Public Health Laboratory Scientist II - Fairfax County

The Fairfax County Health Department is the largest public health department in Virginia, serving 1.2 million residents from diverse ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds throughout Fairfax County, as well as the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church and the towns of Herndon, Vienna and Clifton. With more than 100 years of leadership in the field, we are committed to protecting, promoting and improving the health and quality of life for all in our community. We invite you to apply to become a member of our thriving workforce, together making a difference in the health of our community!

This is a senior level laboratory scientist position requiring knowledge and experience of more advanced testing. This position focuses on development of leadership and supervisory skills in their areas of assignment. Scientists selected for this level broadly apply the basic principles, theories, and concepts to job assignments while focusing on increasing their knowledge and understanding of Quality Assurance, Regulatory Requirements, and Safety principles related to their area of focus. They are capable of solving a diverse range of complex problems, working with minimal direction.

Participates in the training and onboarding of new laboratory personnel; and may participate in the annual competency assessment of staff in their assigned work areas. Under minimal supervision, performs full performance public health laboratory testing; performs progressively more difficult and complex laboratory analyses and/or professional duties in one or more specialty areas: microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, serology, clinical chemistry, hematology, parasitology, urine drug of abuse screening, environmental microbiology, environmental chemistry, and rabies. Applies critical decision-making skills to reach conclusions about diagnostic testing needs. Evaluates laboratory testing requests for appropriateness. Works independently and uses evidence-based criteria to interpret laboratory testing essential data. Collects essential data for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of communicable disease and for the identification and prevention of environmental health hazards. performs, evaluates, and interprets test results for medical providers and environmental health specialists. May review and confirm test results, QC, and log sheets for accuracy and completeness and performs related work as required.

This position provides front-line oversight of laboratory technical work and serves as a technical resource for internal and external clients and staff. Maintains a culture of quality to assure delivery of accurate and timely laboratory test results using appropriate safety precautions. Must possess, or obtain within one year of hire, certification in one of the following: Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), Medical Technologist (MT), or specialty area through a nationally recognized laboratory accreditation organization.

Note: Position may be underfilled as a Public Health Laboratory Scientist I; the underfill requirements are stated below in the Employment Standards section.

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