Public Health Laboratory Scientist Ii at Fairfax County Government
Fairfax, VA
About the Job
Job Announcement
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.
• Click here to watch a video on Working for Fairfax County Government
• Click here to watch a video on benefits offered by Fairfax County Government
Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities
(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)
LEVEL 1
LEVEL 2
Employment Standards
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in medical/clinical laboratory science, microbiology, or chemistry;
OR a degree in a directly related field of study;
OR completion of a post-graduate degree in a directly related field of study relevant to public health clinical laboratory testing;
Plus four (4) years recent relevant experience performing high complexity testing in a clinical or public health laboratory environment
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
UNDERFILL REQUIREMENTS:
This vacancy may be underfilled at the level of Public Health Laboratory Scientist I (S20, $ 55,789.55 - $92,981.62 ). The employment standards for this classification are:
Note: Underfill candidates must be able to meet the minimum qualifications of the Public Health Laboratory Scientist II within one year of the job announcement's closing date by October 12, 2025.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a Child Protective Services Registry, a driving record check, and sanction screening to the satisfaction of the employer. A TB screening upon hire and annually thereafter.
Note: This position is considered essential personnel.
See the Fairfax County Health Department Laboratory's Public Health Laboratory Scientist Career Ladder Upward Mobility Policy for requirements necessary to progress from PHLS II Level I through Level 2.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, see, and hear. Job is generally sedentary in nature, however, job entails walking, sitting, standing, climbing stairs, reaching, and bending; uses hands to grasp, handle, or feel. Visual acuity is required to read data on computer monitor and laboratory equipment, and to distinguish fine gradation of color, bands, or structure and closely examine specimens microscopically. The incumbent must be able to operate keyboard driven equipment and possess the ability to communicate with others verbally and in writing. Employee must be able to drive a motor vehicle and may be required to lift up to 25 lbs. Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to work with small instruments and delicate laboratory equipment. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel Interview and may include a practical exercise.
The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home ( Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others ) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov. EEO/AA/TTY.
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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.
• Click here to watch a video on Working for Fairfax County Government
• Click here to watch a video on benefits offered by Fairfax County Government
Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities
(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)
LEVEL 1
- Considerable knowledge of biology, chemistry, clinical, environmental and medical laboratory procedures;
- Considerable knowledge and understanding of quality control, documentation, quality assurance, and professional and regulatory standards of laboratory practice in a certified laboratory;
- Knowledge of laboratory hazards and procedures;
- Possess active listening skills;
- Ability to work independently, accurately determining appropriate procedures and methods to obtain test results in a precise and accurate manner;
- Ability to apply critical thinking skills to reach conclusions about diagnostic testing needs;
- Ability to apply problem-solving skills to resolve complex issues such as troubleshooting instruments and testing failures;
- Ability to pay close attention to detail;
- Ability to work independently and part of a team;
- Ability to make analytical judgments;
- Ability to provide technical interpretation and recommendations for follow-up testing;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships;
- Ability to operate, maintain and properly read various laboratory instruments;
LEVEL 2
- Ability to perform successfully despite sudden deadlines and changing priorities, maintaining personal composure in high stress situations;
- Ability to create and revise drafts of written reports and oral presentations;
- Ability to work with medical professionals and environmental health specialists to answer technical questions and resolve issues pertaining to laboratory testing;
- Ability to apply knowledge acquired from written text to laboratory situations;
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing within the department and with customers and stakeholders;
- Ability to interpret and follow complex technical instructions;
- Ability to keep abreast of current developments in the field.
Employment Standards
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in medical/clinical laboratory science, microbiology, or chemistry;
OR a degree in a directly related field of study;
OR completion of a post-graduate degree in a directly related field of study relevant to public health clinical laboratory testing;
Plus four (4) years recent relevant experience performing high complexity testing in a clinical or public health laboratory environment
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
- Within one year of hire obtain a 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.
- Possession of a valid Motor Vehicle Driver's License.
- AED (Required within 60 days)
- CPR (Required within 60 days)
UNDERFILL REQUIREMENTS:
This vacancy may be underfilled at the level of Public Health Laboratory Scientist I (S20, $ 55,789.55 - $92,981.62 ). The employment standards for this classification are:
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in medical/clinical laboratory science, microbiology, or chemistry, or a degree in a directly related field of study;
- Plus (1) year recent relevant experience performing CLIA non-waived or environmental testing in a clinical or public health laboratory.
Note: Underfill candidates must be able to meet the minimum qualifications of the Public Health Laboratory Scientist II within one year of the job announcement's closing date by October 12, 2025.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a Child Protective Services Registry, a driving record check, and sanction screening to the satisfaction of the employer. A TB screening upon hire and annually thereafter.
Note: This position is considered essential personnel.
See the Fairfax County Health Department Laboratory's Public Health Laboratory Scientist Career Ladder Upward Mobility Policy for requirements necessary to progress from PHLS II Level I through Level 2.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Self-motivated, results-oriented individual with 4 or more years' experience performing clinical testing in a clinical or public health laboratory setting.
- Experience with and Working knowledge of microbiological and molecular procedures, chemistry, safety, and quality assurance.
- Experience and knowledge of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Drinking Water regulations.
- Experience with Laboratory Information System (LIS).
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to read, analyze, interpret and communicate complex scientific, technical, administrative and educational documents. Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints from both internal and external clients.
- Candidates should possess strong written and verbal communication skills, must be results driven and detail oriented.
- Previous experience serving in a leadership role is desirable.
- Experience with or working knowledge and understanding of information technology concepts and technologies related to Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) software, computers, & interfaces is highly desirable.
- Experience and knowledge of health department policies and procedures is desirable.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, see, and hear. Job is generally sedentary in nature, however, job entails walking, sitting, standing, climbing stairs, reaching, and bending; uses hands to grasp, handle, or feel. Visual acuity is required to read data on computer monitor and laboratory equipment, and to distinguish fine gradation of color, bands, or structure and closely examine specimens microscopically. The incumbent must be able to operate keyboard driven equipment and possess the ability to communicate with others verbally and in writing. Employee must be able to drive a motor vehicle and may be required to lift up to 25 lbs. Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to work with small instruments and delicate laboratory equipment. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel Interview and may include a practical exercise.
The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home ( Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others ) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov. EEO/AA/TTY.
#LI-AP1
