Education/experience required: Individual shall have a bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology or related life sciences with at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and a minimum of two years of work experience in environmental microbiology (bacteriology and/or mycology) or 16 semester hours in microbiology and a minimum of three years of full-time equivalent work experience in environmental microbiology or 12 semester hours in microbiology and a minimum of four years of full-time equivalent work experience in environmental microbiology, or 8 semester hours in microbiology and a minimum of five years of full-time equivalent work experience in environmental microbiology.

Skills required: In addition the Technical Manager (LM) shall be experienced in the selection and use of bioaerosol, surface, fluid and raw material sampling methods, and in sample processing for the quantification and identification of mesophilic and thermophilic bacteria, and mesophilic, xerophilic, and thermo tolerant fungi (molds and yeasts), and fungi identified by spore trap collection methods. Training records for the technical manager shall include documentation of ability to identify genus/group of fungi from spore trap analysis and genus/ species of fungi that are reported. Bacterial identification training records shall document training of relevant diagnostic procedures, e.g., gram stain, oxidase, biochemical reactions, etc. as appropriate to the FoT.

Responsibilities of the Technical Manager include:

The Technical Manager oversees all daily technical functions of the laboratory in such a manner that provides the necessary resources needed to ensure the required quality of laboratory operations. This individual is responsible for the implementation of any corrective actions at the laboratory. He/she is available at least 90% of the laboratory operating hours to address technical issues for the laboratory staff and customers.

The Technical Manager in conjunction with the Laboratory Director ensures and documents that personnel with appropriate education and/or technical background perform all analyses for which the laboratory is accredited. The TM is advised by analysts of any non-routine or special client request, sample quantities or submitted samples. Any departures from Standard Operating Procedures must be approved by the TM beforehand and appropriately documented in laboratory records.

Education/experience required: Individual shall have a bachelor's degree in an applicable basic or applied science and have at least one year of nonacademic analytical experience appropriate to the types of analyses performed by the laboratory; spore traps, direct microscopic exam of bulk/swabs/tapes, viable bacterial and fungal cultures; or in lieu of a bachelor's degree, four years of nonacademic analytical experience. The QA Manager shall also have documented training in statistics or quality control procedures.

NOTE Appropriate documentation of training in statistics or laboratory quality assurance/quality control shall include at least one of the following: 1) College level course in statistics; 2) Continuing education in laboratory quality assurance/quality control (e.g., AIHA-LAP, LLC or equivalent course); or 3) Relevant experience - documented examples of the level of quality assurance/quality control used in applicable work experience.

Responsibilities of the Quality Assurance Manager: The QAM is responsible for the development, implementation and on-going assessment of a Quality Assurance Program. The QA program is continually evaluated and modified to conform to all requirements of certifying and accrediting agencies. The QAM oversees and/or accomplishes the design and implementation of a QA program, the establishment of frequency and type of quality control (QC) samples to be analyzed, the summary and analysis of QC data, the correction of problems indicated by QC, the proper storage and integrity of analytical and QC data, the appropriate audits of analysis results and the overall program, and the documentation of laboratory quality system deficiencies. Along with an annual audit, the QAM conducts ongoing reviews which include the examination of all proficiency testing data, preparation and/or review of monthly and/or quarterly control charts and review of any corrective actions taken by analysts to counteract unacceptable internal quality standards.