Job Title: Assistant Director, Laboratory Services
Division: Regulatory and Environmental Affairs
Headquarters: Guthrie Agricultural Center, Charleston WV
FLSA Status: Exempt

Nature of Work:
Under the direction of the Deputy Director of Laboratory Services, this position directs all aspects of the Laboratory Services program in the Regulatory and Environmental Affairs Division. This position will also directly supervise a staff of seed analysts, chemists, and microbiologists at the Guthrie Agriculture Center and advises similar professionals at the WVDA Moorefield Agriculture complex.

Examples of Work:

• Responsible for composing reports and developing budgets
• Provide guidance to the division director in the creation and implementation of programs.
• Direct, coordinate, and control all Guthrie Laboratory activities.
• Participate in the mediation of all complaints that can be settled at the division level.
• Assist the division director with preparing and tracking the budget for the READ laboratory programs.
• Assist with preparing annual reports, work plans, and similia documents pertaining to division activities for submission to the Executive Division.
• Assist with laboratory operations and troubleshooting as needed.
• Provide technical assistance to all laboratory staff at the Guthrie and Moorefield laboratories.
• Provide the necessary resources for the quality assurance program to ensure confidence in the laboratory’s results.
• Provide assistance with laboratory related grant proposals.
• Ensure that equipment is maintained and calibrated and reports all deficiencies.
• Ensure personnel are trained for the duties they perform.
• Assist with hiring and orientating new personnel.
• Conduct employee performance reviews.
• Review and approve time and leave.
• Ensure health and safety regulations are followed.
• Coordinate purchasing requests.
• Assign and review the work of professional and clerical staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:
Bend, squat, stand, sit, climb, kneel, reach above shoulder level, push/pull and/or walk for extended periods of time. Long durations spent operating office equipment such as personal computer, copier, fax machine, etc.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of the scope of all processes in the laboratory.
• Extensive knowledge of the composition and significant properties of materials and substances used and tested for by the State.
• Extensive ability to assist with complex method development and research projects.
• Expert ability to plan, direct, and review the work of microbiologists, chemists, and engaged in investigative and control testing activities.
• Advanced ability to prepare analytical reports, organize and present scientific information in a clear and concise manner.
• Excellent ability to deal effectively with complaints, employers, community groups, and the general public.
• Proficient in the use of standard office equipment, including a personal computer and its applications.
• Sound understanding of structural, mechanical, and electrical layout of a building and various types of equipment.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in biology, agricultural sciences, or a related field.
Experience: Eight years of full-time paid employment in carrying out technical work in a laboratory. Two of the eight years must consist of supervisory or management duties.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.

This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner and designees.