Public Health Laboratory Scientist I

About the Role

Join the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) Laboratory team and contribute to protecting, promoting, and improving the health and quality of life for all who live, work, and play in our community. This position performs Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulated clinical testing using approved methodologies to ensure quality control and compliance with regulatory standards. You will work collaboratively with community partners to address public health priorities in a supportive and learning-focused environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform moderate to high complexity testing in all areas of the FCHD laboratory.
• Assess and verify specimen integrity and suitability for laboratory testing.
• Operate laboratory instrumentation and testing systems to generate accurate and timely results for patient specimens, quality control, and proficiency testing samples.
• Conduct and document quality control testing to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory authorities, including CLIA and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Report data accurately and efficiently to healthcare providers and environmental health specialists using the laboratory information system (LIS).
• Demonstrate knowledge of operational procedures and regulatory standards.
• Perform on-site testing at FCHD clinics in support of the STI program as needed.
• Assist in training and orientation of new staff on laboratory techniques and methods.
• Participate in professional growth opportunities to enhance personal and team development.
• Actively participate in one of the laboratory's internal Quality Assurance and Safety Committees; participation in agency-wide committees is highly recommended.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in medical/clinical laboratory science, microbiology, or chemistry, or a degree in a directly related field of study.
• One year of recent relevant experience performing CLIA non-waived or environmental testing in a clinical or public health laboratory.
• Valid driver's license.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification (required within 60 days of hire).
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Certification (required within 60 days of hire).
• Completion of a criminal background check, Child Protective Services Registry check, and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.
• This position is designated as emergency/essential services personnel (required to report for duty during inclement weather and/or other emergencies).

Preferred Qualifications

• Self-motivated, results-oriented individual with more than one year of experience performing clinical testing in a clinical or public health laboratory setting.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Medical Laboratory Science or Medical Technology.
• At least one year of experience working in a clinical lab setting in hematology, chemistry, immunology, and/or toxicology, with a preference for more than one year of experience in hematology, immunology, and chemistry.
• Working knowledge of and experience in any of the following: Quality Control, OSHA Safety Regulations, Bloodborne Pathogen Standards, BioSafety Level 2 Protocols, BioSafety Level 3 Protocols, and/or Unidirectional workflow.
• Experience performing laboratory testing under laboratory regulatory authority, such as CLIA, CAP (College of American Pathologists), COLA (Commission on Laboratory Accreditation), or EPA.
• At least one year of experience with a Laboratory Information System (LIS).
• Experience reading, analyzing, and interpreting complex scientific, technical, administrative, and educational materials.
• Ability to respond professionally and effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints from both internal and external clients.
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or American Medical Technologists (AMT) board certification as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) or equivalent.

Skills

Level 1

• Knowledge of basic principles of biology, chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, or organic chemistry methods and techniques in a clinical laboratory.
• Knowledge and application of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use and its limitations for duties assigned.
• Skill in the care and use of laboratory equipment including microscopes and accessory equipment.
• Ability to perform technical laboratory procedures in a precise and accurate manner.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to comprehend and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to communicate technical information to internal and external customers.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to interpret and follow standard technical instructions.
• Knowledge of laboratory hazards and procedures.

Level 2

• Knowledge of quality control, documentation, quality assurance, and professional and regulatory standards of laboratory practice in a certified laboratory.
• Ability to apply problem-solving skills to resolve issues such as troubleshooting instruments and testing failures.
• Ability to make analytical judgments.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and properly read various laboratory instruments.

Level 3

• Ability to prepare clear, concise technical documentation and maintain accurate records.
• Knowledge of policies, processes, and procedures related to corrective and preventive actions.
• Knowledge of policies, processes, and procedures related to identifying and collecting quality improvement indicators.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations regarding reportable diseases.
• Ability to keep abreast of current developments in the field.

Benefits

Fairfax County Government offers amazing benefits, including a supportive team environment, work-life balance, and opportunities for professional growth.

Physical Requirements

• Job is generally sedentary but requires walking, standing, sitting (for long periods), kneeling, reaching, and bending.
• May be required to lift or carry up to 25 lbs. occasionally.
• Uses hands to grasp, handle, or feel.
• Ability to operate keyboard-driven equipment and computers.
• Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to work with small instruments and delicate laboratory equipment.
• Visual acuity is required to read data on computer monitors and laboratory equipment, closely examine specimens microscopically, and distinguish fine gradations of color, bands, or structures.
• Frequent communication is required to exchange accurate information with others verbally and in writing.
• Generally works in an office environment but may occasionally perform job duties outside of the typical office setting.
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle.
• All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

Fairfax County encourages candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.