PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY OPERATIONS MANAGER

Under the direction of the Laboratory Director, the Public Health Laboratory Operations Manager is responsible for operational and business functions, quality assurance, and outreach for the Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) laboratories.

Business Operations

• Prepare and monitor budget, grants, billing and payment functions.
• Procure laboratory supplies and equipment; manage contracts and inventory.
• Maintain documentation and coordinate financial management and grant progress reports.
• Oversee maintenance contracts and key laboratory infrastructure and equipment supports to assure acquisition pursuant to regulatory guidelines.
• Assist the Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) Specialist in assuring that ongoing and changing demands of the LIS are met.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure proper maintenance of all policies, procedures, and quality laboratory practices.
• Work with laboratory section supervisors and management to implement and maintain an effective, ongoing Quality Assurance program, measuring, assessing, and improving the quality of laboratory services; monitor and evaluate activities and identify risk areas. Document regulatory compliance.
• Work with the Lab Safety Officer to ensure that safety and security standards are followed and amended in response to federal and state regulations, audits, or other directives.
• Maintain documentation, and assist with the implementation of staff education, including quality assurance, safety, security, and follow-up of incident reports/corrective action reports.
• Ensure specimen shipping/transportation meets regulatory guidelines and address customer needs.
• Assist in efficient accessioning, data entry, and reporting of lab data.

Supervision

• Supervise the administrative staff, including assigning duties, setting performance standards, monitoring work in progress, evaluating performance, and make hiring recommendations.
• Assist in the administration of laboratory activities, including coordination of trainings, competency assessment and performance evaluations.   
• Coordinate all operational activities with other laboratory functions across the MHD. 
• Manage schedules and leaves to ensure proper staff coverage for operations.
• Conduct staff orientation programs and ongoing coaching for proper techniques and professionalism.

Customer Service and Outreach

• Manage customer service issues, including the annual review and update of the laboratory user manual and website; address customers’ requirements.
• Support the marketing and communication of the MHD Laboratory System and promote laboratories initiatives through site-visits, seminars, social media, and other means.
• Maintain a laboratory messaging system to communicate with Laboratory System partners in a timely manner.
• Work with lab management to develop and promote student internship opportunities.
• Seek internal and external funding support for the Laboratory Systems improvement activities.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

The Laboratory Operations Manager must be willing and able to do the following:

• Carry a mobile device during business hours.
• Work outside standard business hours to respond to public health and security emergencies.
• Occasionally lift and move objects weighing up to 10 lbs.
• Wear a particulate respirator (N95 or higher), have a respirator fit test annually, and have a TB skin test annually.
• Participate in the Federal Select Agent Program (Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002).
• Obtain FBI background clearance.
• The preemployment medical requirements for this position include:
  • Physical
  • Audiogram
  • Vision
  • TB Test; annually throughout employment
  • Current Covid-19 Vaccine
  • Hep B Vaccine
  • MMR Vaccine
  • Varicella Vaccine
  • Medical evaluation of respirator

1. Bachelor’s degree in a biological, chemical, or physical laboratory science field, such as medical or clinical laboratory science, medical technology, chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or immunology.
2. Two years of progressively responsible, recent laboratory experience in a certified clinical, public health, academic or environmental laboratory, working with related regulatory guidelines (e.g., CLIA, CAP, EPA, and ISO standards), including one year in supervisory or managerial role.
3. Valid Wisconsin Driver's License at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered however, the one year of experience in a supervisory or managerial role in a certified clinical, public health, academic or environmental laboratory is required and may not be substituted with education.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

• Master’s degree in a related field (see minimum requirements, above) from an accredited college or university.
• Business and LEAN and/or Six Sigma training.
• Quality improvement expertise.
• Certification by a national or state-recognized certifying agency, such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Technical

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of laboratory operations, including federal, state, and local regulations.
• Knowledge of the safety and security principles and practices of laboratory operations.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality assurance and the ability to master and implement LEAN/Six Sigma principles.
• Knowledge of mathematics and the ability to accurately make calculations to prepare and monitor budgets, grants and billing.
• Knowledge of procurement, inventory control, and contract management.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret work-related documents, such as business, scientific and technical periodical and financial reports.
• Ability to gain expertise using an LIS (Laboratory Information System).
• Proficiency using word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.

Communication and Interpersonal

• Verbal communication skills to present training and to field questions from managers, clients, academic and business partners, and the public.
• Written communication skills, including the ability to prepare correspondence, reports, and procedures.
• Customer focus, and the ability to provide outstanding client service.  
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with a multicultural and multidisciplinary team, City managers, elected officials, community partners, and the public.
• Ability to work cooperatively and fairly with others whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.

Management and Leadership 

• Ability to provide leadership and direction to laboratory staff pertaining to administrative, quality assurance, and public relations functions.
• Ability to assign duties, set performance standards, monitor work in progress, evaluate performance, and make hiring recommendations.
• Ability to provide guidance and training and to coach team members to success.
• Ability to foster an environment of inclusion wherein all employees are treated respectfully, are valued for their strengths, and feel that they can safely express themselves.

Judgement and Responsibility

• Analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to make independent decisions and exercise sound judgment.
• Planning and organizational skills to handle multiple assignments simultaneously, adjust to changing priorities, and complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Professionalism, honesty, and integrity; ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Commitment to professional development and staying apprised of best practices in laboratory operations.
• Commitment to the promotion of health and the prevention of disease.

The current salary range (Pay Range 1GX) is $83,418-$96,768 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $85,920-$99,671 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible, based upon qualifications and experience, and is subject to approval.

BENEFITS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the date listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative selection process dates or times. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

• Applications and further information may be accessed by visiting www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

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The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.