Public Health Laboratory Scientist I

Are you looking for a position that offers you…

• Opportunity to make a difference by serving those most in need
• Work collaboratively with community partners to address public health priorities.
• Focus on health education, health promotion and disease prevention
• A learning culture
• Work life balance
• Supportive team environment
• Amazing benefits

Then look no further. Come join the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) team and use your skills and abilities to “Protect, promote and improve the health and quality of life for all who live, work and play in our community”. The Fairfax County Health Department is a progressive public health leader serving 1.2 million residents from diverse ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds. We invite you to apply to become a member of our thriving workforce, together making a difference in the health of our community!

Under general supervision, performs a variety of standardized laboratory tests in all areas of the FCHD laboratory. Performs routine moderate to high complexity testing in the following laboratory areas: Microbiology, Mycobacteriology, Rabies, Urinalysis, Parasitology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Clinical Chemistry, Toxicology, Environmental Chemistry and Environmental Microbiology. Assesses and ensures specimen quality for laboratory testing. Operates testing systems and methodologies to produce accurate and timely data for patients, quality control, and proficiency samples. Conducts and documents quality control testing to ensure that proper quality work has been performed and all work meets regulatory authority, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) criteria. Reports data accurately and efficiently to healthcare providers/environmental health specialists utilizing computerized laboratory information system (LIS). Demonstrates knowledge of operational and regulatory standards. May perform on-site testing at FCHD clinics in support of STI program. May participate in training and orientation of new staff on laboratory techniques and methods. Participates in professional growth opportunities to enhance personal and team development. This position requires active participation in one of the laboratory’s internal Quality Assurance or Safety committees. Participation on agency-wide or county-wide committees is highly recommended.

• Click here to watch a video on Working for Fairfax County Government
• Click here to watch a video on benefits offered by Fairfax County Government

LEVEL 1

• Knowledge of basic principles of biology, chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry or organic chemistry methods and techniques in a clinical laboratory;
• Knowledge and application of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use and its limitations for duties assigned;
• Skill in the care and use of laboratory equipment including microscopes and accessory equipment;
• Ability to perform technical laboratory procedures in a precise and accurate manner;
• Ability to pay close attention to detail;
• Ability to work independently and part of a team;
• Ability to comprehend and follow written and oral instructions;
• Ability to communicate technical information to internal and external customers;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Ability to interpret and follow standard technical instructions;
• Knowledge of laboratory hazards and procedures;

LEVEL 2

• Knowledge of quality control, documentation, quality assurance, and professional and regulatory standards of laboratory practice in a certified laboratory;
• Knowledge of quality control, documentation, quality assurance, and professional and regulatory standards of laboratory practice in a certified laboratory;
• Ability to apply problem-solving skills to resolve issues such as troubleshooting instruments and testing failures;
• Ability to make analytical judgments;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to operate, maintain and properly read various laboratory instruments;

 
LEVEL 3

• Ability to prepare clear, concise technical documentation and maintain accurate records;
• Knowledge of policies, processes, and procedures related to corrective and preventive actions;
• Knowledge of policies, processes, and procedures related to identifying and collecting quality improvement indicators;
• Knowledge of rules and regulations regarding reportable diseases;
• Ability to keep abreast of current developments in the field.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in medical/clinical laboratory science, microbiology, or chemistry, or a degree in a directly related field of study; Plus 1 year of recent relevant experience performing CLIA non-waived or environmental testing in a clinical or public health laboratory.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Valid driver's license.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification (Required within 60 days).
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Certification (Required within 60 days).

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, Child Protective Services Registry check, driving record check, and sanction screenings to the satisfaction of the employer.

This position is emergency/essential services personnel. (Required to report for duty during inclement weather and/or other emergencies.) 

Additional Work Schedule Requirements: May be required to work after-hours, and/or weekends, and/or holidays to provide coverage, as assigned. May be required to serve as Health Department emergency responder.
  
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Self-motivated, results-oriented individual with one or more years of experience performing chemical and/or microbiological analyses in an environmental, water quality, or public health laboratory setting.
• Working knowledge of and experience in EPA-approved analytical methods for drinking water compliance, safety, and quality assurance.
• Working knowledge of and experience in any of the following: Automated Chemistry analyzers, Atomic Absorption Spectrometers, Segmented Flow analyzers, Molecular Biology procedures, and BioSafety Level 2 Protocols.
• Performed laboratory testing under laboratory regulatory authority, such as CLIA, CAP (College of American Pathologists), COLA (Commission on Laboratory Accreditation), EPA, etc.
• Two or more years of experience with a Laboratory Information System (LIS).  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience and ability to read, analyze, interpret and communicate complex scientific, technical, administrative and educational materials.
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints from both internal and external clients.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Job is generally sedentary in nature, and requires walking, standing, sitting (for long periods of time), and kneeling, reaching, bending, climbing stairs; may be required to lift or carry up to 25 lbs. occasionally. Generally, works in an office environment yet may occasionally be required to perform job duties outside of the typical office setting. Ability to drive a motor vehicle. Ability to operate keyboard driven equipment and computer; Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to work with small instruments and delicate laboratory equipment. Uses hands to grasp, handle, or feel. Visual acuity is required to read data on computer monitor and laboratory equipment, and to closely examine specimens microscopically and distinguish fine gradation of color, bands, or structures. Position frequently communicates and must be able to exchange accurate information with others verbally and in writing. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others. We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. 

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. [email protected] EEO/AA/TTY.

#LI-KA1