Public Health Laboratory Director

This is a nonclassified, at-will position and is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system. Colorado residents and nonresidents may apply. The selected candidate must establish residency in Colorado.

ABOUT CDPHE:

At the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, we are charged with protecting Colorado’s health and environment – a responsibility that affects every person and every community in the state. CDPHE is distinctive because we bring public health and environmental protection together under one agency, recognizing that healthy people depend on healthy places. Our teams prevent diseases and injury, respond to emergencies ranging from E.coli outbreaks to global pandemics, reduce air pollution, protect water quality, regulate health facilities, manage environmental hazards, perform advanced laboratory testing, provide birth and death records, and implement health promoting programs. We turn science and data into action, set statewide standards, and work alongside local public health agencies and community partners to meet Colorado’s most pressing health and environmental challenges. Working at CDPHE means applying your expertise to complex, consequential work that can improve lives across the state.

Our mission captures this broad portfolio of work: to advance Colorado’s health and protect the places we live, learn, work, and play. Our vision is a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations can thrive. Achieving the mission and vision takes bold action, talented people, broad partnerships, and a commitment to serving every Coloradan.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• This position is Non-Classified and therefore this announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado. If selected for the position, the candidate will be required to establish residency in Colorado.
• Employment is at-will, with no actual, expressed or implied contract.
• The position is in person and will report to the office located at 8100 Lowry Blvd., Denver, CO, 80230.

CDPHE Offers:

CDPHE offers a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to build a meaningful career in public service. Benefits include:

• Medical and dental plans.
• Colorado PERA retirement options, including defined benefit plan or defined contribution plan.
• Optional 401(K) and 457 retirement plans.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Potential flexible working arrangements
• 11 paid holidays per year and generous paid time off.
• Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee wellness programs.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Career opportunities throughout Colorado state government.

Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

The Work Unit:

State public health laboratories are foundational to protecting the health of the population. Only one of these highly specialized labs exist per state, creating a national network that works closely with the EPA, CDC, FDA and other federal agencies. The Colorado Public Health Laboratory (CPHL) protects the health of the population by identifying known and novel infectious diseases and outbreaks; detecting environmental contaminants in food products, natural medicine, and drinking and recreational waters; responding to bioterrorism and chemical threats; certifying every instrument in the state used for evidential breath alcohol testing; testing every infant born in Colorado and Wyoming to identify treatable genetic-related conditions at birth; performing audit functions and certification of outside laboratories; and conducting surveillance and public health research. The CPHL conducts around 3 million tests annually and works in partnership with local public health agencies to investigate and monitor public health events.

The CPHL is a division within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), known internally as the Laboratory Services Division.

What You Will Do:

CDPHE’s laboratory director is in the senior executive services class and appointed by CDPHE’s executive director. The position serves as the leader of the Colorado Public Health Laboratory, providing regulatory, scientific and operational direction and oversight of nearly 140 staff and an annual budget of $45 million. The director is supported by four deputies and numerous managers. The director sets the vision and performance goals, in alignment with CDPHE’s senior leaders. The director fosters an environment that integrates strategic, scientific and systems thinking, plus prioritizes strict attention to quality and compliance, ensuring the validity and dependability of laboratory results, and a continuous improvement mindset.

The director provides laboratory personnel with the direction, management and professional development necessary to ensure that laboratory programs effectively meet their statutory and regulatory obligations, and are effective and scientifically rigorous, including Public Health and Environmental Microbiology, Environmental Chemistry, Newborn Screening, Evidential Breath Alcohol Testing, Laboratory Certification, Quality Assurance, Biosafety, Cannabis and Natural Medicine Sciences, Gamete Bank and Fertility Clinics, Emergency Preparedness and Response, and Laboratory Data Systems.

The position will also oversee and support the laboratory’s ongoing modernization and quality improvement efforts, working in concert with the department’s Senior Executive Team and quality improvement consultants, providing leadership and scientific consultation, and implementing change management strategies with staff in order to improve laboratory services. The position regularly identifies and communicates issues, resource needs and other challenges to the department’s Senior Executive Team (SES), including Chief Medical Officer, Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer, and others, assuring that problems are addressed swiftly and effectively. The position works across CDPHE to collaborate with other divisions for testing services and coordinated emergency response.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Transformational leadership and oversight of the laboratory
2. Quality assurance, environmental health & safety, and state and federal regulatory compliance
3. Operational oversight, ensuring operational excellence and fiscal stewardship
4. Human resources management
5. Laboratory modernization and process improvement
6. Legislative and regulatory initiatives and public affairs
7. Emergency preparedness and response

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• MD, DO, or DPM degree OR PhD /doctoral degree in chemical, biological, or laboratory science.
• Must have four or more years of experience in a laboratory executive role, managing staff and a budget.

A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached.” The minimum qualifications must be met in order to continue in the selection process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

In addition to the minimum requirements, the successful candidate in this position will have the following highly desirable experience and competencies:

1. CLIA Certification: MD, DO, or DPM degree with pathology board certification OR 2+ years experience directing high-complexity tests, plus 20 CE credit hours in relevant laboratory practice; or PhD /doctoral degree in chemical, biological, or laboratory science and board-certified by an HHS-approved board, and 2 years experience directing and 2 years supervising high complexity testing, plus 20 CE credit hours in relevant laboratory practice
2. Extensive experience implementing quality assurance systems and assuring compliance with regulatory requirements
3. Excellent performance management skills.
4. Dynamic leadership skills and demonstrated record of producing results.
5. Political acumen

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.
• A financial check will be conducted as part of the selection process.
• Travel (frequency, location, etc.): Potential meetings in other areas of the state or national conferences out of state. May include overnight stays 1-2 times per year.
• On-call Status: On call for public health emergencies or service disruptions
• Critical Services Designation This is a critical position and can be expected to work and/or remain at their worksite in delayed start, early release, or closure situations

A complete application packet must include:

• Completed State of Colorado application.
• A Resume
• A Cover Letter
• If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) or diploma must be provided with application. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.
• If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

E-Verify:

CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

ADAAA Accommodations:

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator at View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io, option 5.