Laboratory Manager

DEFINITION
Under general administrative direction, plans, manages, organizes, and directs the activities of the Company’s Laboratory Division, provides technical direction for the operation and certification of a public laboratory, develops and manages division budget, and manages the Company’s pollution prevention and pretreatment programs, including annual recertification, data integrity, quality assurance, reporting, and regulatory compliance.
This position exercises supervision and direction over lower-level classifications within the Laboratory Division. May act as a leader for assigned Company teams and projects, and as such, may coordinate or oversee the work of other staff directly related to the assigned activity.

TYPICAL DUTIES
Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Plan, direct, organize, and oversee the day-to-day operations of a public laboratory and the Laboratory Division and related pollution prevention and pretreatment programs, the preparation, and implementation of operating procedures, and the allocation of divisional resources and functional responsibilities.
Manage and participate in the development and implementation of short- and long-term goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned functions and programs; recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
Develop and monitor a division budget and participate in the Company’s budget cycle and preparation.
Select, train, motivate, and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees on performance issues and make disciplinary recommendations.
Ensure completion of division work activities in a manner consistent with the Company’s policies and procedures, and applicable laws, codes, statutes, and regulations; identify revised or new policies and procedures to address changes in work processes, legal requirements, and regulatory considerations. Stay abreast of regulatory, legislative, and industry changes that impact the Company’s operations and recommend approaches to address these changes, including advocacy, as needed.
Supervise, participate in, and oversee staff providing services and administering programs of the Laboratory Division, pollution prevention, and pretreatment programs.
Ensure regulatory compliance for all laboratory and environmental programs and laboratory operations including agreements for stormwater inspection, solid waste management, and waste diversion or reduction.
Develop and draft specific language and detailed provisions of new or revised ordinances for inclusion in the Company code related to laboratory operations and quality assurance, pollution preventions, discharge, and other water quality standards or requirements.
Develop and administer laboratory related plans and programs mandated by the regional boards and other regulatory bodies.
Perform periodic audits, proficiency testing, reporting, and data or process reviews as mandated for laboratory and pollution prevention and pretreatment program compliance.
Develop pretreatment audit preparation plans for third-party auditors and write pretreatment audit responses, act as point of contact for laboratory and pretreatment program audits.
Coordinate response to claims and litigation in cooperation with the Company’s Counsel and indemnity coverage providers as directed.
Gather and accumulate information and data on developments and trends in applicable legislation, rules, regulations, and professional practices of related industries.
Prepare a variety of analyses, reports, schedules, recommendations, and position papers work on programs and special projects of laboratory and pollution prevention programs.
Coordinate division activities with other Company departments and divisions during the course of business and as part of an emergency or disaster plan.
Prepare recommendations, reports, and other materials; make presentations to management, the Company, agencies, industry organizations, and the public; and represent the Company at meetings, seminars, and conferences.
Effectively perform other work duties and responsibilities consistent with the position on an as-needed and/or assigned basis.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Principles, practices, and functions of laboratory operations in public utility water and wastewater quality control.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations related to the work.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards applicable to the National Pollution Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) permitting requirements.
Legal and regulatory requirements applicable to water and wastewater treatment, water quality laboratory analysis, continuous industrial waste monitoring and reporting.
Chemical laboratory and water quality control principles, standards, practices, and technical support functions.
Sampling methodology under EPA protocols.
Wastewater pretreatment technologies and applications.
Techniques for preparing long and short-term departmental service projections, budget requests, and supportive justification.
Techniques used in estimating time, material, and supply cost estimates.
Principles of supervision, techniques for training, motivating, and developing employee skills and conducting formal performance evaluations.
Methods and techniques of data analysis and reporting, creating accurate documentation, and effective presentation techniques.
Organization and functions of an elected board of directors, the Brown Act and other laws and regulations governing the conduct of public meetings.
Principles and practices of research analysis and management.
Principles and practices of budget preparation, implementation, and monitoring.
Practices of coordinating operations with outside agencies.
Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.

SKILLS
Organize, implement, and direct department operations and activities, develop, implement, interpret, explain, and enforce effective operating standards, and department policies, and procedures.
Perform mathematical, statistical, geometric and algebraic calculations common to water quality control laboratory analysis and public agency budget work.
Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, and procedures, work standards and internal controls in support of department activities.
Prepare, administer, adhere to, and monitor department and program budgets.
Supervise, direct, mentor, coach, develop, and correct division staff; interpret and enforce administrative/operational policies, practices, and procedures.
Analyze complex administrative and program information and problems, evaluate alternative solutions and recommend or adopt effective courses of action.
Operate laboratory equipment, devices, and tools safely and effectively in normal and hazardous environments.
Effectively define and deliver optimum customer service at the most competitive cost and effort; work collaboratively and cooperatively in a team environment; develop and nurture self-directed work teams; seek out and encourage innovation and initiative from front line employees.
Exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex and confidential personnel and employee issues, sensitive situations, and concerned people and customers, both internal and external.
Prepare clear, concise and effective reports, presentations, correspondence, and other related documents communicating clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing.
Assure the provision of proper training and instruction to all employees to work safely and effectively.
Effectively utilize a variety of software and database programs to enter and track data, develop meaningful reports and schedules, and perform essential functions of the position.
Evaluate, plan and establish a sequence of action for work projects to progress; organize multiple work tasks data and records, maintain steady progress on various projects under pressure of varying deadlines.

EDUCATION
A Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a closely related field is required.

EXPERIENCE
Seven (7) years of experience in water quality control laboratory operations and compliance work at least two (2) years of which was in a water or wastewater treatment plant facility, and five (5) years of experience in pretreatment.
A valid California Class C driver’s license and insurability under the Company’s driving program
must always be maintained.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Occasionally transport, lift, and otherwise safely handle objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.
Occasionally operate the Company vehicles and electric carts.
Occasionally reach above shoulder level to access or place files, paperwork or binders, and related items on and off overhead cabinets.
Periodic kneeling, bending, and stooping to retrieve or place documents, files, and boxes on and off lower shelves, drawers, or ground level.
Perform simple grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation.
May be required to ascend and descend ladders and stairs; tolerate physical presence at heights of up to 75 feet on outdoor catwalks and exterior walkways of large structures.
May be required to operate safety devices and equipment and apply proper safety procedures.
Work in a normal office environment with controlled lighting, ventilation, and moderate noise levels.
May be required to work outside of normal business hours to respond to emergency situations or as training or operational needs require.
Periodic travel may be required for training, meetings, and other business purposes.
Frequent sitting at a desk for prolonged periods while using a computer or in meetings.
Regularly uses standard office equipment (keyboard, scanner, copier, telephone); intermittently twisting and reaching to operate other equipment without incapacitating adverse effects.
May be exposed to outside weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
May be exposed to power and noise producing tools and equipment.
This position may be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by the specific task or situation. The specific PPE required for the exposure will be listed in the standard operating procedures for the Laboratory Division

PLEASE NOTE: Our client has mandated COVID-19 vaccination for their workforce, all external personnel providing services to our client are required to comply with this requirement.

Compensation range: $65 to $76/hr