Environmental Laboratory Sciences Office Director (WMS 3 Band) DOH8070

Environmental Laboratory Sciences Office Director (WMS 3 Band) 

Disease Control and Health Statistics/Public Health Laboratory

Shoreline, WA

DOH8070

Make a difference. 

Join a dynamic team at the Office of Environmental Laboratory Sciences (ELS) within the Washington State Public Health Laboratories. As part of this cutting-edge organization, you'll conduct vital analyses on environmental threats like shellfish biotoxins and ionizing radiation, contributing directly to public health protection efforts. Reporting to the PHL Director and collaborating with key leadership, your work will support various programs across the Washington Department of Health, ensuring data-driven decisions for safeguarding communities.

Learn more about the Position –  View the Position Description

This position is included in the Washington Management Service.

Work Setting

Join our team in Shoreline, WA, where you'll work in a dynamic setting within chemical, environmental, and bacteriological laboratories. Our commitment to safety is paramount, with well-established protocols in place to minimize any hazards typical of such settings. You'll have the opportunity to thrive in a secure and professional work setting while contributing to meaningful scientific advancements.

Our Ideal Candidate 

Has a driving passion for the work, brings humility to their job and interactions, and understands how their actions affect others. They see the needs and objectives of others and take them into account while achieving their objectives, and they adapt their approach and expectations accordingly. They demonstrate resilience and outward behaviors even when confronted with others who are not open or collaborative. 

Required Qualifications 

Experience defined below may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.

Education:  

Bachelor’s Degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology, biochemistry, environmental science, and other laboratory sciences. 

Experience: 

Five (5) years of supervisory experience in a clinical or scientific laboratory environment.

Competencies:  This position requires use of advanced management, communications, facilitations, negotiation and consensus-building skills with local and state health officials, the business community, private sector, and the public.  The incumbent of the position needs to have knowledge of organizational, personnel, and budget development, strategic planning, staff development and training support.  The ELS Office Director must be professional in appearance and dress and be comfortable addressing a variety of audiences with a variety of backgrounds. Must have a solid command of scientific and laboratory-based aspects as well as strong leadership and management capabilities.

The ELS Office Director must be proficient in all the Agency Core Competencies:

Leadership – delegates responsibility and promotes a cooperative work environment; creates culture of ethical standards; determines and models when and how to incorporate risk into effective decision-making.

Know Yourself:

Demonstrates self-awareness, self-management, ethics, integrity, and continual growth and learning. A person who knows themselves can identify their thoughts, feelings, and wants and then effectively put them into words in the moment. They ask for feedback, are aware of their patterns, strengths, and limitations, and they seek knowledge to continually learn and grow from their experiences. They act with integrity, follow-through, and model the way.

Understand Others:

Demonstrates Interpersonal awareness and the ability to be inclusive. A person who understands others knows that everyone has their own experience of any given situation. They seek to understand all perspectives and leverage the generative nature of differing opinions and experiences so that outcomes are of the highest quality.

See the Whole:

Demonstrates organizational and political awareness, relationship building skills, and effective decision making. A person who sees the whole understands how the agency is connected in vision, mission, and function. They can balance state government, DOH Division, Office, and stakeholder interests to make effective decisions as well as champion decisions that have been made. They know the importance of relationships in understanding all perspectives and demonstrate effective group behaviors.

Create an Environment of Success:

Demonstrates the ability to integrate performance leadership into program activities, provide coaching and mentoring for improved success, provide personalized recognition and celebrate successes, and displays characteristics of interpersonal influence. A person who creates an environment of success can clearly articulate their vision and expectations to their team and garner commitment. They ensure accountability and continued success through -feedback, coaching, and recognition. They diligently apply the PLAN, DO, CHECK/STUDY, ACT methodology to ensure that activities are effective and efficient.

Strategic, financial, and project planning – aligns activities and resources with the mission and strategy of the Agency; develops, presents, and tracks budgets within budget constraints; develops performance measures to evaluate activities.

