A cover letter is required for this position (see additional information section below).
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Public Health Division (PHD), Oregon State Public Health Laboratory in Hillsboro, OR is seeking a Environmental Laboratory Assessor to assess laboratory compliance against TNI Standards as implemented through the Oregon Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ORELAP), and federal, state and local rules and regulations pertaining to environmental laboratories with program leadership. The Oregon State Public Health Laboratory supports state and local infectious disease control efforts, works to prevent metabolic disorders detectable at birth, and assures the quality of testing in clinical and environmental laboratories.
What will you do?
As the Environmental Laboratory Assessor, you will perform laboratory complaint investigations; and schedule on-site assessments to establish and manage total quality systems; and microbiological and inorganic/organic chemistry analysis throughout Oregon and other states. You will evaluate and apply complex regulations regarding laboratory deficiencies and submit reports with recommendations and corrective action plans.
In this position, you will consult with administrative and laboratory staff regarding ORELAP and EPA requirements for laboratories that analyze drinking water as well as cannabis testing requirements for laboratories that analyze usable marijuana and cannabinoid concentrates, extracts and products.
What's in it for you?
You will work with a team of public health professionals who are passionate about the work they do to ensure drinking water and cannabis are safe for consumption. Are you educated and experienced in the business processes that support successful laboratory operations? Do you have experience in systems improvement, project management and policy analysis? Are you comfortable communicating with high-level public and private officials and stakeholders? If so, we want to connect with you!
We offer full medical, vision and dental benefits with paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave and 10 paid holidays per year plus pension and retirement plans. If you are experienced in laboratory operations and possess strong leadership and project management skills, don't delay, apply today!
This position is management service, non-supervisory and is not represented by a union.The Oregon Health Authority is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to work force diversity.
Qualifications, Required & Requested Skills
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Five years of experience doing administrative research related to microbiology, chemistry or a related field that included compiling and evaluating facts to recommend management action, or decide compliance or eligibility with program guidelines and regulations. Three of the five years must be above the technical support level.
College-level course work may substitute for experience on the basis of 45-quarter units per year, up to a maximum of three years.
Note: Transcripts are required to be attached to your application if you are using education or coursework to meet the minimum qualifications. Transcripts must be from an accredited institution and clearly show 1) your name; 2) the name and address of the institution; 3) the degree received and; 4) required courses completed with a passing grade. For application purposes, photocopies are acceptable; however official or original documents may be requested to validate education.
Special Qualifications (ORELAP Requirements):
An Environmental Laboratory Assessor for microbiology and chemistry must meet the EPA requirements for drinking water certification officer and National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP):
REQUESTED SKILLS
An ORELAP laboratory assessor for microbiology and chemistry must meet the EPA requirements for drinking water certification officer and NELAP:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent education/experience in the discipline of microbiology, chemistry or a related field and have recent laboratory experience
- Experience in laboratory evaluation and quality systems
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
- Basic computer skills
- Familiar with drinking water regulations and data reduction and reporting techniques
- Certified as an EPA drinking water officer in one discipline (Inorganic, organic or microbiology) and have the ability to be certified in two disciplines within a year of hire.
- Successfully complete the NELAC Basic Assessor Training Course, Technical Course for Microbiology, Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry and refresher courses
- Undergo training with a qualified assessor
- Approval by the EPA Region X certification officer is required before an individual may serve as a state certification officer for drinking water testing laboratories for microbiological and chemistry analysis.
- Experience in promoting a culturally competent and diverse work environment.
Applicants that meet the minimum qualifications and most closely match the desired attributes will be invited for an interview.
Additional Information
PLEASE SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING WITH YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION:
A cover letter that clearly addresses each of the questions listed below by providing specific examples and explaining your role and level of responsibility for each where applicable.
Please name the cover letter file: Cover Letter OHA18-0515
Your cover letter must address each of the questions below. If you do not attach a cover letter, or you do not respond to each of the desired attributes, you may not be offered an interview. Qualified applicants whose background most closely matches the desired attributes will be invited to interview.
Items to be addressed in a cover letter:
- Describe how you would qualify for the Environmental Laboratory Assessor position, with primary focus of accrediting laboratories testing drinking water marijuana.
- What disciplines are you certified in as an EPA drinking water officer? Please specify the date of each certification.
