasional overtime, weekend work or overnight travel may be required.
The employee must be able to wear all required protective clothing and equipment. Employee must be able to perceive colors normally.
"Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications, subject to approval by the DPH Chief Human Resources Officer, or their delegate."
Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.
Qualifications
Work experience in molecular biology, microbiology and/or pathology is preferred. Strong candidates will have previous project management experience.
Additional Information
EEO: The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.
STATE DISASTER PLAN: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.
DRIVING RECORD: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant, being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for Full Time Employees (FTE) positions that includes:
- 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
- 15 days Sick Leave per year
- 13 Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
- S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
- Retirement benefit choices *
*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all Full Time Employees (FTE); please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.
HYBRID WORK: The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions.
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