Job Specification Details

Administrative, technical and consultative duties at a professional level for the public health laboratory focusing on overall laboratory safety coordination and meeting of safety and security regulatory requirements. The person in this position will work in concert with the designated Chemical Hygiene and Radiation Safety Officers and other outside partners to ensure adequate safety training and practices to avoid potential hazards associated with the handling of biological, chemical and radiological materials, the spread of multi-drug resistant pathogens and threats of emerging pathogens. The person in this position develops and monitors adherence to laboratory safety programs, provides related workforce training for safety for the laboratory and clinical hospital laboratories, assists public health and clinical laboratories with safety risk assessments and risk mitigation plans, and works cohesively with key system partners and public health officials to improve communications and emergency management and response practices. Efficient communication skills, knowledge of the laboratory sciences and general laboratory practices, and experience in laboratory safety, training and outreach, and quality management systems are necessary for this position.

All employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their respective functions adhering to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation

Coordinates safety risk assessments for new or revised in­ house test procedures. Oversees the operation and maintenance of Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3)/Animal Biosafety Level 3 (ABSL3) facilities. Assists the Laboratory Director to ensure compliance with the CDC Select Agent Program registration requirements. Conduct outreach to hospital sentinel clinical laboratories regarding biosafety practices, training and performance of risk assessments. Responds to and assists in the mitigation of hazardous spills and provides emergency response consultation. Conducts laboratory safety compliance inspections, keeps appropriate records, recommends corrective actions, and writes reports of findings. Acts as liaison among staff, researchers or lab management with federal/state regulatory agencies on safe use of hazardous materials and participates in various safety committees, such the UVM Institutional Biosafety Committee, VDH/UVM BSL3 Management Committee and VDH Laboratory Safety Committee. Reviews analytical and/or research procedures and may draft sections to comply with safety regulatory terms and conditions. Ensures that required and necessary safety equipment (equipment such as biological safety cabinets or personal protective equipment such as eye shields) meet safety standards and are available for use. Ensures all laboratory safety policies and procedures are reviewed, revised and approved on an annual basis. Coordinates safety training for respirator use, packaging and shipping of infectious substances and bloodborne pathogens. Mitigates emergency events by assessing potential vulnerabilities and risks in the laboratory and emergency response by instructing staff on proper response to hazardous spills or potential exposures and on policies, processes, and procedures for emergency decontamination and exposure prevention. Provides input on emergency management and response policies and assists in implementation of processes and procedures in coordination with agency management and systems planners. Conducts or assists with evacuation and emergency response exercises. Performs related duties as required.

Duties are performed primarily in standard office and laboratory settings. Some travel and work outside of normal office hours may be required. Exposure to hazardous materials, infectious agents, and chemicals may occur.

Considerable knowledge of laboratory occupational hazards and laboratory safety standards and procedures.

Considerable knowledge of the properties of hazardous and toxic material substances, their physiological effects and proper methods and procedures for disposal.

Considerable knowledge of the handling of biological samples (including highly infectious pathogens) and the precautions required.

Considerable knowledge of chemical and biological laboratory safety procedure s, equipment and practices, including Biosafety Levels 1, 2, 3, 4.

Knowledge of public health laboratory functions and protocols. 

Knowledge of laboratory facilities systems.

Knowledge of laboratory Ethics, confidentiality, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA):

Knowledge of laboratory quality systems and principals of Corrective Act ion Preventative Action system (CAPA)

Ability to understand complex technical chemical, microbiological and radiological issues and operations.

Ability to assess laboratory safety risks and apply effective remedial action and mitigation plans.

Ability to work under pressure with a high degree of independence.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with staff and the public.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships among a variety of professional disciplines, governmental bodies, and federal partners.

Ability to read and understand state and federal regulations which are used or required for VDHL to safely perform testing activities [requirements of the federal and Vermont's Occupational Safety and Health Program (OSHA and VOSHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), State of Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation Hazardous Waste Materials Division, the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP), and Centers for Disease Control Select Agent Program].

Ability to provide leadership and accountability within the framework of the four key practices of the Agency of Human Services: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Master's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, or a related science field and four (4) years of professional laboratory experience, with at least one year of safety related experience.

OR

Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, or a related science and two (2) years of professional laboratory experience with at least one year of safety related experience.

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.