- Are you eligible to be EPA certified in additional disciplines?
- Describe your experience presenting workshops or training to staff or the public on technical issues related to environmental testing.of the following specialties:
- Microbiological and/or;
- Chemical and/or;
- Cannabis
- Describe your environmental laboratory testing experience related to microbiology, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, cannabis and quality systems.
If you attach a resume (which is not required) it will not replace the work experience portion of your application. The work experience portion of your application must show how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To apply, please follow these steps.
- Complete the online application by clicking 'to apply' above. Resumes or position descriptions will not be accepted in place of a completed application. Because of the volume of applications that apply, we do not review any attachments that are not specifically requested.
- The work experience and/or education section of your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet all minimum and special qualifications listed in the job announcement. If it does not, we are required to disqualify it.
- Complete the supplemental questions. Answers to the supplemental questions must be substantiated with the experience you listed in the work experience section of the application. If you say you have 10 years of experience in customer service, but don't show 10 years of experience in the application, you may be disqualified.
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Always attach your transcripts. We highly encourage you to attach your transcripts to every application you submit, even if you believe you qualify without them.
Caution: If you fail to follow these instructions, your application will be disqualified. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered nor will attachments such as transcripts be accepted after the close date.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT CHECKS:
If you are offered employment, the offer will be contingent upon the outcome of an abuse check, criminal records check and driving records check. The information will be shared with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Office of Human Resources (OHR) to determine employability with the agency. Any criminal or founded abuse history will be reviewed and could result in the withdrawal of the offer or termination of employment.
VETERANS INFORMATION:
If you are an eligible veteran and wish to claim veterans preference points AND you also meet the minimum qualifications for this position, veteran's preference points will be awarded with verification. To receive veteran's preference points you MUST attach the following required documentation to your electronic application.
> A copy of your DD214/DD215 form; OR a letter from the US Dept. of Veteran's Affairs indicating you receive a non-service connected pension for the five (5) point preference.
> A copy of your DD214/DD215 form; AND a copy of your veterans' disability preference letter from the Dept. of Veterans' Affairs for the ten (10) point preference.
For more information on veterans' preference points visit www.oregonjobs.org, and select veterans' preference.
NEED HELP?
If you need assistance to participate in the application process, you are encouraged to call Cyndi Phipps-Roman at 503-945-6377 (voice) or email cynthia.phipps-roman@state.or.us 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) Monday through Friday. TTY users please use the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service: 1-800-735-2900.
For technical support, please call toll free 1-855-524-5627, for customer service assistance.
PLEASE CONSIDER JOINING US!
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) includes most of the state's health care programs, including Public Health, Health Policy and Analytics, Health Systems Division, and Oregon State Hospital. Incorporating the state's health care programs within one agency gives the state greater purchasing and marketing power to begin tackling the issues of cost, quality, and access to care.
OHA strives to create inclusive environments that welcome and value the diversity of the people we serve. OHA fosters fairness, equity, and inclusion to create workplace environments where everyone is treated with respect and dignity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, physical stature, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, political affiliation and any other factor applicable by state or federal law.
Core benefits
Medical, vision and dental insurance
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for the employee and qualified family members
- $5,000 in employee basic life insurance
Retirement benefits
- Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP)
- Employer paid defined benefit and defined contribution programs
**Effective November 1, 2016, SEIU represented employees who are Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) participating members will have their base salary increased by 6.95%. Upon becoming a PERS participating member, SEIU employees pay the employee 6% contribution to PERS.
Paid leaves and other benefits
- Sick leave earned at the rate of 8 hours per a month with no maximum accumulation
- Vacation leave earned at a minimum rate of 8 hours per month with accrual rate increases at 5-year increments
- 24 hours personal leave earned each fiscal year
- Ten paid holidays a year
The state also provides access to an innovative Employee Assistance Program that offers work-life counseling, along with homeowner, legal and family resources.
Optional benefits
- Term life (employee, spouse or domestic partner, and dependents
- Long-term and short-term disability
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment
- Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
- Flexible spending accounts
- Option to enroll in the Oregon Savings Growth Plan, a deferred compensation program offering a wide variety of investment options.
The following information describes typical benefits available for employees. Actual benefits received may differ by position or branch of government or be prorated for other than full time work.