Cannabis and Natural Medicine Sciences Program Manager

About the Department

This position is only open to current Colorado state residents.

ABOUT US:

At The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) we are dedicated to the Colorado for All philosophy - working toward a Colorado where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. 

We support the basic human rights of our neighbors regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education level, disability, socio-economic status, or any other visible or invisible identity.  We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Be BOLD.....Make a REAL difference . . . join us in serving our communities advancing Colorado's health and protecting the places we live, work, learn, and play, to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.

Mission - To advance Colorado's health and protect the places we live, work, learn, and play.

Vision -  To create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.

CDPHE offers: 

• Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.

• Flexible working arrangements

• Retirement ( PERA options), Medical and dental health plans

• Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans

• Paid life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• 11 paid holidays per year and generous personal time off

• Tuition assistance 

• Wellness programs

• Professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects

• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system

Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. For more information, go to: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch

Position Duties

The Work Unit:
The Cannabis and Natural Medicine Sciences Program exists to provide a technical resource for private marijuana and hemp testing facilities, marijuana and hemp product manufacturers, and the burgeoning natural medicine space. Acting as the resource for analytical method development for cannabinoids, alkaloids, pesticide residues, heavy metals, residual solvents and microbiological contaminant analyses, the laboratory provides technical laboratory information and training to the private laboratory industry, as well as testing methodologies to increase the effectiveness of the state marijuana testing reference library. As an objective third party, the Cannabis and Natural Medicine Sciences Program serves to check the accuracy of questionable or contested product testing results by providing accurate scientific data and test results. The section also provides scientific consultation and recommendations to the DOR about laboratory testing as it pertains to public health and public safety. The staff work to protect public health and safety through testing services and robust method development and publication.

What You Will Do:
This position exists to strategically direct and manage the activities of the Cannabis and Natural Medicine Sciences Program and has been delegated as the Senior Authority. The position supervises staff assigned to the cannabis and natural medicine laboratory section. This position ensures that program activities are congruent with Departmental and Division strategic goals and fulfill statutory mandates; secure new sources of funding, oversee and execute budgets; assign duties to unit supervisors and personnel, approve scheduling, leave, and work assignments; make recommendations to the appointing authority for hiring, promotions and transfers of personnel; develop policies for approval by departmental management; approve the revision and the establishment of new processes and procedures; evaluate and acquire new technologies and instruments for laboratory analysis; and provide a range of expert consultation and coordination across the Department, other state agencies, the Governor’s Office, stakeholders and the public pertaining to cannabis and natural medicine. This position is responsible for ensuring that: the quality of test results released from the cannabis and natural medicine laboratory meet all published standards or levels required by the submitter and regulatory authorities. The position also serves as a technical expert in these fields and is responsible for originating study design, methodologies, protocols, and scientific theories for which precedent does not exist.

Key Responsibilities:

Programmatic Advancement/Strategic Planning
Formulates and originates strategies, processes and guidelines that directly impact outcomes and work products that support the mission of the program, division, and department and enhance the program sections.

• Provides expert consultation to other divisions of the Health Department, other units of state and local government, and external stakeholders at the state and national levels.
• Serves as the Senior Authority on relevant scientific theories, principles, and regulations (e.g., MED, CDPHE, FDA, USDA, etc.)
• Leads and participates in local, state, and national committees related to cannabis and natural medicine.
• Participates in Division strategic planning and promotes collaborative change within the Division.

Analytical Testing Management
Provide oversight of all testing activities within the cannabis program (pre-analytical, analytical, post-analytical) and ensure that appropriate processes are being followed to meet accreditation requirements.

Personnel Management
Manages personnel within the Cannabis and Natural Medicine Sciences through direct oversight of 4 permanent employees. Aligns staff with programmatic needs. Using long term strategic plans adopted by the Division and immediate needs of the program, creates individualized annual performance and training plans relevant to each position and in alignment with related strategic and action plans.

Budget Management
Manages budgets and other testing agreements that fund activities within the program.

• Align staffing needs and grant deliverables with budget.
• Prepare and execute budgets in collaboration with the Division Fiscal Manager.
  

Minimum Qualifications

Residency Requirement:

This posting is open to current and non-current residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. However, if you are selected and accept the position, you will be required to establish residence in the State of Colorado.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

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.

Experience Only:

Ten (10) years of relevant experience in chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, method development and validation, and laboratory testing and supervision, or closely related fields

OR

Education and Experience:

A combination of related education in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or closely-related science degree and/or relevant experience in chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, method development and validation, and laboratory testing and supervision or in an occupation related to the work equal to ten (10) years

**This experience must be substantiated within the Work Experience section of your application. "See Resume" will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.**

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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

• Relevant experience with the State of Colorado (ONLY IF HM uses this as a part of the COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS)
• Laboratory Supervision: Demonstrated experience supervising others in a laboratory setting, including performance management and coaching of staff.
• 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).
• Organizational and Strategic Planning.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with relevant regulatory requirements and compliance standards in the context of laboratory testing, such as ISO/IEC 17025:2017, 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.

Appeal Rights: 

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.

As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at [email protected] within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department’s action.

For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules.

Other Qualifications

A complete application packet must include:

• Completed State of Colorado application.

• If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) or diploma must be provided with application. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

• If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

The Selection Process:

All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.

Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.

Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.

A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.

E-Verify: 

CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

ADAAA Accommodations:

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator at [email protected] or call 303-692-2060, option 5.

Benefits

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program.  Please click the following link for detailed information:  www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits 

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
 

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerState of ColoradoAddress See the full announcement by clicking
the "Printer" icon located above the job title
Location varies by announcement, Colorado, -- Website https://careers.colorado.gov/