PUBLIC HEALTH ASSISTANT LABORATORIES DIRECTOR

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional service to its residents. If you are passionate about being part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

The Public Health Assistant Laboratories Director (PHALD) oversees the day-to-day activities of the clinical laboratory, ensuring efficient operations and coordinating staff laboratory functions. 

Public Health Laboratory (PHL) Management

• Plan and lead validation and verification activities for new test implementation to improve public health laboratory (PHL) testing services, supporting the needs of the Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) and external partners.
• Provide technical leadership in the evaluation, analysis, and validation of clinical test results using routine and/or emerging methods for microbial testing, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), respiratory, bio-threat agents, and other infections of public health importance.
• Ensure prompt and accurate processing of specimens and timely reporting of results.
• Ensure all regulatory compliance obligations are met, such as those for Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Select Agent Program, the Laboratory Response Network (LRN), continuing education, and relevant proficiency testing programs.
• Address test-related issues, including result interpretation and sample collection and storage.
• Serve as the CLIA Technical Supervisor for clinical diagnostic testing.

Staff Management and PHL Development

• Oversee staff conducting testing in the Microbiology, Virology, Molecular, and Keenan sections of the MHD laboratory, in addition to those performing phlebotomy at the Keenan Clinic; responsibilities include oversight of quality assurance and control, safety, training, continuing education, and personnel matters.
• Assure smooth operations by providing day-to-day management of staff, prioritization of work, staff time approval, coordination of ordering supplies, and maintenance of equipment and laboratory spaces.
• Pursue grant opportunities with internal and external community partners and collaborators.
• Explore possibilities for expanding laboratory operations in clinical and disease surveillance testing areas, per state and federal guidelines.
• Develop policies, procedures, and document laboratory standard operating procedures.
• Assist with molecular epidemiological studies of communicable disease (CD) outbreaks.

Administrative

• Assist the PHL Director in the support, maintenance, and enhancement of the clinical laboratory testing services under the MHD Medical branch.
• Assist in financial oversight by monitoring and reporting monthly revenue and expenditures for each laboratory area.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory agencies' requirements, recommendations, and guidelines.
• Assure accurate and timely records, maintenance of procedural manuals, and other necessary documents.
• Participate in MHD lab quality management program activities, including policy review, staff education, and compliance for continuous improvement.

Collaboration

• Contribute to departmental and community initiatives that support the mission of the MHD Laboratory.
• Participate in the public health laboratory community by presenting MHD Laboratory activities and data at local, state, national, and international committees, meetings, and conferences.
• Provide technical consultation related to test functionality, protocols, results, and limitations to internal and external partners.
• Maintain memberships and working relationships with professional organizations to improve laboratory management skills and to provide leadership at the local, state, and national levels.
• Liaise with external agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), state public health laboratory, local hospitals/clinics, and Police, Fire, and Emergency Management, to ensure MHD Laboratory preparedness expectations are met during public health emergencies.
• Maintain academic relationships by serving as a guest lecturer, mentoring students, and holding teaching affiliations with local colleges, research institutes, and universities, including the UW-Milwaukee School of Biomedical Science and the Zilber School of Public Health.  

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.

• Work outside standard business hours to respond to public health and security emergencies. 
• Occasionally lift and move objects weighing up to 10 lbs.
• While performing the duties of this job, employees may be exposed to infectious agents or toxic laboratory chemicals.          
• Wear a particulate respirator (e.g., N95, PAPR).
• Participate in the Federal Select Agent Program (Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002). 
• Obtain DOJ/FBI background clearance to comply with federal program requirements.
• Travel outside of the City of Milwaukee; occasional overnight travel may be required.
• Ability to respond to an emergency and/or broad impact event.
• Required to file a Statement of Economic Interests in accordance with the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Chapter 303-Code of Ethics.
• The required pre-placement tests include:
  • Physical
  • Audiogram 
  • Vision
  • Non-DOT drug test
  • Medical evaluation for respirator
  • Respirator fit test
• The required pre-placement vaccines include:
  • TB Test; annually throughout employment
  • Hep B Vaccine
  • COVID-19 Vaccine
  • Influenza Vaccine
  • MMR Vaccine
  • Varicella Vaccine

