GCA Group Manager

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: GCA Group Manager 
Job Title: Lab Mgr IV 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Environmental Sciences 
Posting Number: 11904 
Closing Date: 03/15/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Management 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25 
Salary Range: $6,825.00 - $7,875.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL) 
Other Locations: Austin 
MOS Codes: 0203,0207,0302,0520,0602,0802,1802,5502,6302,6502,7202,7208,7210,7220,111X,112X,113X,114X,16GX,41AX 
611X,612X,631X,632X,641X,648X,86M0,86P0,8U000,9G100,SEI15 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under direction of the Branch Manager of the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Laboratory, performs complex managerial work administering the daily operations and activities of the GC Analysis Group which includes functions relating to laboratory testing of samples received throughout the State of Texas and beyond. Directs the daily testing services. Oversees the ongoing functionality of test systems, equipment, personnel, and quality assurance programs to maintain continuous processing of specimens. Ensures adherence to standard operating procedures and quality assurance regulations and guidelines. Supervises group personnel through monitoring, coaching and evaluating. Prepares, monitors, and manages material resources and budget expenditures. Develops short-term and long-term goals and objectives for the Group. Develops and implements new techniques and processes. Provides customer services and technical guidance and consults with customers to determine their needs and resolve customer concerns. Acts for the Branch Manager when needed. Works under limited supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1: Administration of daily operations and activities. Directs, plans, and evaluates testing systems and quality assurance activities of the Group. Oversees the daily operations of testing services including the functionality of test systems, equipment, and personnel to maintain continuous processing of specimens that are submitted to the Public Health Laboratory Division. Develops and directs the Group Quality Assurance (QA) documents to assure submitted specimens are tested and quality testing results are reported in a timely manner. Reviews and approves documents including standard operating procedures, evaluates testing workflow, and facilitates their application. Reviews, monitors, and evaluates QA activities and documentation to monitor and ensure compliance with appropriate regulatory bodies such as EPA, TNI, ISO, and other standards. Identifies areas needing improvement, makes recommendations to improve operations, and optimizes testing performance to ensure efficient and accurate testing results. (45%)

EJF 2: Performs and directs personnel management in the Group. Performs and supervises personnel activities and training through monitoring, coaching and evaluating of staff with highly specialized technical laboratory skills. Directs work assignments and all personnel functions delegated to the Group to meet work requirements. Ensures that the performance evaluation process is conducted according to Human Resources guidelines. Maintains frequent and effective communication to update employees on laboratory progress and current issues. Responds to employee concerns about policy, work scheduling, and safety in their work environment. Monitors and ensures personnel are in compliance with Department, Section, Unit, and Branch policies. Develops and implements a coaching and team building strategy to enhance performance and morale. (25%)

EJF 3: Develops goals, oversees implementation, and manages resources and budgets. Plans and manages purchasing, maintenance contracts, and the development of a Group budget and Capital Equipment Procurement Plan. Determines appropriate specifications for testing reagents and equipment. Ensures purchases, delivery, and inventory for adequate supplies are made to meet testing needs. Provides Group’s personnel, expendable supplies and services, and equipment needs to the Branch Manager. Develops Group’s short-term and long-term goals and objectives and conducts strategic planning activities to achieve goals. Assures cost-effective testing methods and efficient workflow by researching, developing, and implementing new analytical procedures, techniques, and policies. Maintains technical knowledge and proficiency through study of peer-review journals and attendance at scientific meeting. (15%)

EJF 4: Performs and provides guidance and assistance to customer services activities. Provides technical expertise and guidance regarding questions related to the Group function. Represents the Group, prepares reports, and presents scientific-based data. Communicates with management and staff at all levels in the Laboratory. Consults with customers to determine their needs and resolve concerns. Supplies educational materials, information, and training, and conducts tours of the Laboratory. Consults with EPA, TNI and other public health professionals regarding sample criteria, test procedures, results and their interpretation. Interacts with other programs to review guidelines and assess testing needs. Trains Group staff to be customer-oriented through their words and deeds. Investigates complaints and documents problems and the follow-up actions taken. (10%)

EJF 5. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Assures that contingency plans for testing are adequate. Based on your work area, consistently comply with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Comprehensive knowledge of public health laboratory technology, techniques and terminology specific for the Group's testing activities.

• Comprehensive knowledge of local, state and federal laws and regulations relevant to operating a public health testing laboratory.

• Extensive knowledge of quality control and quality assurance principles and regulations for a TNI/NELAC accredited and EPA certified laboratory environment.

• Extensive knowledge of the EPA methods and organic analytical instrumentation and operations performed in the team. 

• Knowledge of laboratory safety typical in an organic laboratory including sample-handling techniques.

• Ability to detect and troubleshoot analytical problems that could influence test results such as problems with reagents, equipment, test calibration, and employee performance.  

• Ability to use a computer for word processing, spreadsheet and database analysis, and results reporting.

• Ability to work independently and make technical decisions based on professional knowledge and experience.

• Ability to plan, assign, and supervise personnel and maintain work schedules for completion of critical laboratory services on a high volume of specimens.

• Skill in communicating technical instructions and methodology to staff. 

• Skill in interacting positively and effectively with staff and fostering in them a growth-mindset.

• Skill in setting an example of strong ethical and hard-working behavior. 

• Ability to conduct personnel interviews and evaluations timely and effectively. 

• Knowledge of human interaction dynamics and their use in building effective work teams. 

• Skill in communicating effectively orally and in writing to both internal and external customers.

• Ability to ensure all staff follow written and verbal instructions and protocols and to keep accurate, detailed records.

• Ability to interact positively with customers and to address a wide variety of requests including addressing complaints.

• Ability to establish goals and objectives for work teams and to closely monitor progress. 

• Knowledge of budgetary and material management procedures.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in a chemical, physical, biological, or environmental from an accredited institution
2. At least four years of laboratory experience in high complexity testing.
3. Experience in overseeing the work of others in a team environment, either in a management or leadership role.
4. Preferred experience analyzing organic chemicals using EPA drinking water methods.
5. Preferred experience in a TNI/NELAC accredited and/or EPA certified laboratory environment with strong familiarity in performing quality control with corrective action documentation.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form