Biosafety Officer
Pay Grade: M
This is a FEDERAL GRANT FUNDED position and is subject to available grant funds.
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Who We Are. We protect lives. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in communities throughout the state. We are committed to preventing disease, injury, and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing for and responding to disasters.
What We Offer. As a member of the DPH team, you will join a group of passionate individuals dedicated to serving Georgians. Regardless of your role, you will contribute to protecting lives while enjoying a wide range of benefits.
- Make a Professional Impact– Build your career where it matters and protect lives in the community where you live, work, and play.
- Enjoy Workplace Flexibility – Experience flexibility in how you work so you can be your best self for you and the people of Georgia.
- Work with a Dynamic and Diverse Team – Collaborate with employees who share ideas and leverage collective strengths.
- Achieve Career Longevity– Take advantage of opportunities for learning and development that support a long-term career.
- Take Part in a Hands-on Working Culture– Work in a unique culture of active engagement and problem-solving, no matter your role.
- Feel Pride in Where you Work– Be part of making an impact in public health alongside dedicated people just like yourself.
The Biosafety Officer will be responsible for development and implementation of a Safety program for the Georgia Public Health Laboratory that meets regulatory and safety standards. Responsible for biosafety training and implementation of practices to ensure a safe working environment. Leads the training initiatives for sentinel clinical laboratories, assist public health and clinical laboratories with biosafety risk assessments and work with emergency preparedness partners to plan and respond to public health emergencies.
Job Responsibilities:
Guides the development of policies and procedures that help to ensure the safety of laboratory staff at the Decatur and Waycross Public Health Laboratories.
- Educates and provides guidance on performing biosafety risk assessments, using personal protective equipment (PPE), implementing decontamination procedures, packaging and shipping of infectious agents and chemical safety.
Provides input on emergency management and response policies and assists in implementation of processes and procedures to include continuity of operations and incident response.
Leads outreach to sentinel clinical laboratories to provide guidance on biosafety risk assessments and packaging and shipping of infectious agents.
Coordinates with Quality team to conduct audits, develop manuals and procedures, and evaluate laboratory processes.
Leads the safety committee to develop a culture of safety. Identifies best practices for risk communication, training, and documentation.
knowledge of microbiology and general laboratory practices, training, and emergency response.
Knowledge of industrial hygiene and quality systems a plus.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in any related discipline from an accredited college or university and seven (7) years of job related experience, which includes five (5) years in a managerial role; or two (2) years of experience required at the lower level Mgr, Health Laboratory (LSM010) or position equivalent.
Note: Must meet state clinical laboratory licensure personnel requirements as technologist and federal (CLIA '88) requirement for high complexity technical supervisor. Candidate will be required to have Rabies vaccination series. Must be able to pass Federal background check.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, Biology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, or related health sciences field.
- At least two years of experience as a biosafety officer, preferably in a laboratory environment.
- Knowledge of BSL-2 and BSL-3 operations and practices.
- Related certification (safety related) is preferred.
Additional Information:
The DPH Commissioner and agency leaders encourage all employees to engage in regular wellness activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being.
The use of physical activity breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and help employees meet their wellness goals. A maximum of 30 minutes of physical activity may be allocated per workday, typically in the form of two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break.
Employment Information
State of Georgia employees are subject to the rules of the State Personnel Board regarding salary.
DPH accepts educational credentials recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) as valid. DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degrees, diplomas, licensures, and other relevant credentials.
The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check.
Relocation assistance is not provided.
In the event of an identified emergency, you may be required, as a term and condition of DPH employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department.
ADA Statement
DPH is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process, email DPH-HR@dph.ga.gov.
DPH is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not receive an interview. DPH will contact selected applicants to proceed with the application process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.
This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.
BENEFITS
Standard Benefits for Full-Time Salaried Employees
In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package that includes a flexible schedule, training opportunities, health insurance, employee retirement plan (ERS GSEPS), deferred compensation, 13 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, dental, vision, long-term care, and life insurance.
Standard Benefits for Part-Time Employees
Part-time employees are eligible to participate in the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan and receive paid parental leave.