Management – highly skilled in management, supervision, and positive motivation of staff. Ability to recruit, select and retain skilled, motivated, and diverse staff. Develops and positions staff to meet existing and future requirements. Skilled in providing effective coaching and feedback.

Conflict Resolution – able to tactfully present information in an objective and neutral manner; able to remain calm and patient when responding to resistance or conflict; seeks to learn and demonstrates respect for other perspectives; keeps conversations positive, focusing on options, benefits, and sources of assistance; proactively intervenes and negotiates to prevent escalation of conflict.

Technical and professional competence – applies professional skills and knowledge to fulfill job requirements; acknowledges lack of expertise when necessary and seeks input from experts where needed.

Achievement orientation – provides services that meet or exceed the needs and expectations of customers; models exemplary behavior to set an example for others; performs work independently with minimal supervision.

Analysis and problem solving – identifies and collaborates with appropriate partners to solve problems effectively and efficiently; uses performance measures to measure success of operational decisions; recognizes the impact of decisions on the organization and external partners.

Communication – effectively gives and receives information from a variety of audiences; shares and receives feedback positively internally and externally.

Culturally competent – models and facilitates the development and integration of cultural, ethnic and gender sensitivity; actively seeks out different points of view and leverages that information into effective decision-making.

Customer service oriented – consistently demonstrates a customer-based focus in all decision making and actions.

Interpersonal skills – adept at working with a variety of situations and people; demonstrates diplomacy and provides timely and honest feedback in a constructive and calm manner.

Technical Competencies:

Experience in maintaining compliance with requirements of regulatory and standard - setting agencies, such as CDC, CLIA, ISO, Department of Ecology, and other experience; experience interpreting and applying federal and state laws, regulations, public health codes and best practice recommendations. 

Leadership & Management Competencies:

• Ensures accountability – holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Collaborates – Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Communicates effectively – develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Manages complexity – makes sense of complex, high quantity and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Makes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Manages conflict – handles conflict situations effectively, with a minimum of noise.
• Courage – steps up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
• Interpersonal savvy – relates openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people. Build strong identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
• Organizational savvy – maneuvering comfortably through complex policy, process, and people-related organizational dynamics.
• Plans and aligns – plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Resourcefulness – secures and deploys resources effectively and efficiently.
• Drives results – consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances.
• Strategic mindset – sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into breakthrough strategies.
• Instills trust – gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Demonstrates respect for diverse cultural, racial, educational, ethnic, professional backgrounds of all ages and lifestyle preferences.  

Resource Management - develop and monitor budgets in a public sector environment.  Ability to manage resources to achieve program goals.

Competencies:

This position directs the broad scope of chemical, environmental, radiological and bacteriological laboratories/programs at the State Public Health Laboratories and, therefore, must have a solid command of scientific and laboratory-based aspects as well as strong leadership and management capabilities.

Management competencies:

• Advanced written and oral communication skills are required to address a variety of audiences, including local, state, and federal agencies, medical professionals, tribal governments, the legislature, the media, and the public. 
• Must have the ability to work collaboratively and develop partnerships both within and outside the agency, including external advocacy groups, professional associations, and with other local, state, and federal agencies. 
• Cultural Competency - Demonstrates respect for others regardless of their position.  Uses appropriate methods to interact professionally, sensitively, and effectively with persons of all ages and lifestyle preferences, and from diverse cultural, racial, socioeconomic, educational, ethnic and professional backgrounds, of all ages and lifestyle preferences.
• Management - Highly skilled in management, supervision and positive motivation of staff.  Ability to recruit, select and retain skilled, motivated and diverse staff.  Develops and positions staff to meet existing and future requirements.  Skilled in providing effective coaching and feedback.
• Workload Management - Skilled in organizing and prioritizing multiple assignments, sometimes of a complex nature or involving competing priorities, to produce work products that are accurate, thorough, and on time.
• Judgment - Displays balanced thinking that combines analysis, wisdom, experience, and perspective.   Considers the impact of decisions on staff, the external environment, and the department before acting.  In the absence of clear guidelines and information, uses good judgment and critical thinking to make decisions.
• External Environment - Demonstrated success in working cooperatively and effectively with diverse stakeholders and partners (business, citizens, local, state and federal government, State Board of Health).
• Technical Knowledge - Extensive knowledge of management principles.  Knowledge of public health principles and management of a technical staff
• Human Resource Management – Demonstrated success in managing staff with different viewpoints, cultural backgrounds, and beliefs; identifies issues and addresses problems before they get too difficult to handle by using negotiation skills to mediate any disputes and resolve problems.
• Financial Management – Experience developing and monitoring budgets in a public sector environment.   Ability to manage resources to achieve program goals.
• Knowledge of: organizational, personnel, and budget development and management practices; the general sciences specifically in the areas of chemistry, clinical and environmental testing, food and environmental microbiology, environmental radiological testing; in-depth knowledge of current advances in technology.
• Skills to: mentor, direct and integrate the work of staff who have a wide variety of professional specializations to achieve the broad requirements of chemical, clinical and environmental testing; make independent and critical decisions in a timely manner; communicate effectively both written and orally; set priorities for workload and resource allocation; develop program plans and strategic initiatives; develop and implement policies and procedures; and address program-wide technical issues.

