IMPERIAL COUNTY
CLASS TITLE: PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY TECHNICAL SUPERVISOR
BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of the Public Health Laboratory Director, supervise and participate in
microbiologic test and analyses, including, but not limited to; bacteriologic, immunologic,
mycologic, parisitologic, virologic and molecular diagnostic tests and analyses; plan,
organize, and supervise personnel assigned to the laboratory; assist the Laboratory
Director in day to day laboratory operation and administration including but not limited to
assigning personnel competent to perform test procedures, ensuring the laboratory is
appropriately staffed, ensure laboratory safety, ensuring supplies and materials are
maintained, ensuring proficiency testing is performed correctly and on time, training the
laboratory staff and maintaining documentation of training, recording and reporting test
results promptly, and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
The technical supervisor must be accessible to the laboratory to provide onsite, telephone
or electronic consultation.
Selection of the test methodology that is appropriate for the clinical use of the test results.
Verification of the test procedures performed and establishment of the laboratory’s test
performance characteristics, including the precision and accuracy of each test and test
system.
Enrollment and participation in a Department of Health and Human Services approved
proficiency testing program commensurate with the services offered.
Establishing a quality control program appropriate for the testing performed and
establishing the parameters for acceptable levels of analytic performance and ensuring
that these levels are maintained throughout the entire testing process from the initial
receipt of the specimen, through sample analysis and reporting of test results.
Resolving technical problems and ensuring that remedial actions are taken whenever test
systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications.
Ensuring that patient test results are not reported until all corrective actions have been
taken and the test system is functioning properly.
Identifying training needs and assuring that each individual performing test receives
regular in service training and education appropriate for the type and complexity of the
laboratory services performed.
Evaluating the competency of all testing personnel and assuring that the staff maintain
their competency to perform test procedure and report test results promptly, accurately
and proficiently. The procedures for evaluation of the competency of the staff must
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include, but not limited to:
Directly observing routine patient test performance, including patient preparation, if
applicable, specimen handling, processing and testing;
Monitoring the recording and reporting of test results;
Reviewing of intermediate test results or worksheets, quality control records, proficiency
testing results, and preventive maintenance records;
Direct observation of performance of instrument maintenance and function checks;
Assessment of test performance through testing previously analyzed specimens, internal
blind testing samples or external proficiency testing samples; and
Assessment of problem solving skills; and
Evaluating and documenting the performance of individuals responsible for high
complexity testing at least semiannually during the first year the individual tests patient
specimens. Thereafter, evaluations must be performed at least annually unless test
methodology or instrumentation changes, in which case, prior to reporting patient test
results; the individual’s performance must be reevaluated to include the use of the new
test methodology or instrumentation.
Monitoring workloads, distributing work among laboratory personnel, ensuring laboratory
coverage during all periods, conducting performance evaluations, and approving and
scheduling personnel leave time.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Budget preparation and control,
Principles and practices of supervision and training,
Policies and objectives of assigned program and activities,
Bacteriologic, immunologic, mycologic, parisitologic, virologic and molecular diagnostic
tests and analyses,
Equipment and terminology used in the examination of body fluids and tissues, food, and
Water,
Causes and modes of transmission of communicable diseases,
Record keeping techniques,
Health and safety regulations.
ABILITY TO:
Train, supervise, and evaluate personnel,
Perform microbiological and biochemical examinations,
Observe proper safety precautions and procedures,
Accurately read and report the results of laboratory test,
Work cooperatively with others,
Maintain records and prepare reports,
Compile and verify data and prepare reports,
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Maintain current knowledge of technological advances in the field,
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action,
Train and provide work direction to others.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination equivalent to: Licensed and Board certified Pathologist; or
Licensed Physician or hold an earned doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological or
clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution and have;
at least one year of clinical laboratory training or experience or both in high complexity
testing within microbiology; and six months experience in high complexity testing within a
subspecialty; or
Hold an earned master’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory
science or medical technology from an accredited institution; and have at least two years
of clinical laboratory training or experience or both in high complexity testing within
microbiology and 6 months experience in high complexity testing within a subspecialty; or
Hold an earned bachelor’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory
science or medical technology from an accredited institution; and have at least four years
of clinical laboratory training or experience or both in high complexity testing within
microbiology and six months experience in high complexity testing within a subspecialty.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Valid California driver's license.
California State Licensed Public Health Microbiologist.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Public health laboratory environment.
Physical abilities required include standing for extended periods of time, dexterity of hands
and fingers to operate a computer and specialized lab equipment and speaking to
exchange information related to lab results.
Incumbents may be exposed to known hazardous organisms, highly dangerous chemicals
and communicable diseases.