Pay Band: 7

Agency: Department of General Services (DGS)

Location: Richmond, VA 

Agency Website: www.dgs.virginia.gov 

Recruitment Type: State Only – E

**This opportunity is ONLY open to CURRENT STATE EMPLOYEES. Applications that do not meet this requirement will not be considered.***

The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) is seeking an experienced laboratory leader to serve as the Laboratory Director. DCLS 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 performing over 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 an active member of multiple laboratory networks led by federal agencies including but not limited to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to ensure a ready state of laboratory preparedness and surge capacity the Laboratory also directs Virginia's environmental laboratory accreditation program (VELAP).

Job duties include, but are not limited to: 

• Provide leadership and support for all Strategic Planning and LEAN initiatives, and supervise the senior leadership team at DCLS.
• Review all proposed legislative changes and bills and provide requested information for LIS and FIS responses promptly.
• Review fiscal requirements for personnel, capital investment, and operating expenses and develop Division budget.
• Be knowledgeable of and support the Agency Procurement Plan and Executive Order 33 (Enhancing Opportunities for SWAM owned businesses).
• Develop new business opportunities and seek additional funding sources, including developing additional NGF funding sources for equipment and identifying and soliciting new grant funding sources for the laboratory.
• Identify opportunities to optimize DCLS policies and procedures to improve efficiency, compliance, and appropriateness.
• Support efforts with respect to construction of a new laboratory building including attendance at all meetings, preparation of capital outlay funding requests, etc.
• Advocate for DCLS with local, state, and federal agencies and elected officials, and serve on state and national organizations, committees, and workgroups as an advocate for the public laboratory and for quality laboratory services.

This position is located in Richmond, Virginia and eligible for a hybrid telework schedule (telework up to 1 day/week) after 6 months of satisfactory performance and the completion of a Telework Agreement.

We’ve got great benefits! 

DGS offers excellent health benefits at affordable pricing, pre-tax spending accounts, paid life insurance, paid Short- and Long-Term Disability benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and other leave benefits, wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching. Additionally, supplemental bus passes, ride share, or parking are available and DGS is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.  

Minimum Requirements

• Meet the educational and personnel qualifications stated in 42 CFR, Part 493, Subpart M and be certified by a Board approved by HHS [§.493.1443(b)] to manage and/or direct laboratory personnel and the performance of high complexity testing.  
• Extensive knowledge and experience directing high complexity laboratory operations, including experience with strategic planning, workforce development, and serving in a supervisory and/or management role in a large laboratory setting.
• Experience with continuity of operations planning and incident management logistics.
• Knowledge and expertise in the areas of laboratory safety, security, and quality assurance.
• Experience maintaining regulatory compliance with CLIA, TNI, and/or ISO 17025.
• Knowledge and experience maintaining compliance with the Federal Select Agent Program and other federal regulations.
• Experience with procurement and fiscal management.
• Experience with legal document handling, chain of custody, and record retention procedures.
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and data analysis skills.
• Exemplary written and oral communication skills, including executive-level skills in developing and delivering presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to function independently, successfully handle multiple priorities, and function effectively in a fast-paced and stressful environment.
• Excellent problem identification and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience successfully fostering and promoting teamwork and motivating, mentoring, and training others.
• Advanced skills with computers, office automation software, and laboratory information systems.

The selected candidate must maintain security clearance to serve as the Responsible Official for the Federal Select Agent Program.

The selected candidate must also pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check and complete a Statement of Economic Interest prior to the first day of employment.

Visa 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. 

Additional Considerations 

• Extensive experience with the development and execution of drills and audits to evaluate the effectiveness of existing laboratory safety, security, and quality policies and procedures.
• Extensive experience with laboratory operations in a public health laboratory performing high complexity testing.
• Experience with laboratory facility design and construction.
• Experience with state legislative processes and drafting of budgetary requests.
• Experience with LEAN Six Sigma implementation, including the development of detailed reports and dashboards to track key performance indicators, milestones and metrics.
• Experience identifying, soliciting, and securing new funding sources, including grant funding.

Special Instructions 

You will be provided a 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 September 28, 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.    

Visa 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.

The selected candidate must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check. The selected candidate must also complete a Statement of Economic Interest prior to the first day of employment.

Blood-borne pathogen training will be provided by the employer. 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.  

From July 1, 2026, through January 21, 2029, applicants who were terminated from a position of employment with the federal government on or after January 1, 2025 due to a reduction in the federal budget or initiatives put in place by the federal Department of Government Efficiency may be eligible for HB494 Federal Employee Priority Consideration. Applicants seeking HB494 Federal Employee Priority Consideration must identify themselves within the state application process and provide supporting documentation, including a Standard Form 50 (SF-50), verifying their eligibility. 

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