Laboratory Building Project Manager

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Job Description:

Works under the limited supervision of the Building Operations Branch Manager with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs advanced (senior-level) project management work for the Public Health Laboratory Division (PHLD) as assigned by the Laboratory Building Operations Branch Manager and/or Unit Director. Directs, develops, and evaluates multi-agency, complex projects from project initiation through completion using accepted project management methodologies. Monitors and manages project progress and quality to ensure project deliverables are acceptable and meet project specifications. Provides project management consultation and technical assistance including (but not limited to) building/facilities, maintenance asset/inventory, space, and/or safety projects for the PHLD building operations. Identifies potential project risks and difficulties, designing strategies to mitigate or avoid them.

Primary Resonsblities: 

• Communicates and works with stakeholders and custeomers to identify needs and exisiting gaps in laboratory related functions, ensure understnding of projects and participation, identify potential project risks and design straties to improve and devlep processes and systems.  
• Uses project management experience and methodologies to improve/develop processes and systems.
• Advocates for PHLD programs cross-functionally and works with Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) and Health and Human Services (HHS) Enterprise staff to improve procedural issues and address PHLD resource needs.
• Directs, assigns, and evaluates the work of project staff. 

Essential Job Functions:

EJF1 (35%).  Develops, directs, and evaluates multi-agency, complex projects from project initiation through completion using accepted project management methodologies as assigned by the Laboratory Building Operations Branch Manager and/or Unit Director. Responsible for project oversight from initial scope to post-implementation evaluation, monitoring and review. Works with managers, project sponsors, staff, contractors, and IT development teams to identify, define and analyze business/system requirements, define scope, develop project schedules, work plans, resource requirements, cost estimates and projections, and budgets Identifies problems in building operations program and seeks solutions to resolve issues. Directs, assigns and evaluates the work of project staff. Maintains an open issue/resolution list. Records and updates project issues and resolutions. Escalates project issues for executive decisions as necessary. Coordinates project activities and provides project management consultation with project sponsors, various stakeholders. Develops and executes the communication strategy/plan for all stakeholders, interested groups, and team members. Prepares and distributes summaries of project information, status reports, and briefings for senior management and other stakeholders as needed. (35%)

EJF2 (25%).  Serves as senior technical consultant to PHLD programs for building operations. Analyzes PHLD building business processes, identify opportunities for improvement and develop strategies to maximize the use of HHS Enterprise resources for the Laboratory Building Operations Branch. Works with managers to improve operational efficiency, spearheads quality improvement efforts and special projects as needed. Develops criteria for evaluating programs, proposals, and other pertinent information related to project assignments. Collaborates with program staff to develop strategies for improving building operations, including (but not limited to) building/facilities, asset/inventory, space, and safety. Coordinates project activities with other state agencies, stakeholders, and contractors. Reviews and develops work requests and planning documents for projects. Communicates both on a complex technical level and a non-technical level as needed with others (internally and externally) to provide, exchange, or verify information. Answers inquiries, addresses issues, and resolves problems and/or complaints. (25%)

EJF3 (25%).  Serves as liaison for all projects/activities involving the Building Operations projects, resources, needs, and planning. Works closely with the PHLD and other Enterprise program areas, including (but not limited to) the DSHS Budget Office, DSHS Information Technology (IT), Texas Facilities (TFC), Facilities Warehouse Services (FWS), DSHS and PHLD programs. Provides highly advanced technical support and guidance to managers in the planning, implementation, management, and monitoring of projects, programs, systems, and services related to building/facilities, capital authority, asset/inventory, space, safety, and other priority section projects. Provides guidance to managers in the development and integration of resources to improve programs. Advises and interprets policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and standards of DSHS, Department of Information Resources, HHSC, TFC, and other relevant agencies. Participates as assigned by the Laboratory Building Operations Branch Manager and Unit/Section Director on implementation project teams and steering committees related to priority division projects. Participates in cross-functional building operations and business workgroups as the Lab representative as needed and/or requested by PHLD leadership. (25%)

