LQARCS DIRECTOR

Full Job Description

The Laboratory Quality Assurance, Response, and Coordination Staff (LQARCS) ensures the quality, consistency, and regulatory compliance of FSIS Field Service Laboratories (FSLs) with ISO/IEC 17025 and AOAC ALACC standards.

The team manages laboratory responses to food safety emergencies, oversees audit components for Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) and Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) programs, and coordinates laboratory networks like the Food Emergency Response Network (FERN).

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).

Leading staff or managing responsibilities for quality control and assurance systems for analytical laboratories working in an ISO 17025 accredited environment.

Performing as an agency liaison with other agencies (federal, state, local, foreign, etc.) or accreditation bodies on quality issues or audit activities.

Coordinating and overseeing assessment programs which may include in-house audits, management reviews, or third-party audits of laboratory management systems.

Leading and resolving quality issues related to laboratory methods or management system activities. Overseeing and assessing laboratory proficiency testing programs in an accredited environment.

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:

• Establish Quality Policy: Formulate and document comprehensive policies to maintain a unified quality management system across all Food Safety Laboratories (FSLs).
• Standardize Laboratory Functions: Administer QA/QC functions for chemistry, microbiology, and contaminants to ensure technical consistency across the laboratory system.
• Maintain ISO 17025 Accreditation: Direct all laboratory activities to meet and sustain ISO/IEC 17025 standards, including the integration of new accreditation requirements into existing processes.
• Manage PT and Reference Materials: Oversee operations to maintain ISO 17043 (Proficiency Testing) and ISO 17034 (Reference Material) accreditations.
• Conduct Compliance Audits: Lead and execute internal laboratory audits to verify adherence to ISO standards and regulatory requirements.
• Provide Technical Expert Advice: Serve as a subject matter expert on ISO standards, microbiological/chemical methods, and veterinary pathology for internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage the Accredited Laboratory Program (ALP): Define membership criteria, review applications, and conduct on-site reviews to verify the competency of participating laboratories.
• Manage the Food Emergency Response Network (FERN): Coordinate local, state, and federal laboratories to ensure surge capacity for biological, chemical, or radiological food contamination emergencies.
• Administer Cooperative Agreements: Oversee funding and agreements with FERN laboratories to support testing for threat agents and emerging contaminants.
• Advise Internal Offices: Collaborate with the OIEA and OFO to provide technical guidance and audit services for Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) programs.