CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT
3H10
PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY DIRECTOR
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is administrative public health work directing the operations of the clinical and
public health laboratory system. The employee directs, through subordinate managers and
supervisors, the performance of a variety of laboratory services which support the operation of
other Health Department programs. Coordination of laboratory activities with the operations of
the programs, development of laboratory system policy, and contact with departmental
administrative program directors are significant aspects of the work. The employee works under
the general direction of an administrative superior.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be approved for this class.)
- the position must direct, through subordinate managers and supervisors, all the
operations of the clinical and public health laboratory system.
- the position must be located in the Health Department.
- only one position may be allocated to this class.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
- Directs laboratory policy planning and development; directs the provision of a variety of
laboratory services, including biochemistry, hematology, microbiology, parasitology,
immunology and urinalysis; reviews and revises laboratory techniques; confers with directors
of other departmental programs; evaluates effectiveness of laboratory services by personal
inspection, conferences with subordinate supervisors, and review of reports and results of
laboratory analyses; determines if laboratory services are meeting the needs of the department
and plans new program based on current needs and fiscal and staff limitations.
- Analyzes and revises existing laboratory structure and functions; plans training of
subordinate personnel in laboratory methods; directs the orientation, training, and development
of new employees; prepares budgetary requests and justifications for new laboratory equipment,
supplies, and personnel; reviews requests for additional personnel and equipment submitted by
subordinate supervisors.
- Directs the review of laboratory operations in preparation for state certification
inspection; reviews and revises laboratory manual; reviews quality control techniques and record
keeping procedures; evaluates staff qualifications to ensure compliance with state mandated
staffing requirements; answers state inspectors' questions on laboratory procedures; develops
plans to correct violations and deficiencies cited by state inspectors.
- Determines necessity and feasibility for placing certain tests on contract and determines
qualifications of outside laboratories to perform the work; evaluates test results submitted by
outside laboratories.
- Attends staff meetings of departmental administrators to learn new or modified
regulations and policies; represents the laboratory at a variety of meetings and conventions;
prepares periodic statistical and narrative reports for other governmental agencies.
- Provides technical direction to laboratory system personnel working in district health
centers.
- Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- laboratory management theory, principles and practices, including selection of
equipment, assignment of personnel and determination of priorities.
- current state and federal requirements for the operation of a clinical laboratory.
- laboratory equipment.
- the principles, practices, methods and current developments in the fields of microbiology,
biochemistry, hematology and immunology as applied in a clinical and public health
laboratory.
- administrative principles and practices.
- the principles and practices of clinical pathology applicable to a clinical and public health
laboratory.
- supervisory methods and techniques.
ABILITY TO:
- evaluate the laboratory services requirements of other departmental programs.
- plan the work of subordinate laboratory supervisors and managers.
- evaluate the procedures, practices and quality control techniques of a clinical and
public health laboratory.
- present ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
- establish and maintain effective working relationships with program directors and
administrative and technical staff.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
(The following statement
represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject
applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based
on training and experience requirements as approved on 2/92.)
EDUCATION
- Completion of a Doctoral degree from an accredited college or university with major
course work in the chemical, physical or biological sciences.
AND
GENERAL EXPERIENCE
- Three years of clinical or public health laboratory experience.
AND
SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE:
- Three years of experience supervising a section of a clinical or public health laboratory.
Or any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable
by the Personnel Department that has included the education and specific experience described
above.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
PAY RANGE: EP28
Class Established:
CSC - 1/1953 ; Ad Board - 2/1953
Latest Spec. Revision:
CSC - 2/1992 ; Ad Board - 3/1992
RPJ/ps
END OF JOB CLASS SPECIFICATION - 3H10