Laboratory Division Manager

The Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority (CCMWA) is an award-winning regional public utility that provides potable water (drinking water and water for fire protection) on a wholesale basis. Named the Best Total Rewards Strategy winner in Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2021 HR Excellence Awards, CCMWA offers medical, dental, and vision benefits to full-time employees within the first 30 days of employment, employer-paid short-term and long-term disability, employer-paid life insurance, and annual and sick leave with rollover options.

In 2020, CCMWA added a parental leave offering that provides four weeks of paid leave to new mothers and fathers.

CCMWA fully funds a pension plan that is available to full-time employees after 10 years of service. Additionally, CCMWA also offers a 457(b) plan for employees to invest in their retirement. We are also committed to the growth and development of our staff and offer tuition reimbursement from associate level up to the doctoral level programs in addition to fully paying for all industry-specific certifications and licenses.

Position: Laboratory Division Manager

Location: Acworth, GA

Job : 223

# of Openings: 1

Manages and coordinates the activities of Laboratory personnel engaged in water quality sampling, analytical testing, quality assurance, data management, and regulatory reporting. The position ensures that analytical work and reporting for raw, partially treated, and finished water as well as environmental samples are completed accurately, timely, and in compliance with applicable federal and state drinking water regulations, laboratory certification requirements, and Authority standards.

Reports to and works closely with the Director of Operations.

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the Simmons Laboratory, including sampling schedules, analytical testing, data review, reporting, quality-control activities, and records management.
• Ensure laboratory programs and analytical work comply with applicable federal and state drinking water regulations, Georgia laboratory certification requirements, approved methods, and Authority policies and procedures.
• Plan, assign, supervise, and review the work of laboratory personnel performing chemical, bacteriological, physical, and other water quality analyses.
• Provide technical guidance to staff on standard analytical procedures, method requirements, quality assurance and quality control practices, instrument operation, troubleshooting, and documentation.
• Compile, review, interpret, and analyze laboratory and water quality data to assist the evaluation of treatment process performance and support process optimization.
• Develop, evaluate, or coordinate specialized or non-routine testing when needed to support treatment plant operations, customer needs, regulatory requirements, or water quality investigations.
• Prepare, review, certify as appropriate, and submit water quality reports, laboratory reports, and regulatory documentation required by regulatory agencies and the Authority’s wholesale customer commitments.
• Maintain laboratory certification, quality assurance plans, standard operating procedures, method documentation, instrument records, chain-of-custody records, and other required records.
• Investigate water quality complaints and coordinate with wholesale customers to evaluate and resolve water quality concerns.
• Monitor regulatory developments, evaluate potential impacts to the Authority, communicate requirements to leadership, and recommend compliance strategies.
• Establish, review, and improve work procedures, testing schedules, sample tracking practices, reporting processes, laboratory safety practices, and equipment-use procedures.
• Respond to emergency calls and operational needs on a 24-hour basis, as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• College degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field from an accredited four-year college or university required.
• A minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• State of Georgia Water Laboratory Analyst License required.
• Valid Georgia Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record required; must maintain a satisfactory driving record as a condition of continued employment.

• Oversee and manage laboratory staff, ensuring high standards of performance, accuracy, productivity, accountability, and professional conduct.
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, technical support and performance feedback to support development and succession planning.
• Conduct performance evaluations, establish goals, document performance concerns, and address performance or conduct issues in a timely and constructive manner.
• Assign tasks, delegate responsibilities, and monitor progress to meet project deadlines and objectives.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment,…