Laboratory Manager

JOB SUMMARY: To safely and effectively manage the Utilities Department Laboratory which performs analytical work for the Water Division, the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Landfill; to oversee the operation and maintenance of the Laboratory and its equipment and coordinate all analyses done by contract laboratories for the Public Works and Utilities Department.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS this job class functions at a full supervisory level, which includes training, directing, coordinating, and formally evaluating the work of subordinate personnel and overseeing the Laboratory operations.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES :

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Coordinates the performance of a variety of laboratory chemical, biological, and bacteriological analyses to determine wastewater treatment compliance with State and Federal agency requirements and for process control
• Coordinates the performance of bacteriological and chemical analyses of the Citys drinking water
• Oversees analyses of groundwater and gas for the City Landfills monitoring program
• Oversees the operation and maintenance of the Laboratory and its equipment; implements laboratory quality assurance program; and maintains the Laboratorys accreditation with the Department of Health Services
• Supervises the performance of qualitative and quantitative analyses of drinking water, ground water, wastewater and sludge samples
• Maintains a variety of records related to laboratory tests and operations; prepares daily and periodic reports on lab data; produces analytical reports for the different divisions
• Oversees the collection of samples and maintenance of sampling equipment
• Trains, directs, and formally evaluates the work of plant operators and laboratory technicians in proper and safe laboratory procedures, operations, and analyses
• Assures that staff are properly trained in safety procedures and hazardous materials spill containment
• Requisitions laboratory supplies
• Makes decisions about capital item purchases and makes budget requests
• Coordinates contract laboratory services for the Department
• Ensures that all safety regulations are communicated and followed

• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

• general principles and methods of chemical, biological, and bacteriological tests commonly performed for water/wastewater analyses
• laboratory safety and equipment care and maintenance
• chemicals and equipment used in water quality analyses
• chemical, physical and bacteriological characteristics of influents, effluents, drinking water, groundwater, and drainage waters
• the methods and standards issued by the EPA and California State Department of Health Services for water sampling and analysis

Ability to:

• manage an environmental laboratory
• operate, maintain, and calibrate analytical instruments and equipment
• determine appropriate sampling procedures
• interpret laboratory data as acquired
• prepare budget estimates and control expenditures
• keep accurate and legible records and prepare clear, concise reports
• train, direct, monitor, and formally evaluate the work of others in a supervisory capacity
• develop sampling strategies and techniques for gathering samples for analyses
• effectively and tactfully communicate in both oral and written forms
• establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE :

The Laboratory Manager shall be designate as a Laboratory Director as defined in the California Code of Regulations for a Certificated Environmental Laboratory. The following educational and experience requirements must be meet with the exception of (A) noted below.

1. Possesses at least a baccalaureate degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental, sanitary or public health engineering, natural or physical science.
2. Has at least three years experience in the analysis of water, wastewater, solid waste, hazardous waste or other environmental samples. The experience requirement shall be satisfied from relevant work experience prior to the person having obtained the position of Laboratory Director. A master's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental, sanitary or public hearing engineering, natural or physical science may be substituted for one year of the required experience. A doctorate in chemistry, biochemistry, environmental, sanitary or public hearing engineering, biology, microbiology, natural or physical science may be substituted for two years of the required experience.

1. Under Section 4025 of the Health and Safety Code, or Section 13176 of the Water Code, the requirements for Laboratory Director may be fulfilled by possession of a Laboratory Analyst/Water Quality Analyst Certificate from the California Water Environmental Association (CWEA) or the California-Nevada Section of the American Water Works Association (CA-NV/AWWA). The minimum grade of the above certificate acceptable is a Grade III and a Grade IV is highly desirable.

LICENSE & CERTIFICATION :

• A valid Class C California Drivers license, including a safe driving record
• A grade III Laboratory Analyst Certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) or equivalent
• A grade IV Laboratory Analyst Certificate issued by CWEA is preferred

If the qualifying education and experience minimum requirements are met upon hire, employee may obtain CWEA grade III Laboratory Analyst Certification within twelve months or prior to the completion of probation.

The candidate selected will be appointed for a 12-month probationary period. Names of successful candidates who do not receive a job offer will be placed on an employment list that normally remains effective for one year. The Human Resources Department may abolish an Employment list at any time the needs of the City so require. This position is represented by the Mid Management bargaining group.

Prior to appointment to the position of Laboratory Manager, a medical examination and Department of Justice Livescan fingerprinting will be required.

The City of Watsonville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages workplace diversity. The City of Watsonville is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act by including people with disabilities in all of its programs and activities.