Environment Section Chief

About the role

The position (K0224236) plans, organizes, and directs the operations of the Radiation Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry Laboratory (ECL), Chemical Terrorism and Blood Lead Program staff. Supervises and directs unit managers to promote teamwork and cross-training for the section's staff; oversees the analytical work of the section to ensure that accurate environmental data is provided to all customers, both within and outside of the agency; monitors the status and function of laboratory instrumentation, equipment, and expendables necessary for requirements of the Division of Environment; and participates in senior laboratory management meetings.

Responsibilities

• Serves as Chemical Terrorism Coordinator for the Laboratory Response Network and CDC. Approves data submission and submits quarterly reports of the unit's activities.
• Serves as Technical Supervisor for the blood lead testing program. Supervises unit and maintains a consistent QA program following CLIA requirements.
• Implements, maintains, and monitors a rigorous quality assurance program consistent with current recommendations to assess and assure reliability and quality of laboratory data for EPA, TNI and CLIA. Evaluates and directs corrective actions as needed.
• Plans and directs the development or modification of analytical methods to assure current and acceptable methods are being used to meet state and federal regulatory requirements.
• 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.
• Supervises managers and directs supervision of professional and technical staff in the performance of their work. Makes work assignments. Reviews daily operations to assure efficient, timely and accurate chemical analyses. Reviews performance and conducts evaluations of technical and professional staff and indicates areas needing improvement or provides positive feedback. Determines staffing and training needs. Responsible for recruitment, training, review and supervision of qualified laboratory staff. Interviews, evaluates and selects candidates for employment.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or 4 years of experience in chemistry or environmental science with a minimum of 5-year hands-on experience performing environment testing, preferably EPA standard methods, in a public or commercial laboratory.
• Licensing & Certification: Valid Driver's License.
• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or 4 years of experience in chemistry or environmental science with a minimum of 5-year hands-on experience performing environment testing, preferably EPA standard methods, in a public or commercial laboratory. A minimum of 5 years of experience managing regulated environment laboratories. Thorough knowledge of EPA, TNI/NELAC, LRN, and CLIA regulations. Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills. Advanced experience in MS Office Suite, including MS Excel and MS Outlook.
• Preferred Qualifications: Advanced Degree in chemistry or environmental science, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, proofreading, editing, attention to detail, two years of related laboratory management experience, five years of analytical chemistry laboratory experience.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or 4 years of experience in chemistry or environmental science with a minimum of 5-year hands-on experience performing environment testing, preferably EPA standard methods, in a public or commercial laboratory.
• Licensing & Certification: Valid Driver's License.
• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or 4 years of experience in chemistry or environmental science with a minimum of 5-year hands-on experience performing environment testing, preferably EPA standard methods, in a public or commercial laboratory. A minimum of 5 years of experience managing regulated environment laboratories. Thorough knowledge of EPA, TNI/NELAC, LRN, and CLIA regulations. Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills. Advanced experience in MS Office Suite, including MS Excel and MS Outlook.
• Preferred Qualifications: Advanced Degree in chemistry or environmental science, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, proofreading, editing, attention to detail, two years of related laboratory management experience, five years of analytical chemistry laboratory experience.

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

Pay

Annual Pay Range: $85,000
*Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (Flexible schedules available)

Recruiter Contact Information

Name: Kyle Sanders
Email: kyle.sanders@ks.gov
Mailing Address: 1000 SW Jackson St. Suite 580 Topeka, KS 66612

Job Application Process

First Sign in or register as a New User.
Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page.
Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page.
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

Required Documents

• Transcripts
• DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)
• Resume
• Cover Letter

How to Claim Veterans Preference

Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.