SD Public Health Laboratory Director

Job ID: 33749
Agency: Department of Health - Laboratory Services
Location: Pierre, SD
Salary: $114,243.88-$161,285.47 Annual Salary, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: O
Closing Date: 12/3/25

This is a Full-Time position with the Department of Health - Laboratory Services. For more information on the Department of Health, please visit https://doh.sd.gov/laboratory/ .

The Laboratory Director provides strategic oversight and operational direction for the South Dakota Public Health Laboratory (SDPHL). The SDPHL plays a critical role in protecting public health and serves as South Dakota’s designated Laboratory Response Network (LRN) site for biological and chemical threat preparedness.

The SDPHL has a team of 34 full-time staff which operate in three core sections:

• The Microbiology Section: a CLIA-certified laboratory that provides essential diagnostic and surveillance services to healthcare providers statewide.
• The Environmental Chemistry Section: which operates as the EPA’s primacy laboratory for South Dakota and manages the state’s certified drinking water testing program.
• The Forensic Chemistry Section: accredited under ISO 17025 by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), which performs toxicology testing (blood and urine), volatiles analysis (including blood alcohol content), and seized drug analysis.

A critical priority includes guiding the Department’s investment in the future of public health infrastructure—supporting the construction and transition to a new 60,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art public health laboratory as part of the DOH Workforce Development and Education Center.

The Director collaborates 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.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in laboratory, healthcare administration, or public health systems management, with demonstrated ability to oversee multidisciplinary scientific or healthcare teams and manage complex budgets.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Health Care Administration (MHA), laboratory science or a 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.
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams, large budgets, and grant-funded programs.
• Strong communication, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in health care services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Management: Provide visionary leadership to the laboratory team, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration. Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance laboratory services and align with organizational goals.
• Regulatory Compliance: Lead teams of scientific experts to ensure the laboratory meets all regulatory and accreditation requirements. Stay updated on changes in health care regulations and implement necessary adjustments to maintain compliance.
• Operational Efficiency: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the laboratory, including staffing, budgeting, and resource allocation. Implement best practices to optimize workflow and improve efficiency.
• Quality Assurance: Develop and maintain quality assurance programs to ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results. Conduct regular audits and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Financial Management: Manage the laboratory's budget, monitor expenses, and identify opportunities for cost savings. Prepare financial reports and forecasts to support decision-making.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with other departments, health care providers, and external partners to ensure seamless integration of laboratory services within the broader health care system. Communicate effectively with stakeholders to address concerns and provide updates on laboratory performance.
• Innovation and Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance laboratory services. Stay informed about advancements in laboratory technology and health care administration, and implement innovative solutions to improve patient care.

Work Environment

• This position is based in Pierre, South Dakota, at the SDPHL facility.
• 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. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification 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. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=2SB
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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