1. Must qualify as a CLIA Technical Supervisor for Microbiology in the subspecialty of bacteriology and/or virology as outlined in 42CFR § 493.1449 at the time of appointment.
   Qualifications for CLIA Technical Supervisor include:
   
   
   1. Be a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State of Wisconsin, and be certified in clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology; OR
      
      
   2. Be a doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, or doctor of podiatric medicine licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, or podiatry in the State of Wisconsin, AND have at least one year of laboratory training and/or experience in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months of experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of bacteriology or virology; OR
      
      
   3. Have an earned doctoral degree in a chemical, biological, clinical, or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution, AND have at least one year of laboratory training and/or experience in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months of experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of bacteriology or virology; OR
      
      
   4. Have an earned master’s degree in chemical, biological, clinical, or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution, AND have at least two years of laboratory training and/or experience in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months of experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of bacteriology or virology; OR
      
      
   5. Have an earned bachelor’s degree in chemical, biological, clinical, or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution, or equivalent as listed in § 493.1449(c)(5)(i)(B), AND have at least four years of laboratory training and/or experience in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months of experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of bacteriology or virology.
      
      
   6. For more information, please visit: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-G/part-493/subpart-M/subject-group-ECFR2640b368593bdb0/section-493.1449.
2. Valid driver’s license and access to an adequately insured vehicle at the time of appointment and throughout employment. Private auto allowance may be paid pursuant to Section 350-183 of the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered, as outlined in the CLIA Technical Supervisor for Microbiology at 42 CFR § 493.1449. 

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.

• Possession of or progress toward obtaining a Board certification (e.g., American Board of Medical Microbiology-ABMM or American Board of Bioanalysis-ABB), which would qualify the applicant to serve as Laboratory Director of High Complexity Testing per CLIA guidelines. For more information on the CLIA certification, please visit: https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/CLIA/Certification_Boards_Laboratory_Directors

Technical 

• Knowledge of clinical and/or public health microbiology on issues related to communicable and sexually transmitted diseases, including quality control and laboratory safety.
• Knowledge of laws, rules and regulations governing the operation of a public health laboratory.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards and accreditation agencies relevant to assigned work areas to ensure laboratory certifications and standards are maintained.
• Knowledge of common causes and modes of transmission of communicable diseases and emerging pathogens of public health importance.
• Knowledge of health and safety precautions and procedures required in a laboratory setting.
• Knowledge of the standards and practice of Biosafety Level 2 and 3, applied research, program development and evaluation.
• Knowledge of laboratory management, including continuous process improvement methods.
• Knowledge of and ability to work effectively with computer applications, including the Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), document management software, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, and other relevant software.
• Knowledge and experience in applied research as exemplified by the public-private partnerships, active participation in professional organizations and journal publications.
• Ability to apply mathematical and statistical operations to tasks.
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to practical problems.
• Ability to read, analyze, interpret and communicate the most complex technical, administrative and educational documents.
• Ability to author effective, persuasive speeches, presentations, and articles on complex scientific, regulatory and policy topics.
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.

Communication and Interpersonal  

• Ability to use original or innovative techniques to present complex topics, deliver persuasive speeches, write scientific articles, and present to varied audiences.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary team, the City officials and managers, community partners, academics, other agencies and institutions and the public.
• Ability to foster an environment of diversity and inclusion wherein all employees are treated respectfully, are valued for their strengths, and feel that they can safely express themselves.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment, remaining positive and poised under pressure and to handle sensitive situations diplomatically and professionally.
• Planning and organizational skills to handle multiple assignments simultaneously, adjust to changing priorities and complete assignments in a timely manner.  

Professionalism, Leadership and Judgment

• Professionalism, honesty, and integrity, as well as the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to provide leadership and direction to laboratory staff about administrative, quality assurance and public relations functions.
• Ability to provide staff oversight, teamwork, and handle personnel issues.
• Critical thinking skills, including analytical and problem-solving skills, decision-making skills and sound judgment.
• 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 (1JX) is $104,997- $ 123,106 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $109,197- $ 128,030 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications, and is subject to approval. 

BENEFITS

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

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) 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 City's needs are 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 can 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 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.