Wastewater Surveillance Lab Specialist

Agency

Dept of Health and Human Services

Division

Public Health

Job Classification Title

Laboratory Specialist (NS)

Position Number

65036692

Grade

MH16

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

The Wastewater Surveillance Lab Specialist supports the Wastewater Surveillance/Environmental Sciences Unit by performing advanced molecular testing to detect and quantify viral agents of public health significance in wastewater. The position independently conducts digital PCR, sequencing, and whole‑genome sequencing to produce accurate analytical results that inform surveillance and outbreak investigations.
Work includes validating and verifying new molecular assays, preparing scientific documentation, and implementing newly developed testing procedures. The role also contributes to quality assurance activities and provides technical training to laboratory personnel. The position is based in Wake County and supports weekday operations within the Environmental Sciences Unit.
Key Duties Include:
- Perform analytical testing using digital PCR, Sanger sequencing, and whole‑genome sequencing to detect and characterize viral pathogens in wastewater.
- Process wastewater samples and conduct routine surveillance testing to support outbreak investigations.
- Utilize molecular tools to identify, group, type, and subtype viral and bacterial pathogens.
- Follow established standard operating procedures, quality assurance policies, and safety requirements during molecular testing.
- Implement new molecular assays and monitor associated quality control and quality assurance documentation.
- Carry out routine preventative maintenance on laboratory instruments to ensure reliable operation.
- Conduct validations and verifications of molecular methods and prepare supporting scientific documentation.
- Draft and update laboratory procedures, including SOPs, validation reports, and related technical documents.
- Deliver technical training to laboratory personnel on newly implemented molecular tests.
- Compile analytical data, prepare validation and verification reports, interpret findings, and present results to laboratory leadership.
- Provide laboratory support during public health emergencies, including additional hours when required.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade Range: $62,044.00 - $102,371.00Recruitment Range: $62,044.00 - $66,000.00

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. 
 
The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred: 

• Expert‑level molecular testing proficiency demonstrated through independent characterization and quantification of viral DNA and RNA using digital PCR, Sanger sequencing, and whole‑genome sequencing.

• Advanced technical skill in validating and verifying molecular test methods demonstrated through developing scientific documentation and interpreting study outcomes with accuracy.

• Strong quality assurance competency demonstrated through monitoring control procedures, implementing new molecular assays, and completing routine maintenance on laboratory instruments.

• Intermediate proficiency in drafting laboratory documents demonstrated through preparing SOPs, method validation reports, and updates that support molecular testing operations.

• Proven training skill demonstrated through delivering technical instruction to laboratory personnel and supporting implementation of new molecular testing workflows.

The Posting Will Close At 11:59 P.M. The Night Before The End DateThis Position Is 100% Federally FundedEmployees in this position must be capable of meeting the Federal CLIA ’88 personnel requirements of Testing Personnel in a laboratory performing high complexity testing. Applicants must attach copies of their transcript(s) and/or certification(s) to be considered for the position 
 The Position Is Time-Limited, Concluding On July 31, 2029 - Extension Subject To Funding

About the NC Division of Public Health (DPH):
The NC Division of Public Health works to promote and contribute to the highest possible level of health for the people of North Carolina. Our entire statewide system of public health has dedicated professionals who carry out our mission every day through a wide range of essential and activities touching the lives of everyone in our state.

About the Wastewater Surveillance Unit:
The Wastewater Surveillance Unit analyzes wastewater samples collected weekly from treatment plants across North Carolina to detect virus levels using molecular diagnostics, including sequencing. The unit monitors SARS‑CoV‑2, RSV, and Flu A and B by measuring viral particles shed in stool, allowing community‑level trends to be identified. These measurements show whether virus levels are increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time, giving NCDHHS an accurate picture of respiratory illness activity and informing public health response. The unit is also working to expand wastewater testing to additional viral surveillance efforts.

Compensation and Benefits: 

The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit the website for State Benefits. 

Supplemental Contact Information: 

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders.  We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job.  For more information about DHHS:  https://www.ncdhhs.gov/. 

DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals.  Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position. 

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved.  We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified. 

               

Application Process 

Be sure to complete the application in its entirety.   Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. 

• Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information. 

• Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application to support your answers. 

• If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the closing date. 

• Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will be subject to a criminal background check. 

• Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account.  Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks. 

• Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.  Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent. 

• For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members. 

Degree/College Credit Verification 

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, degree evaluations, and cover letters may be uploaded with your application. 

Veterans’ and National Guard Preference 

• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications. 

• Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.  

• Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application. 

ADA Accommodations 

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation.  If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below. 

CONTACT INFORMATION  

If there are any questions about this posting, please contact Talent Acquisition at [email protected]. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. 

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Tresha Walker

Email:

[email protected]