Public Service Executive (Section Chief) (210536)

Position Summary & Responsibilities:

The position (K0225335)

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has a Public Service Executive (Section Chief) opening in Topeka. This position plans, organizes, and directs the operations for the Health Section of the Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories that includes the Virology/Serology, Microbiology, Chemistry, and Molecular Diagnostics Units. Promotes teamwork and cross-training activities for the Section’s staff. Oversees the analytical work of the Section to ensure highest quality of diagnostic and screening data on infectious diseases and conditions of public health concern is available to all Kansas health care providers Monitors the status and function of laboratory instrumentation, equipment, and consumables; coordinates the services of the laboratory with the requirements of the Division of Public Health; participates in senior laboratory management meetings.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

Supervises managers and tracks the performance of technical staff.  Prepares work assignments.  Reviews daily operations to assure efficient, timely and accurate reporting of results. Conducts and reviews performance evaluations of technical and professional staff and recommends areas for improvement. Determines staffing and training needs. Initiates recruitment, training, reviews, and supervision of qualified laboratory staff. Interviews, evaluates, and selects candidates for employment.

Coordinates, prepares, and monitors relevant health grants and contracts with KHEL’s Grants Manager. Develops supporting budget data, provides strategic goals and objectives to assist the KHEL Laboratory Director in the development of the annual budget.  Evaluates and determines budgetary needs to meet objectives and goals as they relate to requirements of other KDHE bureaus or federal requirements.

Implements and monitors a rigorous quality assurance program consistent with current recommendations to assess and ensure reliability and quality of laboratory data.  Evaluates and directs corrective actions as needed.  Plans and directs the development or modification of analytical methods to ensure approved current methods are being used to meet State and Federal regulatory requirements. Keeps track of Proficiency Testing throughout the different Units. Develops and implements a maintenance program and procedures to maximize analytical performance and instrument life. Specifies maintenance activities and ensures these activities are carried out and documented according to plan.

About the Position:

• Who can apply: Anyone (External)
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (Flexible schedules available)
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veterans’ Preference Eligible: Yes

Employment Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
• Sick & Vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
• Fitness Centers in select locations
• Employee discounts with the STAR Program
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information.

Minimum Qualifications:

The minimum level of education and experience required to perform the job.

• Three years of experience in planning, organizing, and directing the work of a department, program, or agency. A bachelor’s degree in a physical or natural science may substitute experience as determined relevant by the agency.

Education:

• High School, GED

Licensing & Certification: 

• Valid Driver’s License – Incumbent is required to have and maintain a valid driver’s license when operating a state vehicle, a private vehicle, or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State.

Preferred Qualifications:

Any additional skills, experiences, or qualifications that would be beneficial, but aren’t strictly necessary.

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, virology, serology, or clinical chemistry.
• Master’s degree in microbiology, virology, serology, or clinical chemistry.
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail.
• Microsoft Office experience: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.
• Two years of supervisory or managerial experience.
• Five years of experience in an analytical laboratory.
• Knowledge of scientific instrumental analytical techniques.

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements:

• In accordance with K.S.A. 75-4362 (g) (8), any person offered a position of employment in the Office of Laboratory Services of the Department of Health and Environment will be required to be drug screened to determination the applicant’s eligibility to perform tasks within the Laboratory Services.

How to Apply:

Specific instructions for applying, which might include submitting a resume, cover letter, list of references, or completing an online application.

• Please include the Job ID number when emailing.

Job Application Process:  Only applications submitted within our State of Kansas Careers Portal will be considered.

• First Sign in or register as a New User at https://admin.ks.gov/offices/personnel-services/jobs
• Complete or update your contact information on the State of Kansas Careers Portal > My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Upload required documents listed for each specific job posting.
• Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.
  • Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.
• Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.
  • Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page
  • Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page

Contact Information:

[email protected]