AWI Laboratory Technical Manager

Role Overview

The Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI) is a program of Paul Smith’s College, a private undergraduate college located in the heart of the Adirondack Park in upstate New York. AWI’s Environmental Research Laboratory holds certification under the NYSDOH Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP). The Laboratory Technical Manager is a critical mid‑level position responsible for the day‑to‑day operations of the laboratory and serves as ELAP Technical Director and supervisor of Laboratory Analysts.

• Serve as Technical Director under NYS Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP).
• Assist the Laboratory Director in overseeing and maintaining the Quality Assurance Management System to NYS DOH ELAP standards, including review of analytical runs and data packages.
• Develop, maintain, and improve laboratory methods; create and update standard operating procedures; oversee document control.
• Supervise Laboratory Analysts, provide training and work quality oversight, develop initial and ongoing training programs, and assist with hiring new lab employees.
• Maintain laboratory personnel files and ethics and data integrity program.
• Support Laboratory Analysts in maintaining instruments and equipment, lab cleanliness and workspace efficiency.
• Troubleshoot analytical and instrument issues.
• Help schedule analytical work to meet sample holding times.
• Initiate corrective action and participate in root cause analysis.
• Conduct laboratory analysis.
• Maintain the laboratory information management system (LIMS); ensure data accuracy, investigate irregularities, prepare data for final review, and guarantee timely analysis and reporting.
• Support annual quality assurance audits, staff capability demonstration, lab proficiency testing, and corrective action system.
• Contribute data to annual reports, research publications, and presentations.
• Contribute expertise to new project development.
• Other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Limnology, Aquatic Ecology, Environmental Sciences, chemistry, physical or biological sciences, engineering, or a related field.
• At least 24 college semester credit hours of chemistry coursework.
• At least three years of work experience in environmental analysis in a NELAC/ELAP certified lab; a Master of Science can substitute one year of experience.
• Understanding of laboratory QA/QC practices and method development.
• Experience with specific analyses: conductance, pH, phosphorus, nitrate, ammonia, alkalinity, anions, color, CDOM, chlorophyll‑a, total nitrogen, dissolved organic carbon, ICP metals analysis, and microcystins.
• Understanding of various laboratory instrumentation and ability to calibrate and operate instruments including ICP‑OES, FIA, IC, TOC/N, pH/Cond.
• Experience training and supervising staff.
• Knowledge of water sampling techniques and equipment.
• Proven ability to multitask.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, multi‑tasking, collaborative environment.
• Ability to work independently.
• Experience working with a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to form a safe and inclusive campus community.

• Familiarity with the geography of the Adirondack region.
• Driver’s license and driving record acceptable to the College’s insurance carrier.

• Environmental Conditions
  :
  Work is performed in an indoor laboratory with normal temperature ranges; noise of a busy office setting may be expected; work spaces may be crowded.
• Lifting and Carrying
  :
  Ability to lift up to 10 lb regularly; frequent lifting of light to moderate weight items.
• Mobility
  :
  Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and spend extended time on feet.
• Dexterity & Hand‑Eye Coordination
  :
  Manual dexterity for precise equipment; fine motor skills for laptop work; clear penmanship; ability to reach overhead or below knee level.
• Sensory Requirements
  :
  Good vision (color vision) with corrective lenses if necessary; good hearing with assistive devices if necessary.

Paul Smith’s College is an equal opportunity employer. Position descriptions are created that focus on essential functions, using inclusive language, and avoid unnecessary or discriminatory requirements.