QA Specialist Senior - Quality Assurance - Division of Technical Services

State Role Title: Prog Admin Specialist II

Hiring Range: $80,000 - $92,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location: Dept of Forensic Science

Agency Website: https://dfs.virginia.gov/

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) has relocated to a new, state‑of‑the‑art facility in Hanover County. This modern complex houses staff from the Central Laboratory, the Division of Technical Services, the Director’s Office, Administrative Offices, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The Division of Technical Services is seeking a motivated, detail‑oriented professional to join our dynamic team as a QA Specialist Senior. In this role, you will support the implementation and coordination of laboratory quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) protocols and monitor the agency’s four testing laboratories and one calibration laboratory for compliance with accreditation requirements. You will help ensure timely and consistent processing of quality inquiries and corrective actions.

Key responsibilities include acquiring, generating, and maintaining accurate quality program documentation and records related to corrective actions, management review, equipment calibration, and quality system assessments and audits. You will identify technical and quality system concerns within agency laboratories and report findings to the Quality Assurance Section Supervisor and/or the Director of Technical Services. This position also serves as an Administrator for Ideagen (formerly Qualtrax), developing and monitoring workflows, tests, and training; acts as the agency’s alternate document custodian; and supports the Traceability and Uncertainty of Measurement reporting programs in collaboration with Program Managers. Additional duties include assisting with troubleshooting technical and quality performance issues related to casework, instrumentation, and laboratory processes. This position requires occasional overnight travel, and the employee must provide their own transportation when necessary.

Benefits

DFS offers outstanding health benefits at competitive rates, along with paid life insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage. Employees also enjoy paid holidays, vacation, and various leave options, access to health and wellness programs, eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, and participation in a state retirement plan with tax-deferred savings options and employer matching.

Minimum Qualifications

• Foundational knowledge in laboratory science, forensic science, chemistry, or a related technical field
• Understanding of quality assurance and quality control principles, including corrective actions, audits, accreditation standards, and document control
• Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, calibration practices, casework processes, and chemical safety
• Experience working in a forensic or analytical laboratory environment with exposure to QA/QC processes
• Experience with or ability to learn electronic quality management systems (e.g., Qualtrax), including workflow development, training, and document administration
• Ability to recognize technical problems and contribute to troubleshooting efforts involving instrumentation, casework performance, or quality system issues
• Experience with reviewing documentation such as corrective actions, proficiency tests, equipment calibration records, and audit findings
• Ability to communicate effectively with program managers, supervisors, staff, and external partners
• Basic knowledge of statistics
• Ability to maintain accurate records, evaluate data, prioritize and manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Eligible to possess a valid driver’s license or have other means of reliable transportation. Must be able to successfully pass a background investigation

Additional Considerations

• Completion of documented training from an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited forensic laboratory in a relevant forensic science discipline, and currently or previously qualified to issue test reports and/or calibration certificates
• Auditor/assessor certification
• Experience with Microsoft SharePoint

Contact Information

Name: Amanda Collum

Phone: 804-588-4010

Email: amanda.collum@dfs.virginia.gov