Laboratory Supervisor-Water Reclamation

Performs difficult professional chemistry and biology work in a wastewater treatment plant laboratory necessary for the monitoring of municipal wastewater operations.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class performs and oversees a variety of chemical, biological, and microbiological tests designed to produce safe operation of domestic and commercial waste treatment. Work includes establishing analysis schedules and timetables, troubleshooting process problems, conducting laboratory procedures, and preparing necessary reports and maintenance of records and files in a state-certified laboratory.  The employee participates in plant monitoring and problem-solving to ensure compliance with permitted discharge levels. The employee is subject to hazards associated with wastewater and chemical work including exposure to electrical current, and chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and poor ventilation.  The employee may be required to wear a respirator.   Work is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on blood borne pathogens.  Work is performed under general supervision and is reviewed for conformance to testing and reporting procedures and accuracy.

Supervises and participates in the operation of a state-certified laboratory for the analysis of industrial and domestic wastewater; reviews and analyzes results and communicates any problems to operators and supervisors.

Supervises and performs a variety of standardized laboratory tests and analysis of wastewater, raw and treated water samples to determine efficiency of treatment.  

Supervises the preparation of solutions and reagents.

Supervises and performs tests to determine ph, alkalinity, biological oxygen demand, total suspended solids, toxicity, nitrite, mercury, PFAS, fecal coliform, and other tests.

Interprets laboratory tests and prepares required reports.

Supervises the maintenance of an inventory of chemicals, solutions, culture media, required forms, and other laboratory supplies; orders supplies as needed.  

Performs quality control program on equipment and supplies to assure reliable test results; maintains laboratory equipment in proper operating order; calibrates equipment; performs knowns and unknowns testing and maintains state laboratory certification.

Supports and maintains the City’s state-certified water laboratory status for bacteriological (BacT) analysis; oversees BacT sampling, testing, quality control, and documentation, including special non-compliant water samples submitted for regulatory review. Ensures all BacT procedures meet state certification requirements.

Analyzes data, interprets results, consults with, informs, and advises plant personnel about controls to be used, defects found, or changes in treatment process; participates in problem-solving regarding process control; conducts methodology experiments to identify process control strategies.

Participates in hiring; trains, assigns and monitors work, provides performance coaching and evaluation with assigned staff.

Coordinates contracted laboratory analysis; reviews results.

Inputs data to create regulatory reports such as DMRs.

Backs up operators as needed.

Backs up other staff as needed.

Performs additional related tasks as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of modern laboratory techniques, materials, and equipment, including those used in complex chemical and biochemical analysis of water and wastewater.

Considerable knowledge of laws, regulations, ordinances and policies regarding wastewater treatment, the requirements of the City’s NPDES permit, residuals management, land application, and regulatory reporting.

Thorough knowledge of the principles of organic and inorganic chemistry.

Thorough knowledge of the application of information technology to the work including spreadsheets, automated sampling equipment, complex laboratory equipment, databases and office technology.

Considerable knowledge of the operating principles and processes of a wastewater treatment plant.

Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices including leadership, training, communications, motivation, performance coaching and evaluation.

Some knowledge of the City’s personnel and purchasing policies and procedures.

Skill in collaborative conflict resolution, teamwork and customer contact.

Ability to read and interpret technical federal guidelines on wastewater treatment procedures and tests and industrial pretreatment program requirements.

Ability to interpret City ordinances and state regulations related to water and wastewater treatment and industrial pretreatment.

Ability to prepare laboratory reagents and assemble laboratory apparatus for chemical and biological analysis.   

Ability to take water and sewage samples and perform the necessary laboratory tests.

Ability to prepare and keep accurate records and prepare reports.

Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Ability to perform mathematical calculations and record data accurately.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, superiors, and contracting agencies.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in chemistry, environmental science or related field, and laboratory experience; prefer some supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a North Carolina Wastewater Operator Grade I certification within 12 months of hire is required.

Possession of a North Carolina Wastewater Operator Grade II certification is preferred.

Must be able to perform the basic life functions of stooping, crouching, reaching, standing, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, and repetitive motions.

Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally; and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Must possess visual acuity to prepare and analyze laboratory results, data, and figures, to operate a microcomputer, and to perform visual inspection of measurement devices.