Public Health Laboratory Director

This is a nonclassified, at-will position and is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system. Colorado residents and nonresidents may apply. The selected candidate must establish residency in Colorado.

At the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, we are charged with protecting Colorado’s health and environment – a responsibility that affects every person and every community in the state. CDPHE is distinctive because we bring public health and environmental protection together under one agency, recognizing that healthy people depend on healthy places. Our teams prevent diseases and injury, respond to emergencies ranging from

E.coli outbreaks to global pandemics, reduce air pollution, protect water quality, regulate health facilities, manage environmental hazards, perform advanced laboratory testing, provide birth and death records, and implement health promoting programs. We turn science and data into action, set statewide standards, and work alongside local public health agencies and community partners to meet Colorado’s most pressing health and environmental challenges. Working at CDPHE means applying your expertise to complex, consequential work that can improve lives across the state.

Our mission captures this broad portfolio of work: to advance Colorado’s health and protect the places we live, learn, work, and play. Our vision is a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations can thrive. Achieving the mission and vision takes bold action, talented people, broad partnerships, and a commitment to serving every Coloradan.

• This position is Non-Classified and therefore this announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado. If selected for the position, the candidate will be required to establish residency in Colorado.
• Employment is at-will, with no actual, expressed or implied contract.
• The position is in person and will report to the office located at 8100 Lowry Blvd., Denver, CO, 80230.

CDPHE offers a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to build a meaningful career in public service. Benefits include:

• Medical and dental plans.
• Colorado PERA retirement options, including defined benefit plan or defined contribution plan.
• Optional 401(K) and 457 retirement plans.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Potential flexible working arrangements
• 11 paid holidays per year and generous paid time off.
• Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee wellness programs.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Career opportunities throughout Colorado state government.

Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

State public health laboratories are foundational to protecting the health of the population. Only one of these highly specialized labs exist per state, creating a national network that works closely with the EPA, CDC, FDA and other federal agencies. The Colorado Public Health Laboratory (CPHL) protects the health of the population by identifying known and novel infectious diseases and outbreaks; detecting environmental contaminants in food products, natural medicine, and drinking and recreational waters;

responding to bioterrorism and chemical threats; certifying every instrument in the state used for evidential breath alcohol testing; testing every infant born in Colorado and Wyoming to identify treatable genetic-related conditions at birth; performing audit functions and certification of outside laboratories; and conducting surveillance and public health…