Marion County Public Health Department is an organization that celebrates diversity, and seeks to employ a diverse workforce. We actively encourage all individuals to apply for employment and to seek advancement opportunities. Marion County Public Health Department also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities as required by law. For additional questions please contact us at: hrmail@hhcorp.org.

Job Role Summary

An Environmental Senior Chemist in the Public Health Laboratory analyzes water, air, soil, and foods, etc, to determine chemical components. The Chemist supports the assessment of health, one of the core functions of public health, by diagnosing and investigating health problems and health hazards in the community. The Senior Chemist works well with others and has excellent computer and organizational skills with a high attention to detail and is the leader of the Chemist in the Chemistry Lab.

Essential Duties

• Specimen Processing and Testing: Follows laboratory procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analysis, reporting and maintenance of records of test results as authorized by the supervisor. Monitors test systems for proper performance and accuracy regarding reporting of test results and reports problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting results. Checks sample queues to ensure procedures are tested within established time frames. Evaluates laboratory results and determines additional testing as needed. Suggests modifications or adapt established methods, procedures or techniques to resolve difficult or complex problems. Operates as primary analyst for routine and more complex testing (PH Core Competencies: 1A3, 1A5, 1A8, BA1) (APHL Core Competencies: QMS 2, 7; ETH 2; GEN 1, 4-6; SRV 1-4, 6-10; INF 1-6; CHM 1, 3-5) – 20% of the time
• Quality Control & Quality Assurance: Performs quality control procedures, instrument function checks and any necessary calibration and maintenance procedures. Follows established laboratory safety guidelines as stated in the Laboratory Safety Manual and reports any safety or security concerns to management. Correlates complete sample data prior to reporting results and documents irregularities. Monitors quality control results to assure that acceptable levels of analytic performance are maintained and records are always up to date. Leads all quality control corrections, maintenance and resolutions with management guidance, if necessary. Performs quality assurance on laboratory testing. Quality Assurance areas include turn-around time verification, sample evaluation, and others as defined in the Quality Assurance Manual. Assures compliance with standards of applicable accrediting and licensing agencies (PH Core Competencies: 1A5, 1A6, 1A7, 1A8, 1A9, 1A10, 1A14) (APHL Core Competencies: QMS 1, 3, 10, 11; MLD 1, 2; GEN 2, 7; SPH 1, 2, 4; SHC 2, 3, 6; SAC 1-4; SCT 1, 2; INF 9, 13, 15, 16; CHM 2, 6) – 20% of the time
• Document and Information Management systems: Enters data accurately and in accordance with laboratory policies. Retrieves results and information. Maintains patient confidentiality (if applicable). Leads record maintenance to ensure proper documentation of activities and results. Verifies laboratory records. Leads documentation of all corrective actions taken when tests systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications. Assists in writing new and in annual review of existing standard operating procedures and laboratory manuals. Utilizes various software (specific instrumentation software, LIMS, document management, Microsoft Office, E-mail, etc.) to complete tasks as required (PH Core Competencies: 1A4, 2A12, 8A1) (APHL Core Competencies: QMS 8, 9; COM 4, 6; SHC 4; SRV 5; INF 8, 18) – 10% of the time
• LIMS – Laboratory Information Management System: Takes a secondary role in database administrator of LIMS, software upgrades, and implementation of control table changes to expand/improve LIMS functionality. Assists with environmental reporting sample reports and sampling questions. Assists CIS in resolving ticket requests/incidents (PH Core Competencies: 1A4, 2A12, 8A1) (APHL Core Competencies: QMS 8, 9; COM 4, 6; SHC 4; SRV 5; INF 8, 18) - 10% of the time
• Equipment and Materials Maintenance: Operates various complex instrumentation using technically complex analytical procedures and tests. Performs preventative maintenance protocols. With minimal assistance, investigates and corrects equipment malfunction. Records appropriate documentation. Performs inventory, ordering, receiving and stocking of designated supplies as directed by section supervisor (PH Core Competencies: 7A5, 7A6, 7A9) (APHL Core Competencies: QMS 5, 6; MLD 3; GEN 3; SHC 5; INF 7, 10, 11, 19) – 10% of the time
• On-The-Job Training Lead: Instruct new hires in on-the-job training. Draw an overall or individualized training and development plan, specific to relevant laboratory practices. Plan should adhere to internal and regulatory requirements. Track and update manager on trainee’s progress. Act as mentor after trainee achieves competency. (PH Core Competencies: 3A2, 7A11, 7A13, 8A6, 8A7) (APHL Core Competencies: QMS 4; MLD 4; INF 12) – 10% of the time
• Reliability, Teamwork and Communication: Consistently meets department and corporate attendance standards. Consistently manages time effectively to ensure timely completion of assigned tasks and responsibilities. Follows through on assignments. Works effectively with team, contributes to, accepts and owns team/work group decisions, values contributions made by others. Demonstrates flexibility in dealing with changing work demands. Applies basic concepts of communication (e.g., active listening, honesty, chain-of-command) and orally communicates effectively with professionals and the public (PH Core Competencies: 3A2, 7A11) (APHL Core Competencies: QMS 4, 7; MLD 5; COM 1, 2, 3, 5; INF 14) – 5% of the time
• Technical Consultation: Acts as a resource to individuals within and outside of the department to resolve technical issues that may relate to Environmental Chemistry services. Identifies problems that may adversely affect material performance or reporting of test results and correct the immediate problem or notify testing personnel, management, or laboratory director. Leads or assists efforts to implement solutions/improvements within and outside of the department including but not limited to: identifying and investigating root causes, and working with resources to develop solutions (PH Core Competencies: 2A11, 3A2, 7A13, 8A9) (APHL Core Competencies: QMS 2, 4, 10; INF 12, 14) – 5% of the time
• On-The-Job Training and Personal Development: Read job related information/materials/procedures and policies in a timely manner. Complete required on-the-job training and competency assessment. Maintain training file documentation in compliance with internal and regulatory requirements. Participate in MCPHD committees and/or other quality/technical/professional associations (PH Core Competencies: 3A2, 7A11, 7A13, 8A6, 8A7) (APHL Core Competencies: QMS 4; MLD 4; INF 12) – 4% of the time
• Education and Initiative/Work Habits:
• Participates in continuing education opportunities. Demonstrates technical procedures to laboratory personnel as requested by supervisor. Exhibits on-going commitment to both improvement and innovation using training and experience to improve processes and efficiencies. Searches out new tasks and expands abilities professionally and seeks new ways of improving services. Demonstrates adaptability and sense of priorities (PH Core Competencies: 2A11, 7A11, 7A13) (APHL Core Competencies: QMS 4, 12) – 4% of the time
• Participates in public health emergency preparedness exercises and in the response to public health emergencies: as directed (PH Core Competencies: 6A3, 8A7) (APHL Core Competencies: QMS 3; COM 7; EMR 1-4; INF 17) – 1% of the time
• Participate in H.O.P.E. events: minimum of two events totaling a minimum of eight (8) hours annually (PH Core Competencies: 3A2, 6A3, 8A7) (APHL Core Competencies: COM 8) – 1% of the time

