CTAT (Chemical Terrorism and Threat Unit Manager)

Agency

Dept of Health and Human Services

Division

Public Health

Job Classification Title

Chemistry Manager II (NS)

Position Number

60041415

Grade

NC23

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

Description of Work:

The Chemistry Manager II leads the Chemical Terrorism and Threat (CTAT) Unit, a large, multi-section chemistry laboratory responsible for conducting a wide range of standardized and non-standardized chemical analyses. This position oversees laboratory operations, supervises technical staff, and manages administrative functions such as budgeting, staffing, and program planning. The role requires advanced expertise in chemistry and laboratory science to evaluate testing methodologies, implement procedural improvements, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The manager serves as the laboratory’s top technical authority and collaborates with internal and external partners to support public health and regulatory objectives.

The CTAT Unit provides direct laboratory support to detect or investigate potential acts of terrorism that involve the use of chemical weapons or toxins. The Unit acts in a manner that strengthens emergency response within the NC Division of Public Health by providing data to support evidence-based decision making that enhances local, state, and federal emergency response activities, mitigates risks, and allows for the initiation of appropriate counter measures and agent specific treatment that limits morbidity and mortality in North Carolina. The Unit maintains readiness to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year to emergency situations warranting clinical specimen and environmental sample collection, transportation and rapid analysis.

The CTAT Unit is an active member of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Chemical Laboratory Response Network (LRN-C) that works collaboratively with local, state and federal partners (public health, law enforcement, and emergency management) to identify hazards and mitigate risks. In this capacity, the CTAT Unit routinely evaluates, validates, and implements cutting-edge technologies to rapidly detect chemical threats, toxins, and weapons of mass destruction to support LRN-C activities.

The CTAT Unit is also responsible for conducting routine blood lead testing in children and prenatal women to identify individuals in need of interventions to reduce their exposure.



Key Duties Include:

• Direct and oversee operations across two laboratory sections performing diverse chemical analyses.

• Supervise, evaluate, and support the work of technical staff.

• Develop and implement laboratory policies, procedures, and quality assurance protocols.

• Plan and manage laboratory budgets, staffing levels, and resource allocations.

• Review and approve complex or non-standard testing methodologies and analytical procedures.

• Evaluate and select laboratory instrumentation, ensuring alignment with testing requirements and scientific advancements.

• Interpret and apply federal and state regulations, agency policies, and scientific standards to laboratory operations.

• Coordinate laboratory activities with other departments and external partners to support public health and regulatory goals.

• Analyze laboratory performance data and implement improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and safety.

• Serve as the laboratory’s technical expert, providing guidance on advanced chemistry principles and problem-solving complex analytical challenges.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade Range: $78,579.00 - $153,228.00

Recruitment Range: $78,579.00 - $91,763.00

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:

• Demonstrated experience managing multi-section laboratory operations, including workflow coordination, resource planning, and performance monitoring.

• Expert-level proficiency in developing and validating complex chemical testing methods using advanced instrumentation such as ICP-MS, GC-MS, or HPLC.

• Proven track record of implementing laboratory quality assurance programs aligned with regulatory and accreditation standards.

• Skilled in interpreting and applying federal and state laboratory regulations to ensure operational compliance and audit readiness.

• Experienced in leading cross-functional teams through organizational change initiatives, including procedural updates and technology integration.

The Posting Will Close At 11:59 P.M. The Night Before the End Date.

This Position Is 100% Federally Funded.

Employees in this position must be capable of meeting the Federal CLIA ’88 personnel requirements of a Technical Supervisor 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.

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 .

About the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health (NCSLPH):

The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health (NCSLPH) provides statewide medical and environmental laboratory testing, consultation, and training to support public and private health providers. As the state’s reference laboratory, NCSLPH performs specialized testing and supports the development and standardization of lab procedures to ensure accurate, high-quality diagnostics.

The Laboratory also certifies milk and water testing facilities and provides training to improve laboratory services statewide. From Acanthamoeba to Zika virus, NCSLPH plays a vital role in protecting the health of all North Carolinians.

Visit slph.ncpublichealth.com

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 talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov . 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.

Master’s degree in chemistry from an appropriately accredited institution and seven years of progressive chemistry laboratory experience including at least two years supervisory experience

OR

An equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.

EEO Statement

T he 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:

Dreisa Yvonne Johnson

Email:

talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov