Salary: $98,100.00 - $107,694.00 Annually
Location : Denver Metro, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: FAA01195-08/28/26
Department: Department of Public Health & Environment
Division: Laboratory Services Division
Opening Date: 09/08/2026
Closing Date: 9/22/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Type of Announcement: This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address: 8100 E Lowry Blvd, Denver, CO 80230
FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information:
Salary Note: Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.
How To Apply: Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:( Select as Applicable)

• This position will be onsite and required to report to the office located at: 8100 E Lowry Blvd, Denver, CO 80230

CDPHE Offers:

CDPHE offers a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to build a meaningful career in public service. Benefits include:

• Medical and dental plans.
• Colorado PERA retirement options, including defined benefit plan or defined contribution plan.
• Optional 401(K) and 457 retirement plans.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Potential flexible working arrangements
• 11 paid holidays per year and generous paid time off.
• Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee wellness programs.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Career opportunities throughout Colorado state government.

Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Description of Job
The Work Unit:
The Environmental Microbiology Program performs analytical laboratory testing on environmental samples, such as water and food samples. This unit also supports the extensive FDA Grade "A" regulatory requirements to inspect and perform rigorous testing on milk products to ensure safe consumption. This unit exists to ensure accurate and timely test results for the support of environmental monitoring and management.
What You Will Do:
The purpose of this position is to provide leadership, management, and technical oversight for the Environmental Microbiology Unit. This position is responsible for directing and supervising daily laboratory operations, personnel, testing activities, and quality systems to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant analytical services that support public health, environmental monitoring, and regulatory programs. The unit supervisor ensures that environmental and food samples are received, handled, tested, documented, and reported in accordance with applicable EPA, FDA, ISO, state, and federal regulatory requirements, laboratory accreditation standards, and established quality management system procedures. This position performs testing as necessary and provides technical guidance to staff regarding testing methodologies, interpretation of results, troubleshooting, and implementation of established testing algorithms.
Key Responsibilities:
Supervision

• Direct, supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate professional, technical, and support staff within the Environmental Microbiology Unit.
• Plan, prioritize, assign, and monitor workload to ensure timely completion of testing, reporting, and project deliverables.
• Provide technical guidance and oversight to staff regarding testing methodologies, interpretation of results, troubleshooting, and implementation of established testing algorithms.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching, training, and professional development opportunities.

Analytical Testing and Oversight

• Oversee daily laboratory operations to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant testing services.
• Ensure specimens and environmental samples are received, handled, processed, tested, documented, and reported according to applicable EPA, FDA, ISO, state, and federal requirements.
• Perform testing as needed using approved methodologies and established testing algorithms.
• Review, evaluate, and authorize analytical data, reports, and technical findings for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Perform and oversee quality assurance and quality control activities, including proficiency testing and quality monitoring programs.

Method Development and Validation

• Lead method development, validation, verification, implementation, and performance evaluation activities.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, instrumentation, and analytical methods to improve laboratory capabilities.
• Develop, review, revise, and approve standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, validation protocols, and associated technical documentation.
• Monitor method performance and implement improvements based on quality indicators, regulatory changes, and scientific advancements.

General Laboratory Support

• Maintain oversight of laboratory quality systems, accreditation requirements, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with laboratory information management, data integrity, record retention, and documentation requirements.
• Coordinate equipment procurement, maintenance, calibration, qualification, and service activities.
• Manage laboratory inventory, supplies, reagents, and consumables to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Administrative Support and Customer Service

• Manage unit budgets, financial resources, purchasing activities, contracts, and equipment acquisitions.
• Serve as a liaison between the Environmental Microbiology Unit, laboratory leadership, clients, regulatory agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Provide technical consultation and subject matter expertise to clients, partners, regulatory agencies, academic institutions, and other stakeholders.
• Respond to client inquiries and resolve service-related concerns in a professional and timely manner.
• Communicate analytical findings, testing limitations, quality concerns, and technical recommendations to clients and collaborators.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Residency Requirement:

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
Class Code & Classification Description:
I3B5** Physical Science Researcher/Scientist IV

Minimum Qualifications:
Experience Only:
A combination of related education in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, science and/or relevant experience in biology, method development and validation, laboratory work, chemistry, or related to the work assigned equal to nine (9) years closely related work assigned to this position.

Or

Education and Experience:
A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to nine (9) years

NOTE: An applicant may meet the minimum qualifications for this job in one of two ways: They may qualify through their work experience alone or through a combination of education and work experience.
**You must substantiate that you meet the minimum qualifications when filling out the Work Experience section of the application. Failure to do so will result in the application not moving forward in the hiring process. "See resume" will not be accepted. Resumes are considered supplemental information and are not considered in the initial evaluation. In addition, part-time work will be prorated when determining whether minimum qualifications are met.**
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

In addition to the minimum requirements, the successful candidate in this position will have the following highly desirable experience and competencies:

• Masters or PhD in Microbiology or related field
• Two (2)+ years experience directly supervising high complexity testing in a CLIA or ISO17025 regulated laboratory and ability to quality as a Technical Supervisor under CLIA regulations within 1 year of hire.
• Method Development and Validation: Demonstrated expertise in conducting method development and validation studies, including experience with troubleshooting existing methodologies, developing method validation plans, and creating standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with relevant regulatory requirements and compliance standards in the context of laboratory testing, particularly as they pertain to public health and safety.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in handling and manipulating hazardous chemicals and high-pressure gases, as well as operating, calibrating, and maintaining analytical equipment used in quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Collaboration and Training: Ability to work effectively in a team environment, demonstrated experience in advising and training other team members, and active participation in collaborative problem-solving initiatives.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to perform and interpret complex scientific analyses accurately and efficiently, with attention to detail and adherence to quality assurance requirements.
• Adaptability: Capacity to adapt to new technologies, methodologies, and procedures in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
• Problem-Solving: Proven ability to identify and address analytical trends, troubleshoot issues, and resolve challenges related to sample analyses and laboratory operations.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey technical information and provide scientific consultation and recommendations to team members and stakeholders.
• Organizational Skills: Capacity to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain accurate and well-documented records to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Commitment to Safety: Dedication to maintaining a safe laboratory environment, including the proper handling of hazardous chemicals and adherence to safety protocols.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Residency Requirement Options:
  
  • This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
  • Residents and non-residents of Colorado may apply and be hired into this position as the work will be performed primarily at a location that is within 30 miles of the state border.
• A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.
• Critical Status: This is a critical position and can be expected to work and/or remain at their worksite in delayed start,
  early release, or closure situations.
• Critical Status: Must be available in the event of an emergency, (e.g., bio-terrorist attack, chemical attack, disease
  outbreak or all hazards) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location.
  During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.

• Critical Status: Must be available in the event of the activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and be required
  to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may
  be in place.
• TRAVEL: Varies per year, up to three times per year three to four nights.