Public Health Assistant Laboratories Director

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional service to its residents. If you are passionate about being part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

PURPOSE

The Public Health Assistant Laboratories Director (PHALD) oversees the day-to-day activities of the clinical laboratory, ensuring efficient operations and coordinating staff laboratory functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Public Health Laboratory (PHL) Management

- Plan and lead validation and verification activities for new test implementation to improve PHL testing services.
- Provide technical leadership in the evaluation, analysis, and validation of clinical test results using routine and/or emerging methods for microbial testing, including STDs, respiratory, bio-threat agents, and other infections of public health importance.
- Ensure prompt and accurate processing of specimens and timely reporting of results.
- Ensure all regulatory compliance obligations are met, such as those for CLIA, the CDC's Select Agent Program, the Laboratory Response Network (LRN), continuing education, and relevant proficiency testing programs.
- Address test-related issues, including result interpretation and sample collection and storage.
- Serve as the CLIA Technical Supervisor for clinical diagnostic testing.

Staff Management and PHL Development

- Oversee staff conducting testing in the Microbiology, Virology, Molecular, and Keenan sections of the MHD laboratory, in addition to those performing phlebotomy at the Keenan Clinic.
- Assure smooth operations by providing day-to-day management of staff, prioritization of work, staff time approval, coordination of ordering supplies, and maintenance of equipment and laboratory spaces.
- Pursue grant opportunities with internal and external community partners and collaborators.
- Explore possibilities for expanding laboratory operations in clinical and disease surveillance testing areas.
- Develop policies, procedures, and document laboratory standard operating procedures.
- Assist with molecular epidemiological studies of communicable disease (CD) outbreaks.

Administrative

- Assist the PHL Director in the support, maintenance, and enhancement of the clinical laboratory testing services under the MHD Medical branch.
- Assist in financial oversight by monitoring and reporting monthly revenue and expenditures for each laboratory area.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory agencies' requirements, recommendations, and guidelines.
- Assure accurate and timely records, maintenance of procedural manuals, and other necessary documents.
- Participate in MHD lab quality management program activities.

Collaboration

- Contribute to departmental and community initiatives that support the mission of the MHD Laboratory.
- Participate in the public health laboratory community by presenting MHD Laboratory activities and data at local, state, national, and international committees, meetings, and conferences.
- Provide technical consultation related to test functionality, protocols, results, and limitations to internal and external partners.
- Maintain memberships and working relationships with professional organizations.
- Liaise with external agencies, including the CDC, FBI, state public health laboratory, local hospitals/clinics, and Police, Fire, and Emergency Management.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

- Work outside standard business hours to respond to public health and security emergencies.
- Occasionally lift and move objects weighing up to 10 lbs.
- May be exposed to infectious agents or toxic laboratory chemicals.
- Wear a particulate respirator (e.g., N95, PAPR).
- Participate in the Federal Select Agent Program.
- Obtain DOJ/FBI background clearance.
- Travel outside of the City of Milwaukee; occasional overnight travel may be required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

- Must qualify as a CLIA Technical Supervisor for Microbiology in the subspecialty of bacteriology and/or virology as outlined in 42CFR 493.1449 at the time of appointment.
- Valid driver's license and access to an adequately insured vehicle at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

- Possession of or progress toward obtaining a Board certification (e.g., ABMM or ABB), which would qualify the applicant to serve as Laboratory Director of High Complexity Testing per CLIA guidelines.

SALARY

The current salary range (1JX) is $104,997 - $123,106 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $109,197 - $128,030 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications.

BENEFITS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program including Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan, 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, Health and Dental Insurance, Paid Parental Leave, Comprehensive Wellness Program, Long Term Disability Insurance, Group Life Insurance, Tuition Benefits, Paid Vacation, 12 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick Leave, Flexible Spending Arrangement, and Commuter Value Pass.

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.