If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference and you seek to join an organization whose mission is to promote a healthier, safer world through quality laboratory service, consider joining the dedicated staff of DCLS as a Laboratory Certification Officer!

Title: Laboratory Certification Officer / Principal Scientist (Laboratory Certification) – CL612 

State Role Title: Scientist II

Hiring Range: $86,000 - $99,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of General Services

Location: DCLS

Agency Website: www.dgs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of General Services (DGS) is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as Laboratory Certification Officer/Principal Scientist in the Laboratory Certification Group for the Commonwealth's Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), which is one of the largest and most diverse consolidated state laboratories in the nation. With an annual budget of over 30 million dollars and over 250 state employees, DCLS performs approximately 9 million tests annually. Results from these tests are used confidently by local, state, and federal public health, agriculture, food regulatory, environmental protection, and law enforcement officials serving to protect our citizens, food supply, environment, and commerce. DCLS is a member of several public health networks and emergency response groups; the Consolidated Laboratory also directs Commonwealth’s environmental laboratory accreditation program.

The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) is responsible for certifying and accrediting laboratories to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations meant to protect the public's health and the environment. DCLS conducts on-site evaluations on a routine basis in accordance with Virginia's regulations to ensure the laboratories have the appropriate quality systems and analytical procedures in place in to produce accurate, reliable, and defensible test results.

As a Laboratory Certification Officer, job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Serves as a Certification Officer in the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services
• Performs assessments of commercial and non-commercial environmental laboratories providing service to the Commonwealth of Virginia to evaluate compliance with quality control and testing practices under regulations 1VAC30-41, 1VAC30-45, and 1VAC30-46.
• Reviews the testing, documentation, quality control, and other quality system components performed by others, and evaluates routine and complex data samples and documentation to discern quality system compliance as specified in regulations.
• Serves in a lead capacity as a public representative of DCLS by working independently or in teams with peers to inspect and assess laboratories.
• Serves as a technical specialist on the regulatory requirements of 1VAC30-41, 1VAC30-45, and 1VAC30-46 and as a technical specialist on specific scientific disciplines or technologies, as assigned. Disciplines include microbiology, inorganic chemistry, metals, organic chemistry, oxygen demand, radiochemistry, asbestos, and Whole Effluent Toxicity Testing (WETT).
• Provides technical information to laboratories seeking assistance with compliance with quality system and method specifications.
• Independently plans, prioritizes, organizes, schedules, and implements assessment and regulatory activities in a fast-paced environment to meet specific regulation-defined timelines and program-specific timelines under general supervision from the Group Manager and Chief of Laboratory Operations.

This position will be in Richmond, Virginia and must report on-site.

This position requires a self‑motivated individual able to travel frequently throughout the Commonwealth, including overnight trips, with occasional out of state travel. The role includes a 12–18 month training period that requires the individual report on‑site in Richmond, Virginia. Upon successful completion of training, demonstrated independent work proficiency, and Virginia residency, the employee may be considered for fully remote work. Remote workers may still be required to report to the Richmond office as needed.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in scientific discipline or have commensurate experience acquired by having performed verified assessments of environmental laboratories.  Certification as a TNI Assessor is required within first year (successful completion of the Basic Assessor course as well as at least one technical specialty course) *Regulatory Citations: 2016 TNI V2M3 4.2.3, 1VAC30-46-200 A  
• Laboratory experience using principles and procedures in Chemistry and/or Microbiology.
• Advanced experience in quality assurance principles and practices in a laboratory or technical environment.
• Demonstrated ability reviewing and analyzing the work of others to determine compliance with specified requirements.
• Ability to independently manage and coordinate multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
• Ability to work cooperatively with colleagues to resolve problems and achieve shared objectives.
• Proficiency in computer software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and email (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Strong written and verbal skills with demonstrated ability to communicate technical information in a clear, concise, and professional manner, to include writing reports for diverse audiences.
• Valid Virginia Driver's License (or ability to obtain within 60 days of employment).

Sponsorship will not be provided for this position now or in the future. Confirmation of eligibility to work will be required at time of hire.

The selected candidate must also pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

The selected candidate must pass a DMV driver’s license check.

Completion of Statement of Economic Interest is required prior to first day of employment.

