Laboratory Manager

City of Raleigh North Carolina•Raleigh, NC

22h

About The Position

Raleigh Water, a division of the City of Raleigh, is seeking an experienced Laboratory Manager to lead and oversee laboratory and procurement support functions within the Water Treatment Division. The role supervises and develops employees, sets work priorities, evaluates performance, and ensures services are delivered effectively in alignment with organizational goals and customer expectations. The Laboratory Manager is responsible for operational planning, budget management, resource allocation, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. The position ensures accurate and timely reporting and documentation under applicable state and federal regulations and permit requirements. It also oversees quality assurance and quality control programs, document control and recordkeeping systems, standard operating procedures, and health and safety plans. Participation in ISO initiatives supports Raleigh Water’s objectives for operational excellence, accountability, regulatory compliance, and responsible stewardship of public resources. Raleigh Water’s Water Treatment Division protects public health and the environment through monitoring and regulatory compliance. Its Laboratory supports data quality, permit compliance, and informed operational decisions. The organization describes itself as mission-driven and committed to stewardship of public resources, innovation, and service to the Raleigh community.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Environmental Science, or a related field; alternatively, an equivalent combination of training and/or experience may be substituted.
Seven to nine years of professional-level laboratory sampling, testing, and analysis experience involving gas chromatography, mass spectroscopy, and related advanced analysis techniques, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Wastewater Laboratory Analyst Certification.
Biological Water Pollution Control System Operator certification.
Industrial Pretreatment, North Carolina Grade A Surface certification.
Valid North Carolina Class C driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record, or ability to obtain one within 60 days of hire.
Knowledge of chemical principles, theories, and methodologies; applicable federal, state, and local laboratory rules and regulations; instrumentation and testing methods; chemistry, microbiology, and environmental engineering; dimensional analysis and inferential statistics; budget management and purchasing procedures; Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater; analytical methods and laboratory procedures; specialized equipment operation and maintenance; sampling, hold times, and regulatory laboratory protocols; modern office practices and standard office and computer applications; Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and other relevant programs; and supervisory principles, practices, and techniques.
Skill in leading and motivating professional staff, resolving conflicts, monitoring and managing a budget, communicating verbally and in writing, using technology to manage complex data, analytical thinking, and data interpretation.
Ability to communicate expectations and goals, motivate employees, provide feedback, and assess performance; prepare detailed oral or written summaries of results and assist with interpretation; review internal and external audit reports and implement corrections; assist with implementation of new regulatory requirements; maintain a safe working environment; promote data integrity and provide departmental leadership; and configure and operate complex software systems.

Responsibilities

Supervise and evaluate employees, including overseeing hiring, work assignments, scheduling, training, and professional development.
Conduct performance appraisals, address employee concerns, administer disciplinary actions as appropriate, recommend salary adjustments, and serve as a liaison between employees and management.
Direct and evaluate staff functions and services, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
Promote a customer-focused culture by empowering employees to respond effectively to customer needs and expectations.
Manage financial planning, budgets, and resource allocation to promote operational efficiency and responsible stewardship of public funds.
Respond to internal and external stakeholder inquiries regarding laboratory procurement functions and services.
Review and approve monthly reports and supporting documentation to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal regulations and permit requirements.
Participate in ISO meetings to promote quality, safety, and operational efficiency.
Develop and update Water Treatment goals and objectives in alignment with Raleigh Water’s Strategic Plan.
Develop, implement, and maintain quality assurance and quality control plans, document control and recordkeeping systems, standard operating procedures, and health and safety plans.
Perform related work as required.