Cannabis and Natural Medicine Sciences Program Manager

About Us

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is committed to the Colorado for All philosophy, striving for a state where everyone can succeed. We champion the basic human rights of all individuals, irrespective of their identity, and are dedicated to fostering a diverse workforce and providing culturally responsive programs and services. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Join us in making a tangible difference by advancing Colorado's health and safeguarding our environment for current and future generations.

Mission

To advance Colorado's health and protect the places we live, work, learn, and play.

Vision

To create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.

CDPHE Offers

• Complimentary parking and access to public transportation (RTD bus lines).
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Comprehensive benefits including retirement plans (PERA options), medical, and dental insurance.
• Choice between the PERA Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, with optional 401K and 457 plans.
• Paid life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Generous paid time off, including 11 paid holidays annually.
• Tuition assistance programs.
• Wellness initiatives.
• Extensive professional development opportunities across various subjects.
• Opportunities for career advancement within the State system.
• Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program for qualifying positions.

Job Description

The Cannabis and Natural Medicine Sciences Program serves as a critical technical resource for private testing facilities, product manufacturers in the marijuana and hemp sectors, and the emerging natural medicine industry. The laboratory specializes in analytical method development for cannabinoids, alkaloids, pesticide residues, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbiological contaminants. It provides technical expertise and training to the private laboratory sector and contributes to the state's reference library of testing methodologies. Acting as an impartial third party, the program verifies the accuracy of contested product testing results by delivering precise scientific data. Additionally, it offers scientific consultation and recommendations to the Department of Revenue (DOR) regarding laboratory testing in relation to public health and safety, ensuring robust method development and publication to protect public well-being.

What You Will Do

This role is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the Cannabis and Natural Medicine Sciences Program, serving as the Senior Authority. The position involves supervising laboratory staff, ensuring program activities align with departmental and divisional strategic goals and statutory obligations. Key duties include securing funding, managing budgets, assigning tasks to supervisors and personnel, approving schedules and leave, making personnel recommendations for hiring and promotions, developing policies, approving new processes and procedures, evaluating and acquiring new laboratory technologies and instruments, and providing expert consultation and coordination across various state agencies, stakeholders, and the public. A primary responsibility is guaranteeing the quality of test results from the laboratory meets all published standards and regulatory requirements. The position also functions as a technical expert, originating study designs, methodologies, protocols, and scientific theories where no precedent exists.

Key Responsibilities

Programmatic Advancement/Strategic Planning

• Develop and implement strategies, processes, and guidelines that directly influence program outcomes and support the mission of the program, division, and department.
• Provide expert consultation to other Health Department divisions, state and local government units, and external stakeholders at state and national levels.
• Act as the Senior Authority on scientific theories, principles, and regulations (e.g., MED, CDPHE, FDA, USDA).
• Lead and participate in relevant local, state, and national committees focused on cannabis and natural medicine.
• Contribute to Division strategic planning and drive collaborative change within the Division.

Analytical Testing Management

• Oversee all testing activities within the cannabis program, including pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases, ensuring adherence to accreditation requirements.

Personnel Management

• Manage the Cannabis and Natural Medicine Sciences personnel, directly overseeing four permanent employees.
• Align staff capabilities with programmatic needs and develop individualized annual performance and training plans based on long-term strategic goals and immediate program requirements.

Budget Management

• Manage program budgets and other testing agreements that fund program activities.
• Ensure alignment of staffing needs and grant deliverables with the budget.
• Collaborate with the Division Fiscal Manager to prepare and execute budgets.

Residency Requirement

This position is open to current and non-current residents of Colorado. However, successful candidates must establish residency in Colorado upon acceptance of the position.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants can qualify through either extensive work experience or a combination of education and experience:

• Experience Only: Ten years of relevant experience in chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, method development and validation, laboratory testing, and supervision, or closely related fields.
• Education and Experience: A relevant science degree (e.g., chemistry, biology, biochemistry) combined with at least ten years of relevant experience in chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, method development and validation, laboratory testing, and supervision, or in a related occupation.

All experience must be detailed in the Work Experience section of the application;