Additional Considerations:

• Thorough knowledge of applicable regulations and/or manuals or standards incorporated by reference into the Virginia regulations (e.g., 1VAC30-41, 1VAC30-45, 1VAC30-46, EPA Drinking Water Manual, TNI Standard, ISO 17025).
• Work experience in the testing of environmental samples for compliance under the Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and/or Clean Air Act. 
• Work experience related to environmental or drinking water microbiology testing.
• Work experience related to environmental or drinking water inorganic chemistry and/or metals testing.
• Work experience related to environmental or drinking water organic chemistry testing.
• Work experience related to environmental oxygen demand testing (e.g., Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)) or physical testing (e.g., Gravimetric Testing such as Residue-Non-Filterable/Total Suspended Solids (TSS)).
• Work experience related to environmental radiochemistry testing, asbestos testing, or Whole Effluent Toxicity Testing (WETT).
• Work experience reviewing and analyzing procedures, records, and generated data for compliance with method and certification requirements. 
• Subject matter expertise in one or more of the following technical disciplines, including experience advising on technical matters: microbiology, inorganic chemistry, metals, organic chemistry, oxygen demand, radiochemistry, asbestos, Whole Effluent Toxicity Testing (WETT). 
• Advanced skills creating and using spreadsheets to manage complex data sets or solve problems.   
  
  
  

Special Instructions

You will be provided with confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

The online state application must contain all required information and fully respond to questions to be considered for this job opportunity. Please be sure that all your relevant qualifications and considerations are specifically addressed in your submitted application. Online applications should be submitted via jobs.virginia.gov.

Fax, e-mail, or mail applications will not be accepted. For assistance or computer access, please visit your local Virginia Employment Office or contact our office jobs@dgs.virginia.gov or 804-786-3910.

You will be provided with confirmation of receipt when your application has been successfully submitted. Applications will continue to be accepted until a suitable pool of candidates is received, but this position may be closed at any time after March 30, 2026.

Please refer to the “Your Application” page in your account to check the status of your application for this position. Applicants in need of accommodation during the application and/or interview process may contact DGS at 804-786-3910 for assistance.

Sponsorship will not be provided for this position now or in the future. Confirmation of eligibility to work will be required at time of hire. DGS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

This position requires a self‑motivated individual able to travel frequently throughout the Commonwealth, including overnight trips, with occasional out of state travel. The role includes a 12–18 month training period that requires the individual report on‑site in Richmond, Virginia. Upon successful completion of training, demonstrated independent work proficiency, and Virginia residency, the employee may be considered for fully remote work. Remote workers may still be required to report to the Richmond office as needed.

The selected candidate must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check. The selected candidate must pass a DMV driver’s license check.

Completion of Statement of Economic Interest is required prior to first day of employment.

Blood-borne pathogen training will be provided by the employer. In order to comply with OSHA blood-borne pathogen requirements, DCLS offers the Hepatitis B vaccine.

DCLS employees are designated as essential personnel. This designation requires DCLS employees to report to the workplace or at an assigned remote location during state authorized closings or delays (i.e., weather-related closures/delays, holidays, etc.), unless otherwise instructed by management.

Due to the critical nature of the work performed by the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) and the requirements and responsibilities placed upon DCLS by the Drug Free Workplace Act, Federal Select Agent Program, and DHRM Policy 1.05 Alcohol and other Drugs, it is the policy of DCLS to maintain a workplace that is free from the harmful effects of alcohol or other drugs. The unlawful or unauthorized use of drugs by DCLS employees while at work adversely impacts DCLS’s ability to perform high quality analytical testing services and support for local, state and federal agencies that serve to protect the health, safety and security of the public. As such, DCLS strictly prohibits the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs, prohibits employees from possessing or using alcohol, marijuana or any controlled substances (including, but not limited to prescription drugs) while in state owned vehicles, in the workplace or on DCLS premises, or when performing official work duties.   

Applicants that indicate they have preferential hiring rights in the form of a yellow form or blue card must submit these to our office prior to the closing of the posting, in accordance with DHRM policy 1.30. Please note that only current and former employees of the Commonwealth of Virginia that will be or have been laid off are eligible for preferential hiring rights.

The Virginia Department of General Services is an equal opportunity employer and a proud Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified employer. Individuals from minoritized groups, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and individuals with AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service experience are encouraged to apply.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Contact Information

Name: DGS Human Resources

Phone: 804-786-3910

Email: jobs@dgs.virginia.gov