Laboratory Superintendent

Salary : $60,736.00 Annually
Location : Panama City, FL
Job Type: Full- Time
Job Number: 20260508
Department: Public Works
Division: Wastewater Treatment
Opening Date: 05/08/2026
Salary: Salary/Hourly wages may be adjusted based upon experience within Step Plan Parameters.


MAJOR FUNCTIONS
Under the administrative direction 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

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

• Leads laboratory and industrial pretreatment program operations, including team members, interviews, scheduling, training and day-to-day management.
• Supervises team members and oversees hiring, mentorship, discipline and evaluation.
• Develops and enforces laboratory policies, procedures and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Serves as NELAP Technical Director and ensures compliance with all certification and regulatory requirements, including FDOH standards.
• Reviews and approves all laboratory data prior to regulatory or internal distribution.
• Maintains QA/QC programs, certification, and Quality Manual.
• Coordinates audits, inspections, and corrective actions.
• Interfaces with regulatory agencies regarding permits, compliance, and violations.
• Directs permitting, inspections, monitoring, and enforcement activities.
• Implements enforcement actions and supports ordinance development and updates.
• Prepares and manages budgets for laboratory and pretreatment operations.
• Oversees procurement, inventory, and equipment acquisition.
• Coordinates planning and implementation of laboratory improvements and projects.
• Oversees laboratory analyses and ensures proper operation and maintenance of equipment.
• Coordinates with plant and collection system staff to address operational and compliance issues.
• Interfaces with contract laboratories for specialized testing.
• Prepares and submits regulatory reports and documentation.
• Collaborates with City leadership, departments, and external stakeholders on environmental matters.
• Enforces laboratory safety standards and supports emergency operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• 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

• 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
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Summary :

• 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:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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

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

DISCLAIMER
These are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.


The City of Panama City is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative/ Action Employer.
Panama City Offers a complete benefits package to all full time employees. Below is a list of the benefits offered by the City.

For more detailed information about the benefits please reach out to the Human Resources Department.


WORK/ LIFE INTEGRATION

• 12 Days of Paid Time Off
• 12 Days of Paid Sick leave- 6 may be used for family
• 12 Days of Paid Holidays
• Birthday Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Military Leave
• Social Event Outings
• Employee Assistance Program

HEALTH & WELLNESS

• Medical Benefits-Team Member (ZERO cost option available)
• Family Member Benefits available (City supplemented premium)
• Dental Benefits (Premium paid in FULL for Team Members)
• Orthodontic coverage for children (under 19)
• Vision Benefits
• Blood Drives (ADDITIONAL Paid Time Off for participation)
• Wellness Incentive Program
• Health Savings Account/ Medical FSA

FINANCIAL WELLNESS

• General Employee Retirement Pension Fund (10% of annual compensation)
• Access to Professional Financial Advisory Services
• City Paid Life Insurance and AD&D ($50,000)
• Additional Life and AD&D coverage available for employees, spouse, and Children
• Short-term Disability (Paid in FULL by City)
• Long-term Disability (Paid in FULL by City)
• Accidental Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Education Assistance Program/ Tuition Reimbursement
• Job Stability & Security