Environment Laboratory Section Chief

Kansas Department of Health and Environment; Kansas; On-site; USD 76,500 - 93,500; Full time

Job summary

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment seeks a senior Laboratory Director to lead the Radiation Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, and Chemical Terrorism and Blood Lead Program. The role includes supervision, QA, method maintenance, instrument upkeep, training, recruitment, and reporting to management and partners.

Responsibilities cover directing operations, training, SOP enforcement, regulatory compliance (EPA, NELAC, CLIA), method development, Blood Lead supervision, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or environmental science.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on environmental testing; 5 years managing regulated laboratories.
• Proficiency with EPA, NELAC, LRN, and CLIA regulations.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project-management skills.
• Advanced MS Office (Excel, Outlook) skills.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Preferred: Advanced degree in chemistry or environmental science.
• Two years of laboratory management experience.
• Five years of analytical chemistry laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and direct operations of the laboratory and staff.
• Supervise unit managers, provide training, and conduct performance evaluations.
• Ensure accurate analytical work and compliance with EPA, NELAC, CLIA, and other regulations.
• Maintain a rigorous quality assurance program and corrective action processes.
• Develop and modify analytical methods and maintenance procedures.
• Serve as Chemical Terrorism Coordinator for the Laboratory Response Network and CDC.
• Provide technical supervision for the blood lead testing program.
• Represent the Environmental Section at meetings and conferences.
• Respond to communications with stakeholders and resolve technical issues.
• Review, update, and enforce standard operating procedures.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or environmental science

Tools

EPA regulations

NELAC regulations

LRN regulations

CLIA regulations

Job description

Recruiter Contact: Kyle Sanders, [e-mail], 1000 SW Jackson St. Suite 580, Topeka, KS 66612.

Position Summary

The role (K0224236) leads the Radiation Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry Laboratory (ECL), and Chemical Terrorism and Blood Lead Program. It includes supervisory duties, ensuring accurate environmental data, maintaining QA programs, overseeing analytical methods, instrument maintenance, training, recruitment, and reporting to senior management and external partners.

Job Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and direct operations of the laboratory and staff.
• Supervise unit managers, provide training, and conduct performance evaluations.
• Ensure accurate analytical work and compliance with EPA, NELAC, CLIA, and other regulations.
• Maintain a rigorous quality assurance program and corrective action processes.
• Develop and modify analytical methods and maintenance procedures.
• Serve as Chemical Terrorism Coordinator for the Laboratory Response Network and CDC.
• Provide technical supervision for the blood lead testing program.
• Represent the Environmental Section at meetings and conferences.
• Respond to communications with stakeholders and resolve technical issues.
• Review, update, and enforce standard operating procedures.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or environmental science.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of hands‑on environmental testing; 5 years managing regulated laboratories.
• Proficiency with EPA, NELAC, LRN, and CLIA regulations.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project‑management skills.
• Advanced MS Office (Excel, Outlook) skills.
• Valid driver’s license.

• Preferred: Advanced degree in chemistry or environmental science.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, proofreading, editing.
• Two years of laboratory management experience.
• Five years of analytical chemistry laboratory experience.

Compensation

Annual salary range: $85,000, subject to education, experience, or qualifications.

Employment Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage.
• Sick, vacation, and paid state holidays.
• Work‑life balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave.
• Employee fitness center access at select locations.
• Employee discounts via STAR Program.
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other factor unrelated to job requirements.