Environmental Lab - Admin - Division Manager - Environmental Lab

City of Abilene•Abilene, TX

13d

About The Position

Under the direction of the Director of Water Utilities, directs, manages, and oversees the operations and activities of the Environmental Laboratory Division for the City of Abilene, providing strategic leadership, administrative oversight, and technical direction to ensure the delivery of accurate, reliable, and timely laboratory services in support of water treatment, wastewater treatment, distribution and collection systems, watershed monitoring, and industrial pretreatment programs. Develops and implements division goals, objectives, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, accreditation requirements, and industry standards, safeguarding public health and environmental quality. Serves as the City’s primary technical authority and advisor on environmental laboratory compliance and analytical interpretation, providing expert guidance to departmental leadership while final utility-wide policy determinations and regulatory decisions remain under the authority of the Director of Water Utilities.

Requirements

Knowledge of Federal, state, and local regulations governing environmental laboratory operations, water quality monitoring, and wastewater compliance.
Principles of laboratory accreditation, quality assurance, quality control, and proficiency testing programs.
Strategic planning, organizational leadership, and performance management principles.
Public sector budgeting, financial forecasting, and capital planning.
Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and data governance best practices.
Modern analytical instrumentation and laboratory methodologies.
Occupational hazards and safety standards applicable to laboratory environments.
Skill to develop and implement strategic initiatives and operational improvements.
Interpret complex analytical and regulatory information and communicate findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
Analyze data trends and performance metrics to support decision-making.
Manage budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships effectively.
Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams.
Operate modern office and laboratory-related technology systems.
Safely operate a motor vehicle.
Ability to provide executive-level leadership while maintaining operational accountability.
Develop division-level policies and procedures consistent with departmental direction.
Exercise sound judgment in regulatory interpretation and risk mitigation.
Plan, organize, and direct complex programs in a highly regulated environment.
Communicate effectively with regulatory agencies, executive leadership, elected officials, and the public.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Lead, manage, and perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in environmental laboratory operations, water quality analysis, or related scientific field is preferred.
Four (4) years in a supervisory or management capacity is preferred.
Experience overseeing laboratory accreditation programs and regulatory compliance is required.
Experience in strategic planning, budgeting, and organizational leadership is preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental science, engineering, or related scientific discipline from an accredited institution is required.
Qualification to serve as an approved Technical Director in chemistry or microbiology in accordance with TCEQ laboratory accreditation requirements is required.
Valid Texas Driver’s License or ability to obtain within ninety (90) days of employment is required.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
A Class A Laboratory Certification (TWUA or equivalent) or the ability to obtain one within one (1) year of employment is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develops and executes short and long-term strategic plans for Environmental Laboratory Services aligned with Water Utilities Department goals.
Establishes division policies, procedures, quality assurance protocols, and best practices to ensure analytical accuracy, data integrity, and regulatory compliance.
Provides leadership oversight of laboratory accreditation programs and ensures continued compliance with NELAP, TCEQ, EPA, and other governing agencies.
Serves as the primary liaison with state and federal regulatory agencies on laboratory matters; prepares and reviews technical reports and represents the division during audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews.
Oversees the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and ensures proper data governance, security, traceability, and reporting accuracy.
Develops, monitors, and reports division performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and service excellence.
Prepares, administers, and monitors the division’s annual operating and capital budgets, including forecasting personnel, equipment, and infrastructure needs.
Evaluates emerging regulatory requirements, analytical technologies, and industry trends; recommends strategic improvements and modernization initiatives.
Ensures appropriate quality control monitoring of potable water, wastewater, distribution, collection systems, and related environmental programs.
Provides executive-level analysis and interpretation of complex analytical data and advises department leadership regarding operational impacts and regulatory risk.
Leads safety initiatives and ensures compliance with all applicable occupational health and safety standards within laboratory operations.
Coordinates with other divisions and departments to support operational troubleshooting, customer concerns, watershed protection, and system performance initiatives.
Oversees consultant and contractor engagements related to laboratory systems, equipment procurement, and facility improvements.
Fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, professional development, and continuous improvement.
Operate a personal or City vehicle to conduct city business.