Program Manager (Microbiology Training Program)

SUMMARY

The CDPH Center for Laboratory Sciences, Operations Branch’s Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) Training Program seeks a Program Manager to work closely and collaborate with public health laboratories in the state, local counties, and the California Association of Public Health Lab Directors (CAPHLD) to manage trainees, participants, and facilitate the Public Health Microbiologist Training program.

Applicants must be able to maintain consistent and regular attendance; communicate regularly and effectively (orally and in writing) in dealing with the public, collaborating agencies, and employees; develop and maintain knowledge and skills related specifically to Public Health Microbiology training curriculum, providing presentations, health and safety, e-learning and online tools, procedures, inventories, lab equipment, and supporting trainees; timely resolution of conflicts; complete assignments in a timely and efficient manner; and adhere to departmental policies and procedures.

This position will oversee and manage the PHM program’s co-PHM manager, county trainees, online PHM support staff, lab partners, participants, and volunteers from CAPHLD and other CDPH labs. Tasks will involve managing and working with emails, forms and documents, including training records, and rosters, and online platforms and resources. Assist in coordinating inventory, purchases, and schedules. Experience with laboratory safety, microbiology laboratory testing, presentations and training, inventory management, and managing conflicts is necessary. Maintaining an organized work environment, time management, working well in a team environment, managing partners and collaborators, and being detail-oriented are essential skills for this position.

Must submit a resume and three professional references with the application.

Salary range for this position is $110,000 - $125,000 annually depending on skills and qualifications.

If hired for this position, applicant will be required to provide proof of experience and professional license and certification.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Oversees direct reports’ attendance, duties, trainings and records, schedules, and resources needed for PHM training.
• Adheres and ensures compliance to laboratory health and safety procedures and practices, as well as other CDPH policies and procedures, including IT and security.
• Works closely with the California Association of Public Health Lab Directors (CAPHLD) and participating California Department of Public Health (CDPH) laboratories to coordinate training schedule with SMEs (subject matter experts), volunteers, and participants to help facilitate the PHM training program.
• Facilitate agreement and approvals of changes in curriculum, guidelines, and practices through CAPHLD committee.
• Leads the coordination of CAPHLD training committee and work groups in updating training curriculum, resources, and materials; including deadlines, tracking deliverables, and implementation of all changes and improvements
• Addresses training program inquiries, needs, and priorities in a timely manner, including tracking and implementing updates and changes in PHM schedules
• Helps recruit and schedule subject matter experts, speakers, and volunteers to provide didactic and laboratory training for all units of the training program.
• Provides technical and administrative consultations to PHM trainees and participants
• Provides oversight for the maintenance and update of PHM trainees’ training records, grades, documentations, emergency contacts, standard operating procedures, laboratory safety procedures and practices, risk assessments, job aides, and other training tools for the program.
• Provides assistance to local and state laboratories with workforce training and educational resources for trainers, including implementation of online training platforms and resources, proctoring and scoring of exams, processing surveys, feedbacks, and evaluations.
• Provides subject matter expertise, lectures and presentations, and laboratory training on assigned PHM modules.
• Works with CDPH Laboratory Field Services (LFS) on required documentations and updates to meet deadlines and timely processing; send reminders and monitors expiration dates of trainees’ LFS license; follows up with LFS on pending inquiries and requirements.
• Maintain close communication with LFS and AAB to ensure proper and timely submission of required PHM information and documents to training committee and partners; timely delivery of updates and information on important deadlines for LFS PHM completion certificates, AAB exam and registration dates and procedures, and other important information for PHM trainees and their lab directors.
• Processes program evaluations and feedbacks; compile data and generate report for PHM training program and committee to help with sustainability and quality improvement activities.
• Assists CAPHLD PHM training committee chairs on sustainability efforts and other PHM-related projects.
• Provides guidance and support for PHM training team members’ professional growth. This includes identifying training needs, implementing adult learning principles, professional development opportunities, and fostering a culture of continuous learning.
• Provides additional project support as needed.
• Travel to local public health labs to support PHM training needs and perform PHM-related tasks and projects.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Effective organizational skills and computer technical skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with professionalism, diplomacy, and discretion.
• Skilled in presentations, presenting and facilitating meetings online and in-person.
• Effective interpersonal skills to interact effectively with diverse audience and groups.
• Effective conflict management and resolution
• Skilled in general Public Health microbiology laboratory procedures and techniques (examples include and are not limited to the following: Diagnostic testing, microscopy, Gram stain and other stains, aseptic technique, laboratory procedures, reading and reporting results, troubleshooting, others.)
• Familiarity with laboratory supplies, PPEs, and equipment related to Public Health laboratories (examples include and are not limited to the following: incubators, media and reagents, chemicals, freezers, refrigerators, centrifuges, balances, pipettes, microscopes, molecular diagnostic platforms, thermometers, water baths, and others).
• Ability to multi-task and meet scheduling priorities in a timely manner.
• Ability to provide support to trainees to help them successfully complete training.
• Ability to set clear objectives, monitor progress, and evaluate team members' performance. This includes assigning and delegating tasks and responsibilities effectively, providing prompt feedback, and implementing improvement plans when necessary.
• Ability to identify problems, analyze potential solutions, and implement effective strategies and actions to resolve issues that arise for the training team and the PHM Training program.
• Ability to plan long-term goals and sustainability and align team efforts with organizational objectives. This includes setting priorities annually, anticipating future needs of the program, and guiding the training team toward achieving these goals.

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Skilled in MS Office applications such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe, email applications such as Microsoft Outlook.
• Use of online resources (e.g. SharePoint and website) and teleconferencing (e.g., WebEx, Go-to-Meeting, Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
• Experienced with disease and lab risks’ prevention, control, and laboratory safety.
• Experienced with general laboratory safety procedures, best practices, guidelines, and documentation.
• Supervisory experience involving supervision of professional laboratory personnel.
• Ability to coordinate with state and local agencies to support priorities of the training program.

Education/Experience

• At least 2 years of relevant work experience in a local or state Public Health Laboratory; experience specifically with operations of the PHM training program preferred.

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances

• Must be in possession of a current, valid Public Health Microbiologist's certificate issued by the California State Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services.

Physical Requirements

Stand Frequently

Walk Frequently

Sit Frequently

Handling / Fingering Frequently

Reach Outward Occasionally

Reach Above Shoulder Occasionally

Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend Occasionally

Lift / Carry Occasionally - Up to 30 lbs

Push/Pull Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs

See Constantly

Taste/ Smell Not Applicable

Not Applicable = Not required for essential functions

Occasionally = (0 - 2 hrs/day)

Frequently = (2 - 5 hrs/day)

Constantly = (5+ hrs/day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is an onsite position and will be required to work at the CDPH campus in Richmond, CA in indoor temperature controlled general office and laboratory settings.

Essential workforce training may be up to 40 hours per week on site in Richmond, CA.

Must have reliable transportation to travel, as needed. Travel will be reimbursed.

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.