Environment Laboratory Section Chief

Kansas Department of Health and Environment; Kansas; On-site; USD 77,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Sick & vacation leave

Work-Life Balance programs

Paid state holidays

Fitness centers in select locations

STAR Program discounts

Retirement and deferred compensation

Job summary

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment seeks a senior laboratory manager to oversee the Radiation Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry Laboratory sections. You will supervise unit managers, maintain QA under CLIA/EPA guidance, and lead data reporting and method development to meet state and federal requirements.

Strong leadership and lab-management experience are essential. Responsibilities include staffing, training, and performance reviews, plus coordinating with agency divisions to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 4 years of experience in chemistry or environmental science with a minimum of 5-year hands-on experience performing environment testing, preferably EPA standard methods, in a public or commercial laboratory.
• Valid Driver's License and ability to operate a state vehicle.
• 5+ years of experience managing regulated environment laboratories.
• Strong knowledge of EPA, TNI/NELAC, LRN, and CLIA regulations.
• Leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Advanced MS Office skills (Excel, Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes and directs operations of the Radiation Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry Laboratory and related programs.
• Supervises unit managers and staff; ensures QA program compliance with CLIA and EPA standards.
• Directs data submission, quarterly reporting, and laboratory QA activities.
• Evaluates methods, maintains instruments, and directs corrective actions as needed.
• Oversees staffing, recruitment, training, and performance evaluations.

Skills

Laboratory management

Regulatory knowledge

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or environmental science

Tools

MS Excel

MS Outlook

MS Word

MS PowerPoint

MS Access

Job description

Job Posting

Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

Job Posting closes: Open Until Filled

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Our agency is led by Secretary Janet Stanek, who was appointed by Gov. Kelly in Dec 2021. KDHE is comprised of three divisions: Public Health, Environment, and Health Care Finance (which includes the State’s Medicaid program, KanCare). We are the only agency in the nation to have these three entities under one roof which allows us to take a holistic approach to improving and protecting the health and well‑being of all Kansans.

Verification of identity and employment eligibility to work in the United States is required by federal law. For a list of acceptable documents that establish these criteria, please refer to the federal Form I‑9 . KDHE does not provide sponsorships for this position.

If you are an OPT or STEM OPT applicant, please note that all individuals must maintain valid employment authorizations and an unexpired EAD.

E‑Verify: Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For additional information regarding E‑Verify, please click here . For additional information regarding Immigrant and Employee Rights (IER) please click here .

http://www.kdhe.ks.gov/

About The Position

• Who can apply: Anyone (External).
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (Flexible schedules available)
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veterans' Preference Eligible: Yes
• Sponsorship: KDHE does not provide sponsorship for this position.

Compensation

• Annual Pay Range: $77,000 - $84,705
• Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Employment Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
• Sick & Vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
• Fitness Centers in select locations
• Employee discounts with the STAR Program
• Retirement And Deferred Compensation Programs

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information…

Position Summary & Responsibilities

The position (K0224236)

Plans, organizes and directs the operations of the Radiation Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry Laboratory (ECL), Chemical Terrorism and Blood Lead Program staff.Supervises and directs unit managers to promote teamwork and cross-training for the section's staff; oversees the analytical work of the section to ensure that accurate environmental data is provided to all customers, both within and outside of the agency; monitors the status and function of laboratory instrumentation, equipment, and expendables necessary for requirements of the Division of Environment; and participates in senior laboratory management meetings.

Serves as Chemical Terrorism Coordinator for the Laboratory Response Network and CDC. Approve data submission and submit quarterly reports of the unit's activities. Serve as Technical Supervisor for the blood lead testing program. Supervise unit and maintain a consistent QA program following CLIA requirements.

Implements, maintains, and monitors a rigorous quality assurance program consistent with current recommendations to assess and assure reliability and quality of laboratory data for EPA, TNI and CLIA.Evaluates and directs corrective actions as needed.Plan and directs the development or modification of analytical methods to assure current and acceptable methods are being used to meet state and federal regulatory requirements.Develops and implements a maintenance program and procedures to maximize analytical performance and instrument life.Specifies maintenance activities and ensures these activities are carried out and documented according to plan.

Supervises managers and directs supervision of professional and technical staff in the performance of their work.Makes work assignments.Reviews daily operations to assure efficient, timely and accurate chemical analyses.Reviews performance and conducts evaluations of technical and professional staff and indicates areas needing improvement or provides positive feedback. Determine staffing and training needs. Responsible for recruitment, training, review and supervision of qualified laboratory staff.Interviews, evaluates and selects candidates for employment.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

• Responds to verbal and written communications with professional personnel in private industry, federal, state and local governmental agencies to resolve problems and answer questions.
• Represents the Environmental Section at meetings and conferences to provide technical information and resolve problems.
• Coordinates assigned functions and activities of the EC Lab with other bureaus and divisions of the agency.
• Review and update standard operating procedures annually.
• Provides direction for a quality assurance program for the laboratory section that meets all drinking water and NELAC certification requirements and ensures tests are performed in accordance with current good laboratory practices.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree or 4 years of experience in chemistry or environmental science with a minimum of 5-year hands‑on experience performing environment testing, preferably EPA standard methods, in a public or commercial laboratory. Education may be substituted with alternative experience determined by the agency.
• Licensing & Certification:
  • Valid Driver's License - Incumbent is required to have and maintain a valid driver's license when operating a state vehicle, a private vehicle, or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State.
• Minimum Qualifications:
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience managing regulated environment laboratories.
  • Thorough knowledge of EPA, TNI/NELAC, LRN, and CLIA regulations.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
  • Advanced experience in MS Office Suite, including MS Excel and MS Outlook.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Advanced Degree in chemistry or environmental science
  • Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
  • Proofreading, editing, attention to detail
  • Two years of related laboratory management experience
  • Five years of analytical chemistry laboratory experience
• Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements:
  • Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate: A valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate is a condition of employment for all employees of the State of Kansas. Applicants (including non-residents) who receive a formal job offer for a State job, are required to obtain a valid Tax Clearance within ten (10) days of the job offer. A Tax Clearance can be obtained through the Kansas Department of Revenue who reviews individual accounts for compliance with Kansas Tax Law. If you have a missing tax return(s) or you owe taxes to the State of Kansas, please know that the Kansas Department of Revenue will work with you. The Kansas Department of Revenue can set you up on a payment plan to receive a Tax Clearance so you can get a job working for the State of Kansas. The Kansas Department of Revenue can be contacted at 785-296-3199. Kansas Department of Revenue - Tax Clearance Frequently Asked Questions

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job. If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.