EFJ4 (10%).  Coordinates and completes PHLD and agency assignments and projects related to IT procurement, IT project Service Delivery Plans (SDPs), capital authority projects by collaborating with program managers, IT, Budget, and other Enterprise programs/staff for accurate summaries of needs and appropriate actions. Determines and presents business cases for program projects needing capital authority, provides guidance on agency priorities and approval of new capital building projects. As requested, serves as needed as a representative on standing and special agency workgroups related to priority division projects, communicating relevant information to PHLD, other sections, and stakeholders. (10%)

EJF5 (5%).  Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy. As per DSHS Policy, other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or continuity of operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require a shift pattern assignment and/or location. Also, safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management and Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. (5%) 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:   

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is required. The PRINCE2 Practitioner certification may be accepted in lieu of a PMP certification.  If a candidate does not have an active, acceptable certification, then a PMP certification must be obtained within first two years of employment.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of Project Management practices, principles, and processes with emphasis on laboratory/hospital building systems and maintenance.

Knowledge of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodologies.

Knowledge of project control and cost estimating techniques.

Knowledge of administrative and current management practices.

Knowledge of computer systems and applications for data management.

Knowledge of public administration and management techniques.

Knowledge of program planning and implementation.

Skill in effective decision-making, negotiation, facilitation, coordination and collaboration.

Skill in business, program, process and systems analysis.

Skill in developing goals and objectives and developing procedures to monitor and evaluate progress.

Skill in identifying project risks and gaps.

Skill in complex problem-solving and evaluating alternatives.

Skill in writing business analyses, documentation, and reports.

Skill in planning, organizing, scheduling, and monitoring completion of assigned projects.

Skill in communicating clearly, concisely and effectively to various audiences (technical and non-technical)

Skill in presenting information and public speaking.

Skill in assessing and managing multiple, simultaneous tasks, assignments, and priorities.

Ability to lead, facilitate and coordinate.

Ability to gather and assemble facts to make informed decisions regarding project resources, scope, time, and budget.

Ability to translate complex technical and scientific information verbally and in writing for non-technical audiences.

Ability to analyze and assess future software, hardware, and information needs; ensuring databases are developed to meet those needs as they arise.

Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures.

Ability to write and revise standards and procedures.

Ability to work in a team-approach, collaborative environment.

Ability to motivate and manage others.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, co-workers, the public, and health care professionals.

Ability to apply a critical and analytical approach to problem solving.

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts.

Ability to work independently and deliver results in an environment of broad, consultative management.

Ability to learn laboratory organizations, business procedures, functions, roles and responsibilities.

Ability to learn agency, state, and federal policies & procedures pertinent to Public Health Laboratory Division program operations.

Ability to meet expectations and deadlines.

Ability to prioritize and use independent judgement.

Ability to communicate effectively, in written and oral communication.

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Two (2) years of experience working with vendors, contractors, state or government building programs and facilities required.

2. Working with laboratory/hospital operations and laboratory /hospital building maintenance programs preferred.

3. Serving in a supportive capacity to a major laboratory/hospital business function preferred.

4. Managing complex laboratory/hospital construction and/or renovation projects as a project manager or project coordinator preferred.

Additional Information:

Work Schedule: Must be able to work holidays and weekends; if requested by manager. Must be able to work hours other than 8am – 5pm.

Transportation: Employee must provide transportation. If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in the performance of their official duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas driver’s license for the appropriate type vehicle. Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business, applicants will have their driving records checked through the Department of Public Safety and applicants must have a valid Class C Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.

Immunizations: Compliance with DSHS Laboratory Exposure Control Plan required: vaccine requirements are consistent with current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations and other national guidelines for employee groups based upon job duties and tasks.

NOTE: When completing your application, include details about your job experience as it relates to the essential job functions, knowledge/skills/abilities, and initial screening information provided on this position description.

Environmental or Hazard Demands of Essential Job functions:

• Working:
  • Indoors, sitting, walking, hearing, vision, finger or manual dexterity.

Candidate Selection

• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

The final salary offer must follow DSHS starting salary guidelines and will be determined by the candidate’s qualifications, program area budget, and system/supervisor approvals. 

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form