Laboratory Manager

Laboratory Director

Reporting directly to the Treatment Plant Operations Administrator. Professional and scientific position responsible for administering the operations of the County's environmental laboratory facility. The nature of the laboratory's work includes the sampling and analysis of potable, sewage, reclaimed, industrial and environmental waters; and reporting of data in conformance with various regulatory requirements and in support of County operations.

The position is responsible for the organization and management of all aspects of the laboratory, including staffing and staff development, budget, purchasing, scheduling, project planning, reporting, Quality Program development and implementation, and designing field studies; all in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. The position also ensures that the laboratory achieves and maintains the appropriate Florida Department of Health (DOH) certifications; provides technical expertise and advice to the Utilities Department regarding water quality issues, regulatory requirements and laboratory services; and coordinates with other County departments and outside regulatory agencies.

Work requires the exercise of considerable independent judgment and is reviewed through observation and reports for attainment of goals.

In the event of a natural or man-made disaster that may threaten the area, the employee will be required to perform emergency duties as directed.

Responsible for the effective management of the laboratory to ensure that water quality monitoring projects for the Utilities water and wastewater systems meet regulatory requirements and County goals, and that reports are accurate, complete, and timely.

Identifies and acts on opportunities for improvement of processes.

Plans and develops the laboratory's operational processes, including the Quality System; maintains appropriate laboratory certifications.

Ensures compliance with the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference NELAC/TNI Standards, applicable Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and DOH Rules, and 40 CFR Parts 136 and 141.

Coordinates and oversees the preparation of the laboratory's Quality Manual, SOP's, reports and forms.

Conducts an annual managerial review of the laboratory quality system and testing activities to ensure continuing suitability and effectiveness, and introduce changes or improvements to quality control and laboratory operations as appropriate.

Performs the functions of the Laboratory Quality Assurance Officer in their absence.

Conducts performance evaluations; issues counseling forms/disciplinary actions; handles employee complaints and grievances; recommends the hiring, termination and promotion of staff.

Promotes the professional/technical development of laboratory staff.

Directs staff in performing water quality sampling, chemical, biological, bacteriological, and physical examinations of potable, wastewater and environmental water.

Ensures all laboratory personnel are adequately qualified and trained.

Prepares reports for regulatory agencies; acts as liaison for State, County and Federal agencies in area of expertise.

Provides technical expertise and advice to the Utilities Department regarding water quality issues, regulatory requirements, and sampling and analytical methods.

Researches and prepares a variety of highly technical reports.

Conducts independent research and development of new analytical chemical and biochemical methods and the updating of routine analytical methods.

Instructs water/wastewater treatment plant personnel in the performance of various duties related to water quality monitoring and laboratory analysis.

Prepares specifications for laboratory equipment and contractual laboratory services.

Projects lab services, analytical equipment, space and personnel needs and prepares laboratory budget.

Responds to inquiries and complaints from water utility customers and general public.

Exercises educational opportunities to remain proficient in the field.

Performs work related to this job description as required.

Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of chemistry, biology, microbiology and environmental sciences.

Considerable knowledge of the methods of treating and testing of water and sewage systems.

Considerable knowledge of Federal and State laws and regulations relating to the monitoring of water supplies, wastewater effluent and reclaimed water.

Thorough knowledge of environmental sampling and analytical laboratory methods, procedures and techniques.

Skill in laboratory techniques and in following and adapting scientific methods and procedures.

Knowledge of administrative techniques, including planning, scheduling, training and budgetary control functions; and principles and techniques of effective supervision.

Skill in utilizing computers and standard software packages.

Ability to organize, supervise, establish priorities and assure high quality laboratory operations; and motivate and lead laboratory personnel in a positive and effective manner.

Ability to train staff in analytical methods, laboratory procedures, and instrument operation.

Ability to develop laboratory processes, monitoring projects and field studies to meet the needs of varied programs as well as regulatory compliance.

Ability to prepare clear, complete and concise technical reports and correspondence.

Ability to understand, interpret and explain County, departmental, and division policies and procedures.

Ability to develop sound recordkeeping and reporting procedures, computer programs; calculate and interpret analytical results; prepare accurate records and monthly reports.

Ability to communicate cordially and effectively, verbally and in writing, with co-workers, members of the public and regulatory agents.

Graduation from an accredited 4 year college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Sciences or closely related field and four (4) years of related experience in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Environmental Science and Utility work.

Must meet current NELAC Qualifications of Technical Director, in both education and applicable experience.

Additional qualifying education and/or experience which provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted one for the other on a year for year basis.

Water / Wastewater Utilities experience preferred.

Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License

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.

Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)

Acceptable hearing (with or without correction)

Ability to sit for long periods of time

Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, calculator, telephone, copier, and other related office equipment as necessary.

Occasional lifting over fifty (50) pounds and frequently lifting 10-25 pounds.

Occasional walking, standing, depth perception use, working speed, hand/wrist movement.

Frequent speaking, repetitive hand motion.

Very frequent color vision use.

Constant hearing, seeing.

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 primarily indoors occasionally works offsite in the field, attends meetings inside and outside.

Involves frequent interaction with people.

Ability to work in an environment with acids, bases and other laboratory chemicals, and microbiologically active samples.

Ability to work offsite in the field, requiring potential exposure to heat, humidity and other adverse environmental conditions.

Constant work with adequate lighting and ventilation.

Potentially exposed to a variety of known and unknown microbes in samples and cultures.