Laboratory Supervisor
The Laboratory Services program is seeking a Laboratory Supervisor. This position plans, organizes, and assists the Laboratory Manager with overseeing and reviewing the work of staff assigned to operating Clean Water Services (CWS) laboratory services. Ensures laboratory operations remain in compliance with federal and state regulations and data quality meets permitting requirements. Collaborates with the CWS Safety Team to implement initiatives designed to provide and further enhance a safe environment for staff.
Candidates who are selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be invited to self-schedule their interview. Please be sure to check your email for status updates.
Essential Functions:
(The essential functions listed below are not intended to reflect all duties that may be assigned to this classification. CWS may augment duties and/or essential functions at its discretion. Additionally, some incumbents may not perform all Essential Functions.)
- Assists the Laboratory Manager with developing and implementing department policies and procedures, goals, objectives, and strategic initiatives. Assures compliance with laboratory-specific and CWS safety practices and procedures.
- Schedules staff and resources to ensure efficient operations. Assists with the prioritization, planning, and tracking of resources needed for daily work. Ensures needed tools and resources are available to accomplish work plans. Identifies and proposes recommendations to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
- Supervises the work of technical and professional staff. Assists with overseeing employee development and performance, including selection and training, preparation of performance appraisals, and development or improvement plans, resolving complaints and grievances, and implementing disciplinary actions.
- Effectively communicates with internal partners, oversees laboratory projects and work environments, and ensures compliance with monitoring and analytical requirements of state and federal programs and CWS’ NPDES permit.
- Coordinates preventative maintenance visits and instrument calibration with external vendors and laboratory staff. Prepares specifications for new analytical equipment in consultation with primaries and instrument manufacturers.
- Serves as a chemical hygiene officer for the laboratory and oversees the chemical inventory process, including management and disposal of hazardous wastes.
- Provides the safety committee with technical resources for laboratory safety program improvements, tracks training, and functions as liaison between local committees and management. Assists with the development of Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) evaluations. Coordinates with Risk and Safety to assist in incident and accident investigations. Identifies trending issues and problem areas and recommends improvements.
- Researches and resolves technical problems, complaints, and requests for information related to the work of the unit. Provides technical expertise to customers.
- Assists in the selection of consultants and contractors. Provides project support and oversees work performed. Monitors contract expenditures.
- Assists in creating a positive and supportive work environment; enforces a safe workplace; establishes a culture of teamwork and communication; creates a workplace that promotes the organizational values of workplace diversity, equity and inclusion and actively promotes an environment respectful of living and working in a multicultural society.
- Drives a CWS or personal vehicle for work purposes.
Qualifications:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- Operations, services, and activities of laboratory sampling and analytical programs
- Contemporary, advanced principles and practices of analytical chemistry, biology, microbiology, and environmental science, including instrumentation and computerization
- Mathematics and statistical analysis
- Standard procedures, methods, and techniques used in the sampling, examination, and testing of water, wastewater, environmental, and industrial samples
- Quality assurance and quality control principles and practices
- Laboratory equipment, operation, and capabilities
- Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, regulations, standards, and requirements
- Basic principles and practices of budget development and control
- Principles of supervision; teambuilding and coaching techniques and practices.
SKILL IN:
- Planning, organizing, coordinating, and reviewing the work of personnel
- Selecting, supervising, training, and evaluating staff
- Interpreting and explaining laboratory policies and procedures
- Supervising a complex environmental laboratory within the scope of state and federal guidelines
- Analyzing problems, projecting consequences, and recommending courses of action
- Project and program management
- Understanding and interpreting regulatory requirements
- Identifying opportunities for efficiency and implementing process improvements
ABILITY TO:
- Understand, apply, and interpret pertinent policies, procedures, laws, and regulations pertaining to the program area
- Plan and coordinate assigned staff to achieve program requirements and objectives within established timelines and budget requirements
- Negotiate with contractors regarding the scope and cost of services and administer contracts
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including a variety of CWS staff and other government officials, community groups, and the general public
- Operate effectively in a team environment
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR LICENSES
The following are the minimum qualifications for this position.
3 years of experience as a lead worker, project leader, or team leader;
3 years of experience performing analytical work within a laboratory program, water quality program, and wastewater treatment;
College-level coursework in chemistry, microbiology, biology, environmental science, wastewater treatment technology, or a related field.
Candidates must possess and maintain a valid state-issued driver’s license.