Laboratory Superintendent

Laboratory Superintendent

Under the general guidance and leadership of the Director of Public Works, the Laboratory Superintendent manages and directs all activities of the City's certified environmental laboratory and Industrial Pretreatment Program. This position serves as the designated Technical Director in accordance with NELAP and FDOH standards and ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This is highly responsible supervisory, administrative and technical work involving laboratory operations, regulatory reporting, permitting, and environmental compliance for wastewater, potable water and industrial pretreatment programs. The Superintendent ensures the integrity and defensibility of all laboratory data and serves as the final authority for approval prior to submission. Responsibility includes budgeting, procurement, capital planning, and oversight of laboratory improvements, equipment, and operations. The Superintendent serves as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies and works collaboratively with City leadership and departments on environmental compliance matters.

This is an emergency essential position that requires performance of emergency duties and actions to prepare, repair, and recover the City before, during, and after any adverse storm events (hurricane, tornado, tropical storm, flooding, winter storms, ice storm, etc.) or other conditions (natural or manmade).

Essential duties include:

• Leading laboratory and industrial pretreatment program operations, including team members, interviews, scheduling, training and day-to-day management.
• Supervising team members and overseeing hiring, mentorship, discipline and evaluation.
• Developing and enforcing laboratory policies, procedures and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Serving as NELAP Technical Director and ensuring compliance with all certification and regulatory requirements, including FDOH standards.
• Reviewing and approving all laboratory data prior to regulatory or internal distribution.
• Maintaining QA/QC programs, certification, and Quality Manual.
• Coordinating audits, inspections, and corrective actions.
• Interfacing with regulatory agencies regarding permits, compliance, and violations.
• Directing permitting, inspections, monitoring, and enforcement activities.
• Implementing enforcement actions and supporting ordinance development and updates.
• Preparing and managing budgets for laboratory and pretreatment operations.
• Overseeing procurement, inventory, and equipment acquisition.
• Coordinating planning and implementation of laboratory improvements and projects.
• Overseeing laboratory analyses and ensuring proper operation and maintenance of equipment.
• Coordinating with plant and collection system staff to address operational and compliance issues.
• Interfacing with contract laboratories for specialized testing.
• Preparing and submitting regulatory reports and documentation.
• Collaborating with City leadership, departments, and external stakeholders on environmental matters.
• Enforcing laboratory safety standards and supporting emergency operations.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, abilities and skills include:

• Ability to communicate professionally, effectively, cooperatively and in a team-focused manner both orally and in writing.
• Strong ability to lead teams in an effective, efficient manner from a technical and managerial perspective including setting parameters and processes for success.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from citizens, regulatory agencies or members of the business community.
• Skills in preparing, presenting and training via presentations.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Ability to independently learn third-party software.
• Ability to develop training material on new products, processes and procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of environmental laboratory operations, QA/QC programs, and NELAP requirements.
• Knowledge of industrial pretreatment programs, permitting, and enforcement.
• Knowledge of wastewater, potable water, and environmental systems.
• Ability to manage personnel, budgets and complex regulatory programs.
• Ability to interpret and apply environmental laws and regulations.
• Ability to research new methods and procedures for possible application to City operations.
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects/tasks in a professional, efficient, cohesive and successful manner.
• Ability to multitask and maintain a strong level of organization with evolving and changing priorities.
• Ability to work independently and as a team on complex projects/tasks.
• Ability to compose effective and professional correspondence and deal with non-routine and complex work issues with minimal direction or input.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy and thoroughness with reasonable speed.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional, effective, cooperative and team-focused working relationships with team members, leaders, consultants, other departments, external business partners and the general public.
• Skill in laboratory instrumentation, analytical methods, and troubleshooting.
• Skill in planning, organizing, and implementing laboratory and pretreatment operations.
• Proficiency in computer systems for data management, reporting, and budgeting.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree in chemical, environmental, biological, or physical science, or engineering, including:

1. 16 semester hours of chemistry
2. 16 semester hours of microbiology/biological sciences

• Minimum of ten (10) years of environmental laboratory experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in industrial pretreatment program management preferred.
• Prior experience serving as a NELAP Technical Director or equivalent preferred.
• FDEP "A" Wastewater Certification and/or "C" Drinking Water Certification desirable.
• Valid Driver's license.

A comparable combination of education, training, and experience may be considered in accordance with NELAP requirements.

Physical demands include:

• Occasionally - Lift/Carry: 20+ lbs., Push/Pull: 20+ lbs., Kneel, Climb, Reach above Shoulder and Reach Outward, Drive. Work at Heights
• Frequently - Lift/Carry: 10-20 lbs., Push/Pull: 10-20 lbs., Bend, Twist/Turn, Stand, Walk
• Constantly: Lift/Carry: 10 lbs. or less. Push/Pull: 10 lbs. or less. Sit, Type/Keyboard, Handling/Fine Motor Skills.

Work environment includes:

• Work is performed in laboratory and field settings.
• Exposure to chemicals, biological materials, and varying conditions may occur.

Risk/Safety Conditions include:

This position is responsible for regulatory compliance and public health. Errors or misrepresentations of data may result in environmental harm or regulatory action.