Leadership Competencies

• Demonstrates self-awareness, self-management and continual growth and learning.    
• Demonstrates interpersonal awareness and the ability to be inclusive.     
• Demonstrates organizational and political awareness, relationship building skills, and effective decision making.   
• Demonstrates the ability to integrate performance leadership into program activities, provide coaching and mentoring for improved success, provide personalized recognition and celebrate successes, and displays characteristics of interpersonal influence.
• Demonstrates ethics and integrity, consistently walking the talk.   

Our DESIRED Candidate Profile OR Desired Qualifications  

Experience defined below may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.

Education:  

Master’s or Doctoral degree with major study in chemistry, biology, and other health/laboratory sciences including environmental science. 

Experience:  

Ten (10) years of experience in a clinical, environmental, or scientific laboratory environment, with a minimum of five (5) years executive level management experience.

Demonstrated oral and written communication and facilitation skills in working with technical and non-technical staff, executive management staff, program managers, diverse workforce, and other organizations/entities.

Experience developing program and strategic plans based on the agency’s business goals, objectives and needs.

Three years of experience performing the following management activities:

• Managing a program in the public health field.
• Formulating and implementing policies and standards regarding type and volume of testing performed.
• Establishing or approving policies related to administrative operation of laboratory activity, including billing, customer relations, staffing and work hours.

 Work that matters. 

Public health promotes and protects the health of the people of the state of Washington and the communities where they live, learn, work and play.

We realize that our efforts to achieve more equitable health outcomes for the communities we serve begins with our ability to operationalize and institutionalize equity throughout our internal policies, systems, and practices. 

About DOH

Join the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to safeguarding public health. As a frontline defender of our communities, DOH collaborates with partners around the clock to impact the lives of every Washingtonian and visitor. We’re not just an organization; we’re a catalyst for change, guided by our core values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement. Our Transformational Plan for the future of Washington’s health is in motion, and we invite you to make a meaningful impact on the well-being of the state by joining us in this exciting journey. Your work at DOH truly matters.

Why DOH  

Application Process

Intrigued? We’d love to hear from you.  Click "Apply" to submit your detailed application profile along with the following:

1. A cover letter that addresses your qualifications and experience as they relate to the position and leadership competencies. 
2. A current Resume.
3. Five (5) or more professional references are to be included in your profile under the references section which includes at least one supervisor, peer, and (if you have supervised staff) someone you have supervised or led. Please do not attach any letters of recommendation. 

Attachments: Do not attach any documents that include photos, letters of recommendation, or private information (transcripts, social security number, year of birth, etc.).    

Veterans: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year. 

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion  

We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.  

DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity. 

For questions regarding this recruitment or accommodations related to the application or selection process, contact Shawnelle.Goalder@doh.wa.gov.

For persons with disabilities, this document is available in other formats. Please call 800-525-0127 (TDD/TTY 711) or email doh.information@doh.wa.gov.

NEOGOV provides technical support at 1-855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages).   

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