Laboratory Supervisor, (A264210-9), 207, Wastewater Treatment

Supervises Laboratory Analysts. Plans and coordinates laboratory work. Reviews in-house and contracted lab results. Requests price quotes and orders supplies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff. Supervisory functions include: makes hiring and termination decisions; prioritizes assignments and directs work; develops and oversees employee work schedules and approves time away from work; provides and/or facilitates employee training and development; approves/processes employee concerns and problems and counsels or disciplines as appropriate; completes employee performance appraisals; determines or makes recommendations regarding new hire salaries and salary changes; and acts as liaison between employees and management.
• Plans and coordinates laboratory work, including recording results and performing quality control.  Coordinates with external laboratories to schedule special sampling as needed and communicates testing results to plan supervisors.  
• Maintains laboratory inventory supply ad ensures equipment is operating correctly.
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of laboratory management and operations
• Knowledge of wastewater analysis
• Knowledge of permits and regulations
• Knowledge of modern office procedures and methods including computers and applicable software
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision
• Knowledge of basic math

Skills and Abilities:

• Skill in organization and time management 
• Skill in performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
• Ability to analyze and interpret results
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous work and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements

Position will have the following exposures

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards.  Occasional outside work.
• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
• Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Work Environment Locations 

Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments
 
 Never

• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Construction site
• Confined space 
• Warehouse environment

Seldom

• Outdoor environment

Sometimes

• Vehicles

Often

• Office or similar indoor environment

Exposures 

Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements

Never

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Moving mechanical parts
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Seldom

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)

Sometimes

• Communicable diseases
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances

Frequently

• Fumes or airborne particles

Travel 

Position will require the employee to travel

Never:

• International travel

Seldom:

• Local travel
• Regional travel
• National travel

Required Education and Experience

• Associate's degree from an accredited* college or university in Environmental Science or Microbiology
• At least three (3) years of experience in water/wastewater laboratory analysis 

        *Council of Higher Education Accreditation (C.H.E.A)

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

•  State of Texas TCEQ Plant Operation License is desirable. 

The following Licenses and/or Certifications must be obtained after employment. Continued employment is contingent on successfully obtaining required certification(s) and/or license(s) within the specified period of time indicated from the time of hire.

•  Lab analyst certification from Texas Water Utilities Association must be obtained within one (1) year of employment.