Laboratory Supervisor                                         FLSA Status:  Exempt

General Definition of Work

Performs intermediate skilled technical work supervising and coordinating laboratory operations, participating in chemical, physical and bacteriology analysis and tests, preparing and maintaining validations, records and files, preparing reports, and related work as apparent or assigned.  Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Environmental Services Manager.  Divisional supervision is exercised over Laboratory Analyst.

 

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required and are not necessarily actual functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Essential Functions

Performs duties in accordance with the City's keys to excellent customer service; acts as a team or group leader in the implementation of adopted City outcomes and goals.

Supervises laboratory operations; ensures quality and compliance with requirements of state and federal regulatory agencies through monitoring and testing.

Schedules and prioritizes analytical work for North Carolina NPDES monitoring requirements.

Maintains a comprehensive laboratory quality control and assurance program to meet the state of North Carolina requirements ensuring high levels of quality from sample acquisition through data verification.

Supervises the research, development and implementation of new standard operating procedures and operational studies.

Assists the Environmental Services Manager with budget preparation, expense justification and budget controls.

Assists with developing, implementing and reviewing division goals, policies, procedures and objectives.

Supervises the maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment; arranges for repair or replacement of lab equipment when necessary.

Coordinates and supervises hazardous waste site removal.

Assists with spill and incident investigations, providing information and answering questions to the public when required; maintains documentation of incidents and conducts observations on-site for follow-up reporting.

Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates complaints and takes corrective action as necessary.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of the principles of organic and inorganic chemistry including qualitative and quantitative analysis; thorough knowledge of modern chemical laboratory procedures, techniques and equipment and skill in their use; thorough knowledge of state requirements for water treatment and effluents; general knowledge of elementary physics, physical chemistry and biochemistry; ability to prepare clear and accurate scientific reports; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and regulatory agency officials.

 

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree with coursework in environmental sciences, or related field and considerable experience in a municipal pretreatment program or water/wastewater laboratory, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

 

Physical Requirements

This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires standing, speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel and frequently walking and sitting; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using measuring devices, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work frequently requires exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and exposure to outdoor weather conditions and occasionally requires exposure to fumes or airborne particles; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

 

Special Requirements

Possession of or ability to obtain laboratory analyst certification required by the State of North Carolina.

Valid driver's license in the State of North Carolina.