Environmental Operations Staff Supervisor

BACKGROUND The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is a unique facility located at Fort Detrick in Frederick, MD, dedicated to defending the nation against biological threats. Established in response to biodefense gaps identified after the Amerithrax attacks of 2001, NBACC has been operated by the Battelle National Biodefense Institute (BNBI) since 2006.

NBACC supports DHS and national biodefense preparedness planning, response, emerging threat characterization, and bioforensic analyses. It addresses critical scientific knowledge gaps regarding biological agents to protect the public and defend the nation against biological threats - whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate.

NBACC also provides federal law enforcement with scientific data to support the investigation and attribution of biocrimes and the protection of the U.S. bioeconomy. NBACC is comprised of two centers: National Bioforensic Analysis Center (NBFAC) : Conducts technical analyses to support federal law enforcement investigations.

National Biological Threat Characterization Center (NBTCC) : Conducts experiments and studies to gather data for understanding biological vulnerabilities and hazards. Together, these centers serve as a national resource for assessing risks posed by biological agents and emerging technologies, informing biodefense policy and response planning, and supporting the investigation, prosecution, and prevention of biocrimes and bioterrorism.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversees and supervises Environmental Operations (EO) staff members providing laboratory logistics and technical support. Works with staff to establish, pursue, and evaluate development goals. Provides direction and approval for staff time recording. Approves purchases made by EO staff. Supervises EO staff performing routine laboratory maintenance, support, and logistics (e.

g., autoclave operation, cleaning/decontamination tasks, equipment checks, removal of medical/chemical waste to collection sites, and tracking/stocking of general laboratory supplies and equipment), ensuring coordination with Laboratory Space Management (LSM) staff to maintain consistent support across all research suites.

Maintains knowledge of pertinent regulations and institutional policies, including waste management, biosafety, biosecurity, and laboratory safety requirements, as well as relevant guidance such as the current edition of the BMBL. Participates in the development and improvement of policies, plans, and procedures addressing custodial services, laboratory support services and waste management, including general space operation and coordination with Biosafety and science programs.

Ensures EO staff are trained on applicable procedures and policies, including waste management, laboratory space management practices, biosafety expectations for general space operations, and the Infrastructure Operations (IO) landlord–tenant service model. Fosters a work environment which encourages staff participation, supports a robust safety culture, and promotes a strong, service‑oriented approach to supporting researchers.

Ensures EO staff provide a consistent level of service and maintain a “questioning” attitude toward activities that may impact safety, compliance, or space readiness. Performs EO duties as needed to ensure continuity of operations and maintain familiarity with day‑to‑day processes. Oversees and coordinates EO support for internal and external inspections and audits (e.

g., biosafety, safety, regulatory, or quality audits), including scheduling, escorting inspectors, and facilitating timely response, documentation, and closure of findings related to space readiness and IO‑provided services. Supervises EO staff performing custodial functions, ensuring custodial activities are aligned with laboratory space readiness expectations and do not interfere with research or space management requirements.

Manages EO service subcontracts and major purchases in support of environmental operations and general laboratory logistics. Ensures timely completion of all recurring EO program deliverables. Exhibits teamwork, clear communication, openness to ideas, and patience with colleagues. Demonstrates the ability to multitask, maintain composure under pressure, and utilize effective time management skills to prioritize tasks in a complex, high containment environment.

Is a self-starter driven by an eagerness to succeed, maintaining flexibility, adapting to change productively, learning new concepts, and using critical thinking to resolve complex technical problems. Maintains appropriate records. Performs other duties as assigned/authorized.

QUALIFICATIONS

Associates Degree (or equivalent experience combined with education), with 6 years of experience in specialized administration, biomedical sciences, quality assurance, engineering, or a related field. Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered as substitution for the specific requirements outlined above.

Familiarity with USEPA, Maryland, and US Army waste management regulations. Familiarity with regulatory and safety standards applicable to biological research facilities, including biosafety protocols Proven leadership skills, including the ability to motivate, mentor, and manage a diverse team, fostering a culture of accountability, excellence, and continuous improvement Strong customer service orientation, with the ability to build positive relationships with facility users and stakeholders Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly and effectively Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks in a high-pressure environment Commitment to ethical leadership practices, transparency, and maintaining high standards of professional conduct Demonstrates ability to create an environment where team members feel confident sharing ideas, providing constructive feedback, and raising concerns without fear of judgment or negative repercussions, ultimately enhancing collaboration, innovation, and team cohesion Skills and experience to support laboratory activities and work in accordance with NBACC’s management system (e.

g., ISO). SECURITY/ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Must be a U.S. citizen, able to obtain and maintain an interim secret clearance leading to a top-secret clearance and suitability for DHS. Participation in the Immunization Program, Medical Surveillance Program, and/or enrollment in the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) is required.

May be required to participate in NBACC’s alternative work schedule and/or on-call schedule, depending on business needs.