Water Laboratory Director

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Flexible schedule
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Laboratory Director to perform and oversee a variety of chemical, biological, and physical analyses on water samples. Beyond bench work, this role helps keep the lab running — supporting daily operations, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring the lab stays compliant and accreditation-ready. The ideal candidate has a strong background in laboratory science, a working knowledge of the state and federal regulations that govern water testing, hands-on experience with laboratory accreditation, and a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, analyze, and oversee the analysis of water samples using standardized laboratory procedures
• Perform tests using ICP-MS and Thermo Fisher Gallery
• Maintain accurate records of test results and review the work of other technicians
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, and manage instrument-maintenance schedules
• Ensure compliance with EPA, state, and local regulatory requirements, and stay current on federal and state drinking-water and environmental regulations as they change
• Support the pursuit, maintenance, and renewal of laboratory accreditations — including preparation for accreditation assessments, serving as a point of contact for auditors, and following through on corrective actions
• Lead and participate in quality control and quality assurance programs, and help own the quality management system
• Assist with and help coordinate lab audits, inspections, and reporting
• Train, guide, and help supervise junior lab staff, and support day-to-day lab workflow, throughput, and inventory

Qualifications

• Prior laboratory experience required, including analytical water or environmental testing
• Familiarity with applicable state and federal regulations and compliance requirements for water and environmental testing
• Familiarity with laboratory accreditation procedures and the maintenance of accreditations (e.g., TNI/NELAP, ISO/IEC 17025, or state accreditation programs)
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and laboratory software
• Ability to work independently and to lead within a team
• Associates degree in Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with EPA and Standard Methods for water and wastewater analysis
• Personnel management experience — training, scheduling, and supervising lab staff and enforcing standard operating procedures
• Operational experience — managing lab workflow, throughput, inventory, and instrument-maintenance programs to keep the lab running efficiently
• Familiarity with LIMS or other lab data management systems
• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field (90 credits in Chemistry)
• Master's degree or PhD

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Opportunities for professional development
• A collaborative work environment committed to safety and excellence
• Meaningful work that contributes to public health and environmental protection

Ready to Apply?

If you're a driven lab professional who takes pride in accurate results and wants a role where your expertise shapes how the lab runs, we'd like to hear from you. Help us protect public health, one sample at a time — and grow with a lab that's investing in its future.

Send your resume and a brief note about why this role fits by applying now. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applicants get first consideration.