LABORATORY QUALITY SPECIALIST I

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Division of Laboratories, Quality Assurance Unit, Springfield Combined Laboratory is seeking to hire a Laboratory Quality Specialist I, to perform assessments of environmental laboratories to ascertain compliance with State and Federal laws and Agency quality assurance (QA) procedures. The ideal candidate for this position will be organized, detailed, auditing experience and possess the ability to work with a team. The ideal candidate will also need to be able to communicate effectively verbally, electronically and in writing with both internal and external stakeholders.

The benefits of working at the EPA include a 37 ½ hour work week, a generous salary and benefits package (paid time off for vacation, sick or personal leave, holidays) pension and other retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement, and insurance eligibility on day one (medical, dental, vision, and life). We invite all qualified candidates to apply.

The mission of the Illinois EPA is to safeguard environmental quality, consistent with the social and economic needs of the State of Illinois, so as to protect health, welfare, property, and the quality of life.

The Illinois EPA works to safeguard natural resources from pollution to provide a healthy environment. By partnering with businesses, local governments, and the public, the Illinois EPA is dedicated to continued protection of the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land we live on.

Essential Function

• Serves as Assistant Laboratory Accreditation officer in the Quality Assurance Unit, assisting with developing procedures utilized to assess applications for accreditation and conducting assessments of laboratories on-site statewide.
• Assists in processing applications for accreditation with rules established by the Agency to determine laboratory compliance.
• Assists in maintaining laboratory accreditation data base to support the unit functions.
• Serves as back up Certification Officer (CO) for assessing and approving Lab accreditations.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of duties.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree in microbiology, chemistry, medical technology or a related field from a recognized college or university, supplemented by two years' professional laboratory or other related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers working knowledge of laboratory methods and procedures.
• Prefers working knowledge of the types of laboratory equipment essential to the operation of clinical laboratories, or environmental laboratories.
• Prefers ability to learn the procedures of inspecting and evaluating the operations, personnel, and procedures of laboratories.
• Prefers ability to attain effective working relationships with laboratory directors.
• Prefers ability to exercise independent judgment in recommending action on license applications.
• Prefers ability to assist in the preparation of comprehensive laboratory inspection reports.
• Prefers ability to acquire knowledge through attendance at training workshops and seminars.
• Prefers the ability to utilize a personal computer with experience and knowledge of Microsoft Word, Access, and Excel software as well as laboratory database software.
• Prefers (2) two years’ experience in organic or inorganic chemistry.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires a valid and current appropriate drivers’ license.
• Requires the ability to travel in performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Requires ability to attend seminars, conference, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics to the job duties.
• Requires training certification and completion of Certification Officer (CO) training courses (within (1) one year of employment start date) to serve as a Laboratory Quality Specialist 1
• Requires ability to pass a name-based background check.

*The condition of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.