This is supervisory laboratory work directing the activities of a laboratory staff engaged in performing diagnostic and/or environmental tests and analyses in the City's Public Health Laboratory in the assigned area of specialization. Employees in this class develop, evaluate and determine the methodologies, equipment and personnel required to achieve efficient and effective laboratory operation. Work includes responsibility for evaluating and updating test methodology, ongoing training of subordinate technical personnel and administering proficiency and quality control programs to ensure test accuracy and reliability. Contact with departmental administrators and outside agencies to coordinate laboratory and clinical activities is a significant aspect of the work. Work is performed under the direction of the laboratory director. Work involves some disagreeable aspects.

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be approved for this class.)

1. The position must report to the Public Health Laboratory Director in the Health Department's Laboratory section.
2. The position must supervise a group of Medical Technologists and lower level support personnel engaged in tests on chemicals, human tissue, body fluid, and/or toxicology or environmental samples in the assigned area of specialization.
3. Only one position will be allocated to each area of specialization.

All Specialties

• Plans, assigns and supervises the work of medical technologists and other technical staff engaged in performing tests and examinations of clinical, human tissue, body fluids, toxicological and/or environmental samples; ensures that assigned section is in compliance with accrediting and regulatory agency requirements and safety practices; participates in performing laboratory tests as required.
• Checks work results of subordinates by reviewing test data and by observing techniques and work methods; points out problems and discrepancies and instructs on corrective measures; sets the standard parameters for which retesting is required and ensures compliance with such standards; notifies clinical personnel immediately of any abnormal test results.
• Evaluates laboratory methods and procedures; implements new methods and determines when new field developments can be used for greater efficiency and accuracy; instructs subordinates on new examination methodology and procedures; researches professional manuals and confers with vendors to investigate the benefits of acquiring new testing equipment; recommends purchase of equipment determined to be beneficial for laboratory operations; trains subordinate staff on the utilization of laboratory equipment; evaluates testing services of laboratory staff and informs superior of the feasibility of providing new or expanded testing services.
• Supervises routine calibration and preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment and instrumentation; ensures sufficient cleanliness, maintenance and safety of the laboratory environment; keeps current on the utilization of new equipment and instrumentation; implements quality control measures to make certain that subordinates follow proper laboratory procedures; directs reporting and recording activities in the laboratory; reviews and evaluates statistical data of test results; supervises labeling and processing of specimen samples; requisitions needed equipment, supplies and materials.
• Visits district health centers and observes work performance of on-site laboratory technicians; reviews on-site technician's work, including the collection of specimen samples, the performance of preliminary laboratory tests and the preparation of specimen samples for submittal to the various public health laboratories; trains and instructs on-site technicians on proper technical procedures, practices and methods and on the utilization of laboratory equipment; monitors work production and performance of on-site technicians and ensures the reliability of submitted specimen samples; advises health center coordinators on the technical aspects of technicians' work and recommends improvements; requisitions technical supplies for health center laboratory technicians.
• Consults with hospitals, physicians, governmental agencies and departmental administrators on unusual test results, complex testing problems and the feasibility of new testing programs.
• Prepares annual budget for staffing, supply and equipment needs; monitors expenditures on supply contracts; prepares monthly activity reports.
• Plans staff orientation and training schedules; assigns orientation and training responsibilities to subordinate staff; reviews and revises written procedures manual on a regular basis; evaluates job performance of subordinate staff on a periodic basis; provides counseling and takes disciplinary action as required.
• Performs related work as required.