Lead Wastewater Technologist

Careers at DPH: Work that makes a difference!

Embracing Service, Inspiring Innovation, Promoting Teamwork, Pursuing Excellence, and Advancing Equity

Performs various high complexity diagnostic and surveillance testing. Documents quality and reporting metrics in accordance with laboratory standards. Leads the wastewater surveillance program for the Virology/Rabies/Wastewater Unit. Under limited supervision from the Unit Manager, accessions, tests and reports wastewater surveillance data. Attends meetings related to the program as needed.

Organize the day-to-day workload of the wastewater bench to provide accurate records and timely reporting of results. Performs digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) for wastewater surveillance. Assists supervisor with wastewater validation projects and training of other staff members. Performs proficiency and competency surveys as needed. Monitors quality control trends for wastewater testing. Coordinates with supervisor on wastewater surveillance as needed to ensure grant milestones are met.

Performs Rabies Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA) on animals for surveillance purposes. Performs molecular and serological assays for viral pathogens. Works on-call weekend and holiday rotation for rabies and viral pathogens as part of outbreak investigations. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

State Minimum Requirements: A bachelor's degree in a health-related field and journey-level work experience in the specialty area; or an associate degree or equivalent training in a health-related or technology field and advanced work experience in the specialty area. A master's degree in a health-related field and entry-level experience in the specialty area may be substituted for the requirements stated above. Previous technical supervisory work experience is required for supervisory positions.

Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Agency Additional Requirements:

Good attendance required; absences and time out of the program will not be permitted. Vision must be correctable to 20/40 in both eyes. Must not be colorblind. Must possess manual dexterity needed to safely manipulate equipment, media, and reagents used to isolate and identify bacteria and possess the ability to sit or stand for long periods of time at a standard work counter, chemical fume hood, biological safety cabinet or microscope. May be required to work nights or weekends in the event of a public health emergency. All employees must be available for work duties when emergency events occur and must respond as assigned.
 

Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications, subject to approval by the DPH Chief Human Resources Officer, or their delegate.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous work experience with molecular testing, wastewater testing, and/or research-based testing.

Additional Comments

EEO: The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. 

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation.  A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others. 

STATE DISASTER PLAN: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster. 

DRIVING RECORD: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for Temporary Grant positions that includes:

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
• 15 days Sick Leave per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

HYBRID WORK: The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions.