Wastewater Laboratory Supervisor

Under direction of the Municipal Utilities Manager, plan, direct, and supervise all functions of the Wastewater environmental services laboratory(ies). Exercise actual day-to-day supervision of laboratory operations including the analysis of water, wastewater, stormwater and related materials. Ensure sampling, monitoring and testing comply with city, state, and federal requirements for water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities. This position serves as the “Technical Manager”, “Laboratory Director” and/or “Quality Assurance/Quality Control Officer” for ensuring compliance with the State of California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) and The NELAC Institute (TNI) standards.

Incumbents assigned to this classification are capable of supervising lab staff performing advanced journey level work in chemical, biological, and bacteriological analysis of wastewater and related solids and liquids in support of efficient operation of water and wastewater treatment operations. Provide overall supervision and management of all aspects of the laboratory(ies). Individuals working in this classification are expected to ensure compliance with all requirements of local, state and federal law pertaining to the operations of an environmental services laboratory.

• Coordinate various laboratory administrative functions; monitor the ELAP certification; ensure compliance with State Water Resources Control Board requirements to maintain laboratory certification; develop, revise and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) and Quality Assurance/ Quality Control (QA/QC) program; communicate regularly with various regulatory agencies.
• Oversee and perform routine and advanced laboratory analysis, including detailed testing of wastewater to ensure meeting discharge requirement for NPDES permit.
• Conduct and coordinate a variety of special tests, studies, projects and research; collect, analyze and summarize data; identify problems regarding drinking water, wastewater and biosolids; prepare comprehensive reports on findings; provide recommendations related to implementation of solutions for compliance with regulations. Conduct a variety of chemical and bacteriological tests to determine composition and disposition of wastewater components.
• Prepare, review, and/or verify a variety of records and reports, including the NPDES permit and other regulatory requirements, and Quality Assurance/Quality Control records required for State Laboratory accreditation.
• Manage and participate in the quality assurance programs; develop and implement new methods for laboratory analysis consistent with EPA guidelines and the Manual of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater; develop and maintain SOPs and CHP.
• Conduct oral/written presentations to City staff and the public.
• Maintain test equipment and laboratory facilities.
• Order supplies and minor testing equipment.
• Operate a variety of equipment, such as atomic absorption spectrophotometer, dissolved oxygen meters, pH meters, and turbidimeters.
• Assist other departments with testing when requested.
• Plan, direct, coordinate, supervise, train, review and oversee the work of assigned laboratory staff.
• Effectively operate and maintain a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) software to ensure data quality, retention and adherence to all regulatory record keeping and chain of custody requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the job classification.

• Physical plant characteristics, seasonal changes in treatment system operation and available options in process operations.
• Steps to be taken to effectively communicate all requirements (and safety hazards)…