This is technical and administrative work directing, through subordinate supervisors, a wide variety of diagnostic and environmental analyses in the area of microbiology. The employee in this class develops, evaluates and determines the methodologies, equipment, and personnel required to achieve efficient and effective laboratory operations in the Microbiology Section of the City's Public Health Laboratory. Contact with departmental administrators, government agencies and officials, hospitals, physicians and other outside agencies to coordinate laboratory activities is a significant aspect of the work. Work is performed under the direction of the laboratory director. The work involves some disagreeable aspects.

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be approved for this class.)

• This one position class must report to the Public Health Laboratory Director in the Health Department.
• The position must supervise, through subordinate supervisors, a group of Medical Technologists and lower level support personnel engaged in performing diagnostic tests in the area of microbiology.

• Plans, organizes, and directs, through subordinate supervisors, the work of technical personnel engaged in cultivating, isolating, or otherwise identifying bacteria and other microorganisms from body fluids and environmental samples to diagnose diseases, assess microbial contamination of food and environmental samples and detect the emergence of resistance to drugs; reviews and evaluates the work of subordinate supervisory personnel through conferences and discussions; consults with supervisors, physicians, and government officials on unusual test results and complex testing problems; ascertains that accurate records and reports of laboratory work performed are maintained to meet requirements of the regulatory agencies; evaluates the quality and quantity of work performed by laboratory staff.
• Plans, initiates and directs developmental studies designed to improve laboratory and testing procedures; initiates new or modified procedures to increase accuracy and efficiency of laboratory activities; researches and evaluates the benefits of acquiring new testing equipment; recommends the purchase of new equipment based on studies performed; prepares purchase requisitions for equipment and supplies.
• Consults and advises administrators on the feasibility and scope of testing services that may be provided; develops grant proposals and budget requests for projects involving the use of laboratory facilities and services.
• Administers proficiency and quality control programs to ensure test accuracy and reliability; directs the analysis of specimens received for proficiency evaluation; submits test results to regulatory agencies; ensures that corrective measures are taken if inconsistent results are reported.
• Directs training and orientation programs for new laboratory employees in the operation of precision testing instruments and the interpretation of significance of findings.
• Prepares annual budget for staffing, supply and equipment needs; monitors expenditures on supply contracts; prepares monthly activity reports.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the principles, practices, methods and current developments in the field of clinical/environmental microbiology.
• the use, operation and care of standard laboratory equipment and materials in the area of microbiology.
• the methods of standardizing and adapting new procedures in analytical tests.
• research methods and techniques including the statistical treatment of scientific data.
• supervisory methods and techniques.
• laboratory research principles and techniques.
• laboratory management including the selection of equipment, assignment of personnel and determination of work priorities.

ABILITY TO:

• plan and direct the work of technical laboratory personnel.
• make accurate observations and interpretation of test results and to treat test data statistically in interpreting results.
• prepare technical reports and supervise the maintenance of reports and records.

EDUCATION:

• Completion of a Master's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in medical technology, biology, immunology, serology, microbiology, chemistry or other closely related field in the chemical, physical, or biological sciences.

  AND

  GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
  

• Two years of experience in medical technology, one year of which has been at the full performance level performing microbiologic diagnostic tests in a public health laboratory.

  AND

  SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE:
  

• Three years of recent experience supervising technical laboratory personnel engaged in microbiologic diagnostic laboratory tests which has included the analysis of human tissue and body fluids.

NOTE: The specific experience must have been obtained no more than five years prior to the date on which examination eligibility is based.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

• Eligibility for certification as "Director of Laboratory for the Bacteriological Examination of Milk" as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Certification must be achieved within time limits specified by the department.

PAY RANGE: EP24
Class Established: 11/1980

Latest Spec. Revision:
  CSC - 10/1995 ; Ad Board - 12/1995

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