State of South Dakota
SD Public Health Laboratory Director
State of South Dakota, Pierre, South Dakota, United States, 57501
SD Public Health Laboratory Director
Agency : Department of Health – Laboratory Services Job ID : 33749 Location : Pierre, SD Salary : $114,243.88 – $161,285.47 per year Pay Grade : O Closing Date : 12/3/25 Employment type : Full‑time Seniority level : Director Job function : Health Care Provider Industries : Government Administration Position Summary The Laboratory Director provides strategic oversight and operational direction for the South Dakota Public Health Laboratory (SDPHL). The SDPHL protects public health and serves as South Dakota’s designated Laboratory Response Network (LRN) site for bioterror and chemical threat preparedness. The Microbiology Section: a CLIA‑certified laboratory that provides essential diagnostic and surveillance services to healthcare providers statewide. The Environmental Chemistry Section: EPA’s primacy laboratory for South Dakota and manager of the state’s certified drinking water testing program. The Forensic Chemistry Section: accredited under ISO 17025, performing toxicology, volatile analysis, and seized drug analysis. A critical priority includes guiding the Department’s investment in future public health infrastructure—supporting construction and transition to a new 60,000‑sq‑ft state‑of‑the‑art laboratory. The Director works closely with senior leadership across the Department of Health, including the Office of the State Epidemiologist, Public Health Preparedness and Response, and the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. This position reports directly to the Cabinet Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Health. Key Responsibilities
Lead the laboratory team, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration. Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance laboratory services and align with organizational goals. Ensure regulatory and accreditation compliance, keeping abreast of changes in healthcare regulations. Oversee day‑to‑day operations, staffing, budgeting, and resource allocation to optimize workflow and efficiency. Develop and maintain quality assurance programs and conduct regular audits. Manage the laboratory’s budget, monitor expenses, and identify cost‑saving opportunities. Engage stakeholders, collaborate with other departments and external partners, and communicate laboratory performance. Drive continuous improvement initiatives, adopting innovative solutions to enhance patient care. Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in Health Care Administration, laboratory science, or related field. Extensive experience in laboratory management or health care administration. At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in laboratory management, public health, or healthcare administration, including 3 years in a senior leadership role. Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements and quality assurance practices. Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Proven ability to manage budgets and financial performance. Experience managing multidisciplinary teams, large budgets, and grant‑funded programs. Strong strategic planning and stakeholder engagement skills. Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in health care services. Work Environment
This position is based at the SDPHL facility in Pierre, SD. Some travel may be required. This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act. Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment. The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I‑9. E‑Verify will be used upon hire. The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS. Must apply online. E‑mails or rescues will not be accepted. Application URL: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=2SB Contact: South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources, Phone: 605.773.3148, Email: careers@state.sd.us “An Equal Opportunity Employer”
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Agency : Department of Health – Laboratory Services Job ID : 33749 Location : Pierre, SD Salary : $114,243.88 – $161,285.47 per year Pay Grade : O Closing Date : 12/3/25 Employment type : Full‑time Seniority level : Director Job function : Health Care Provider Industries : Government Administration Position Summary The Laboratory Director provides strategic oversight and operational direction for the South Dakota Public Health Laboratory (SDPHL). The SDPHL protects public health and serves as South Dakota’s designated Laboratory Response Network (LRN) site for bioterror and chemical threat preparedness. The Microbiology Section: a CLIA‑certified laboratory that provides essential diagnostic and surveillance services to healthcare providers statewide. The Environmental Chemistry Section: EPA’s primacy laboratory for South Dakota and manager of the state’s certified drinking water testing program. The Forensic Chemistry Section: accredited under ISO 17025, performing toxicology, volatile analysis, and seized drug analysis. A critical priority includes guiding the Department’s investment in future public health infrastructure—supporting construction and transition to a new 60,000‑sq‑ft state‑of‑the‑art laboratory. The Director works closely with senior leadership across the Department of Health, including the Office of the State Epidemiologist, Public Health Preparedness and Response, and the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. This position reports directly to the Cabinet Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Health. Key Responsibilities
Lead the laboratory team, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration. Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance laboratory services and align with organizational goals. Ensure regulatory and accreditation compliance, keeping abreast of changes in healthcare regulations. Oversee day‑to‑day operations, staffing, budgeting, and resource allocation to optimize workflow and efficiency. Develop and maintain quality assurance programs and conduct regular audits. Manage the laboratory’s budget, monitor expenses, and identify cost‑saving opportunities. Engage stakeholders, collaborate with other departments and external partners, and communicate laboratory performance. Drive continuous improvement initiatives, adopting innovative solutions to enhance patient care. Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in Health Care Administration, laboratory science, or related field. Extensive experience in laboratory management or health care administration. At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in laboratory management, public health, or healthcare administration, including 3 years in a senior leadership role. Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements and quality assurance practices. Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Proven ability to manage budgets and financial performance. Experience managing multidisciplinary teams, large budgets, and grant‑funded programs. Strong strategic planning and stakeholder engagement skills. Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in health care services. Work Environment
This position is based at the SDPHL facility in Pierre, SD. Some travel may be required. This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act. Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment. The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I‑9. E‑Verify will be used upon hire. The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS. Must apply online. E‑mails or rescues will not be accepted. Application URL: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=2SB Contact: South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources, Phone: 605.773.3148, Email: careers@state.sd.us “An Equal Opportunity Employer”
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