Job Descriptions

DEFINITION

Under general direction, plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs the daily operation of the City’s Water Quality Control Laboratory. Responsible for the overall technical quality of the work performed in the Laboratory and for assuring the use of standard methods. This is a working supervisor position.

This classification is assigned to the miscellaneous bargaining unit for labor relations purposes and is subject to overtime and call-back assignments.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General direction is provided by the Water Quality Control Division Manager.

Responsibilities include direct and indirect supervision of Technical Staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, develops, and implements or directs the implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities relating to operation, and improvement of the wastewater treatment facility and related facilities.
• Participates in the development of the wastewater treatment operations unit budget; forecasts additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors; expenditures; implements mid-year adjustments.
• Acts as liaison between laboratory and regulatory agencies and laboratory users.
• Reviews all data before it is reported as final. Assures that results from different parameters of a sample correlate.
• Oversees the scheduling of projects and the completion of tasks within the required time schedule and sample hold times. Monitors progress of projects and communicates with laboratory staff and users as required.
• Oversees the Chain of Custody (COC) sample trams into the laboratory and assures that data handling and COC records are organized accessible.
• Participates in recruitment and selection activities; makes recommendations for appointment of new staff; assists with staff orientation and training.
• Supervises staff including provision of timely performance evaluations; recommends and implements approved discipline; provides staff development; and maintains high standards necessary for efficient, professional operations; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination actions.
• Assists in establishing budget guidelines; reviews unit expenditures.
• Builds and maintains respectful, positive working relationships with staff, supervisors, outside agencies and the public using principles of good customer service; provides effective conflict resolution, as needed.
• Attends assigned meetings and training; interacts with outside agencies; provides leadership for teams, or committees, as needed.
• Supervise, prioritize, and schedule the work of laboratory personnel engaged in the analysis of wastewater, potable water, industrial wastewater, sludge and related substances.
• Supervise the performance of chemical and bacteriological tests and analyses for compliance with Regional Water Quality Control Board, National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permits, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water and other regulations.
• Schedule and coordinate the sampling and analyses of potable water, wastewater, and special projects performed by outside laboratories and in house analyses.
• Plan and develop new laboratory techniques and evaluate new instruments.
• Prepare billing data for industrial wastewater users.
• Represent City at various workshops, conferences and other meetings as required.
• Prepare reports; compile and record data for analysis.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and methods used in complex chemical, biological, bacteriological and physical analyses of potable water and/or wastewater.
• Proper sampling techniques.
• Methods and processes of potable water or wastewater treatment, including applicable regulations governing potable water and wastewater treatment operations.
• Analytical, organic and in organic chemistry.
• Budgeting principles and techniques.
• Analytical instruments used in potable water and wastewater analyses.
• Supervisory skills and experience related to the management of a water/wastewater laboratory.
• Methods and practices used in the supervision and training of personnel.
• Safe working practices and procedures.

Ability to:

• Prepare and maintain a variety of complex technical records and reports.
• Analyze laboratory data, water quality data, and potable water and wastewater treatment plant data and utilize results in modifying analytical procedures.
• Utilize laboratory equipment used in potable water and wastewater treatment analyses.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work.
• Utilize Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel for report writing.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Supervise, train and evaluate personnel.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Experience:

Requires a minimum of five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in the water/wastewater laboratory environment, including one (1) year of supervisory experience.

Education:

Possession of Bachelor of Science or Arts Degree in chemistry, biology or a closely related field.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

Possession of an appropriate, valid, Class C Driver's License and proof of automobile liability insurance at the time of appointment, to be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

Possession of a Grade III Laboratory Analyst Certification from the California Water Environment Association or a Grade III Water Quality Laboratory Analyst Certification from the CA-NV Section of the American Water Works Association at the time of appointment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Maintain the following physical abilities: see well enough to read, write and make observations, operate hand and power tools, vehicles and heavy equipment; hear well enough to converse on the radio, telephone and in person; bodily mobility to walk, bend, stand, crouch or climb for extended periods of time, operate assigned equipment and vehicles and perform heavy manual labor for extended periods; ability to tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing essential functions and be able to lift equipment on a frequent basis 25lbs, and an occasional basis of 50lbs.