: Environmental Laboratory Certification Officer
About The Position
The Chemistry Laboratory Manager leads a large, multi-section chemistry laboratory responsible for performing both standardized and non-standardized chemical analyses in support of public health and regulatory programs. This position oversees laboratory operations, supervises technical staff, and manages administrative functions including budgeting, staffing, and program planning. The role requires advanced expertise in chemistry to evaluate testing methodologies, implement procedural improvements, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The manager serves as the laboratory's top technical authority and collaborates with internal and external partners to achieve program goals. Work is performed with a high degree of independence and technical judgment. This position must attend any assigned EPA or FDA training and must complete all tasks required to maintain certification. The Environmental Laboratory Certification Office is based in Raleigh, NC. Overnight travel, both in-state and outside North Carolina, is required of this position. Travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the NC Office of State Budget and Management's travel policy.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in chemistry from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of progressive chemistry laboratory experience.
- OR
- An equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.
Nice To Haves
- Demonstrated experience leading multi-section laboratory operations, including workflow coordination, resource planning, and performance monitoring in a high-throughput public health or regulatory setting.
- Expert-level proficiency in developing, validating, and troubleshooting complex chemical testing methods using advanced instrumentation such as ICP-MS, GC-MS, or HPLC.
- Proven success implementing laboratory quality assurance programs aligned with CLIA, ISO, or other regulatory and accreditation standards, with measurable improvements in compliance and audit outcomes.
- Documented experience interpreting and applying federal and state laboratory regulations to operational procedures, resulting in sustained regulatory compliance and readiness for external review.
- Strong track record of managing cross-functional teams through procedural updates, technology integration, and organizational change initiatives, with clear metrics for improved efficiency and staff performance.
Responsibilities
- Direct and oversee operations across multiple laboratory sections performing diverse chemical analyses.
- Supervise, evaluate, and support the work of subordinate laboratory managers and technical staff.
- Develop and implement laboratory policies, procedures, and quality assurance protocols.
- Plan and manage laboratory budgets, staffing levels, and resource allocations.
- Review and approve complex or non-standard testing methodologies and analytical procedures.
- Evaluate and select laboratory instrumentation to align with testing requirements and scientific advancements.
- Interpret and apply federal and state regulations, agency policies, and scientific standards to laboratory operations.
- Coordinate laboratory activities with other departments and external partners to support public health and regulatory goals.
- Analyze laboratory performance data and implement improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and safety.
- Serve as the laboratory's technical expert, providing guidance on advanced chemistry principles and resolving complex analytical challenges.
Benefits
- The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits.
- Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis).
- Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave.
- In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.
- Visit the website for State Benefits.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Industry
Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
