Laboratory Supervisor

City of Modesto•Modesto, CA

About The Position

The Laboratory Supervisor plans, organizes, directs, and supervises staff and operations supporting the City’s Laboratory and Environmental Monitoring Program. The position maintains laboratory consistency and manages compliance with federal and state mandates, approved standards, and quality assurance and control requirements related to storm water and pretreatment sampling and industrial discharges into the City’s wastewater collection system. The supervisor directs monitoring, sampling, and record keeping associated with discharge-permit compliance. The role oversees laboratory analysis and program administration, supervises Industrial and Water Quality Control sampling and testing programs, coordinates client and contractual services, and supports laboratory development and accreditation for regulatory submissions. The position also contributes to budgeting, staff selection and development, equipment purchasing recommendations, operational reporting, safety, and communication with City and community groups. Work is performed primarily in an indoor laboratory, with frequent duties outdoors and at offsite or remote locations. The job may involve exposure to year-round weather, noise, chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances. Occasional overtime and weekend work may be required; travel is rare. Applicants must submit a City application and online supplemental questionnaire. The questionnaire is the training and experience exam and is weighted 100%. Salary depends on the candidate’s experience. Upcoming education incentives are listed as 2.5% for a bachelor’s degree and 5% for a master’s degree.

Requirements

Three years of increasingly responsible experience performing laboratory analyses and/or laboratory work emphasizing environmental monitoring, sampling, and analysis of water, wastewater, or closely related environmental samples, including one year of supervisory responsibility.
Education equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in chemistry, biology, environmental science, physical sciences, or a related field.
Possess, or be able to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.
Obtain a valid Grade II Laboratory Analyst Certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association within two and a half years of appointment.
Obtain a valid Grade III Laboratory Analyst Certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association within four years of appointment.
Complete hazardous-material 40-hour First Responder Training, as prescribed by the State Office of Emergency Services, within two years of appointment.
Knowledge of water and wastewater pretreatment, sampling, and testing principles and practices, and related laboratory practices and procedures.
Knowledge of equipment, tools, and materials used in laboratory and environmental monitoring programs.
Knowledge of supervision, training, performance evaluation, budget monitoring, safety management, and program planning and development.
Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations; chemical, biological, physical, and environmental sciences; environmental sampling and testing; and the functions of environmental health and regulatory agencies.
Knowledge of office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and applicable word-processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
Ability to organize, implement, and direct laboratory and environmental monitoring programs and staff to ensure compliance with federal and state programs.
Ability to develop and recommend policies and procedures, learn City Environmental Compliance Program policies and procedures, and interpret and apply City and department policies, rules, and regulations.
Ability to assist with developing and monitoring a budget and to analyze and interpret environmental and laboratory data to reach valid conclusions.
Ability to operate technical equipment used in laboratory sampling, testing, and environmental monitoring.
Ability to represent the Laboratory and Environmental Services Section in contacts with the public, businesses, engineers, architects, and City staff; establish effective working relationships; and communicate clearly orally and in writing.
Ability to operate office equipment, including computers and supporting word-processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Physical requirements include frequent keyboard use, prolonged sitting, repetitive motion, writing, grasping, holding, reaching, frequent reading and close-up work, and frequent hearing and talking. Occasional bending, kneeling, or squatting is required; lifting is frequently up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds.
Vision requirements include constant overall vision and frequent color and depth vision. The position requires frequent decision-making, concentration, and contact with the public and coworkers; working alone is occasional.

Responsibilities

Recommend and assist with implementing goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for laboratory analysis and program administration; and implement policies and procedures.
Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, and review staff work in Industrial and Water Quality Control sampling and testing programs in accordance with regulations, standards, and quality assurance requirements.
Evaluate assigned operations and activities, recommend improvements or modifications, and prepare operational reports.
Participate in budget preparation and administration, prepare cost estimates and justifications, and monitor and control expenditures.
Participate in staff selection, provide or coordinate training, address performance deficiencies, and implement discipline procedures.
Recommend purchases of laboratory equipment based on cost effectiveness or regulatory needs.
Coordinate with the Water Services Division and other clients to meet monitoring, sampling, testing, and reporting needs.
Oversee development and accreditation of the laboratory for submissions to federal and state regulatory agencies.
Monitor and coordinate contractual services related to effluent discharge, storm water, and pretreatment sampling activities.
Meet with City and community groups and committees to discuss laboratory results and monitoring issues.
Maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, City employees, and the public through good customer service.
Maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
Perform related duties as assigned.