STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Laboratory Consultant (35 Hour)

Recruitment #200214-5609HC-001

Introduction

The State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health (DPH) is currently recruiting for a Laboratory Consultant to work within the Drinking Water Section (DWS). The DWS provides technical assistance, education and regulatory enforcement to approximately 2,500 public drinking water systems in Connecticut that provide public drinking water to approximately 2.9 million people on a daily basis. The DWS is entrusted to protect and promote healthy people in healthy Connecticut communities by assuring the use and distribution of high quality public drinking water for human consumption. The Environmental Laboratory Certification Program (ELCP) is a program within the DWS responsible for certifying laboratories that test a variety of contaminants including, but are not limited to, air, water, soil, sediments, and wastes. This is accomplished by a system of on-site inspections, proficiency test (PT) samples, and document review (i.e. Lab QA Plans and SOPs). In addition to licensure activities, the DWS ELCP unit conducts complaint investigations in all licensed and/or certified public health laboratories.

This Laboratory Consultant position is a permanent, full-time, 35 hours per week position. Applicants must include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application.   

If selected for further consideration, State employees may be required to provide the last two (2) service ratings and non-state employees may be required to provide two (2) letters of reference. This position is full-time, first shift, typically M-F; however, applicants to this position classification may be required to travel and be flexible with their work schedule.  

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Sue Ciccaglione at sue.ciccaglione@ct.gov or (860) 509-7183.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES ·        

  • Performs on-site inspections of environmental laboratories.
  • Notes and recommends actions for correction of deficiencies found during on-site inspections. 
  • Evaluates cleanliness, quality assurance, quality assessment and quality control procedures and methodologies. 
  • Evaluates adequacy and effectiveness of instrumentation and equipment.
  • Evaluates skill and ability of technical staff in performance of tests and proper use of standards and controls. 
  • Makes recommendations to approve or disapprove initial license, relicensing and/or termination of license.
  • Reviews and analyzes proficiency testing results from environmental laboratories.
  • Checks the identification and tracking of samples conducted by the environmental laboratory.     
  • Evaluates the record keeping and written procedures.      
  • Reviews scientific methods used and determines compliance with CFR Part 141. 
  • Provides information and consultation to laboratory personnel and general public concerning a variety of issues such as license, quality assurance and regulations.      
  • Investigates complaints concerning laboratories or other facilities.
  • Maintains knowledge of current rules and regulations, laboratory methodologies and equipment.
  • Performs related duties as required.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Public Health, Bureau of Health Laboratories this class is accountable for the inspection of clinical, environmental and hospital laboratories and other facilities under jurisdiction including evaluation of analytical methods and procedures and review of quality control data and analysis records.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Performs on site inspections of clinical, environmental, hospital, canine, research and veterinary laboratories, plasmapheresis centers and blood collection facilities; notes and recommends actions for correction of deficiencies found during on site inspections; evaluates cleanliness, lighting, ventilation and safety installations; evaluates quality assurance, quality assessment and quality control procedures and methodologies; evaluates adequacy and effectiveness of instrumentation and equipment; evaluates laboratories for safety and freedom from biological, chemical, physical and radiological hazards; evaluates skill and ability of technical staff in performance of tests and proper use of standards and controls; makes recommendations to approve or disapprove initial license, relicensing and/or termination of license; prepares performance evaluation samples for laboratories; reviews and analyzes proficiency results from environmental and medical laboratories; checks records and written procedures; reviews scientific methods and determines compliance; provides information and consultation to laboratory personnel and general public concerning a variety of issues such as license, quality assurance, regulations, etc.; investigates complaints concerning laboratories or other facilities; maintains knowledge of current laboratory methodologies and equipment; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of and ability to apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; knowledge of clinical chemistry, environmental chemistry, hematology, clinical microbiology, environmental microbiology, serology and laboratory quality control procedures; knowledge of immunohematology, cytology, histopathology and blood banking procedures; knowledge of laboratory analysis of drinking water, wastewater, solid waste and effluent discharge; interpersonal skills; oral and written communications skills; skill in calibration and use of laboratory instruments; ability to make accurate and objective observations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Eight (8) years' professional laboratory experience in clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, environmental chemistry, environmental microbiology, medical technology or a related area.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

1. College training in chemistry, medical technology, microbiology or a closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in chemistry, medical technology, microbiology or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience utilizing knowledge of and ability to apply state and federal laws, statutes and regulations that are applicable to drinking water testing methods and analysis;   
  • Work or academic experience utilizing knowledge of environmental chemistry, environmental microbiology, and environmental laboratory quality control procedures;   
  • Experience with, and strong knowledge of, laboratory analysis of drinking water, wastewater and solid waste;    
  • Experience in calibration and use of environmental laboratory instruments;  
  • Experience with proficiency testing in an environmental laboratory setting;  
  • Certification as an EPA Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Officer or demonstrated experience to qualify for the EPA Certification Officer examination.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Incumbents in this class must be willing to periodically undergo tests or immunizations for communicable diseases.
2. Incumbents in this class inspecting environmental laboratories must successfully complete the U.S. Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Course (organic and inorganic chemistry, microbiology) and be certified as a State Certification Officer by the Regional Environmental Protection Agency office.
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Department of Public Health aims to provide equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and advancement, fostering an environment committed to supporting individuals in all protected classes.  If you require an aid/accommodation to participate fully and fairly, please contact the Human Resources Office at (860) 509-7177.