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for: Maintaining confidentiality of information including, but not limited to: Patient/client test results, specimen chain of custody, laboratory reports, laboratory records, patient information as required by state and federal laws. Following all safety and security procedures/policies. Following laboratory procedures/policies as applicable to job duties. Follow state and federal regulatory requirements as applicable to job duties (PH Core Competencies: 7A3, 8A1)
• CONTACTS – INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL:
• Frequent contact with Marion County Public Health Department, Public Health Laboratory management and employees to exchange factual information.
• Frequent contact with Marion County Public Health Department and Health and Hospital Corporation employees to exchange factual information.
• Occasional contact with regulatory agencies.
• Occasional contact with the general public.
• Rare contact with other governmental (federal, state, local) staff (PH Core Competencies: 6A3) (APHL Core Competencies: QMS 2; ETH 1; MLD 1)
• Key Competencies:
• PH Core Competencies: Tier 1 (1A3, 1A4, 1A5, 1A6, 1A7, 1A8, 1A9, 1A10, 1A14, 2A11, 2A12, 3A2, 6A3, 7A3, 7A5, 7A6, 7A9, 7A11, 7A13, 8A1, 8A6, 8A7, 8A9)
• APHL Core Competencies: QMS, ETH, MLD, COM, EMR, GEN, SPH, SHC, SAC, SCT, SRV, INF, CHM

Qualifications

• This position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology, medical technology or related field, and three to four years of experience in an environmental, clinical or analytical laboratory required. A Master’s Degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology, medical technology or related field, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of microbiology, biology, and chemistry
• Considerable knowledge of environmental chemistry as it applies to the testing of samples, interpretation of results, and the communication of those results to appropriate personnel
• Thorough knowledge of federal and state regulations governing public health and
• safety programs, and national and state environmental trends and issues
• Knowledge of laboratory chemical and biological safety
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment, which requires fine motor skills and good hand-eye coordination
• Ability to think independently as follow guides to troubleshoot laboratory equipment and processes
• Must be able to work under the pressure of inflexible deadlines to complete tests, report results
• Must demonstrate a high attention to detail
• Ability to use Standard Precautions to protect self and others from harm

Work Environment:

• Laboratory environment.
• Must follow proper procedures to ensure adequacy of lab results and safety.
• Accuracy/precision necessary in performance of tests.
• Position may require incumbent to remain stationary for long periods of time.
• Position may require incumbent to lift heavy items up to 40lbs.
• May be exposed to chemical and biological hazards.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.