Description

This posting is expected to close on 4/30/24.

General Statement of Duties

Under direction, this exempt position supervises, assigns, reviews and participates in the work of staff responsible for providing laboratory services in support of wastewater and water treatment operations and permit compliance; ensures work quality and adherence to established policies and procedures; ensures training on proper laboratory test procedures and sample collection processes; performs the more technical and complex tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

Supervision Received

Works under the direct supervision of the Director of Operations.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervisory duties include, but not limited to:
  • Handling personnel activities such as general management and guidance of assigned employees, job scheduling, interviewing applicants, and assisting in timely performance evaluations.
  • Completing employment records such as the review and approval of time sheets, disciplinary documentation and work-related accident/illness paperwork.
  • Responsible for employee safety issues such as new hire safety orientation, ensuring employees have appropriate personal protective equipment and conducting staff safety meetings.
  • Responsible for talent development and retention of assigned staff.
• Preparing periodic technical reports and presentations.
• Assume a high level, in-depth scientific leadership and mentoring role of staff responsible for performing chemical, biological, and physical tests of water and wastewater to determine the efficiency of the plant processes and to meet permit compliance.
• Responsible for successful implementation of storm water program including permitting and annual reports.
• Directs sampling, specialized and complex analysis of drinking water, wastewater, storm water and biosolids to determine the efficiency of plant operations and to ensure compliance with State and EPA regulations.
• Provides technical expertise for documentation authoring and review (i.e. laboratory and environmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Standard Analytical Procedures (SAP)).
• Researches and approves technical training for laboratory staff.
• Coordinate and monitor contract laboratory services as necessary. Schedules and tracks tests such as drinking water organics performed by outside labs.
• Complies with State and EPA regulatory agencies by preparing written and verbal reports. For example: Consumer Confidence and Regulation 85 reports and/or Discharge Monitoring Reports.
• Maintains laboratory SDWA certification.
• Responsible for reporting of required SDWA, CWA samples and tests.
• Ensures laboratory chemicals are properly inventoried, stored and maintained in inventory. Provides SDS for appropriate disposal procedures and obtaining disposal manifest.
• Approves all purchase orders for chemicals, supplies and new or replacement equipment for lab. Approves purchases of maintenance contracts on laboratory equipment.
• Oversees the safe handling of chemicals in the laboratory.
• Develops lab research projects to provide other departments with sound decision making data.
• Interacts with regulatory officials as needed for both analytical testing clarification and permitting purposes.
• Demonstrates leadership aptitude in technical functions and people management. Achieves results through people by successful objective setting, performance review, motivation, delegation, teambuilding, empowerment and leading by example.
• Implement and maintain the quality assurance program.
• Oversees Laboratory budget and develops project management plans in accordance with the PWSD Strategic Planning guidance.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of water quality analysis.
• Responsible for monthly customer reporting and invoicing.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversees receipt and storage of chemicals in appropriate environment per the SDS and follows safety and operating procedures.
• Provide customer support and respond to customer complaints as necessary.
• Directs customer water quality questions to correct lab personnel.
• Liaison to PWSD leadership to ensure District Objectives are met.
• Active in PWSD Safety Program.
• Attends technical and safety training meetings, courses and seminars as required.
• Performs routine physical cleanup and housekeeping of work areas, equipment, and buildings using standard cleaning equipment and material.
• Performs other duties as assigned which may be outside the primary area of responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Solid knowledge of State and EPA water and wastewater regulations including permitting requirements.
• Solid knowledge of chemistry, biology, mathematics, and water quality associated with water/wastewater treatment processes.
• Solid knowledge of specialized lab equipment with multiple logic functions. For example: ICP, Segmented Flow Analyzer, Total Organic Carbon, dissolved oxygen meters, pH meters, and spectrophotometer.
• Knowledge of statistical data analysis.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Solid computer knowledge including, but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and lab specific software such as Sample Master LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) and LIMS Interface.
• Solid knowledge of safety procedures and use of personal protective equipment and ability to apply safety principles on all job tasks. Ability to anticipate unsafe circumstances, act accordingly to prevent accidents, and promptly report accidents and hazardous conditions.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, organize activities to complete tasks in accordance with priorities, address multiple demands and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with broad direction and limited supervision. Ability to effectively organize and oversee the work of assigned personnel. Ability to work effectively with other supervisors, co-workers, and contractors and deal tactfully with the public.
• Ability to follow verbal directions, and written policies and procedures accurately and completely.

Qualifications / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences from an accredited college or university.
• Five years of supervisory experience strongly preferred or demonstrated leadership ability.
• Minimum of five years of water/wastewater laboratory experience.
• Must have a valid Colorado driver’s license and a Motor Vehicle Record within the Acceptable or no less than Borderline Rating according to the Vehicle Policy.

Working Conditions / Physical Activities

• Monday through Friday, weekends and after hours as needed.
• Work may take place outside in all weather conditions. May be exposed to risks typically associated with water, chemicals, electricity and other man-made and natural hazards.
• Lifting and handling objects up to 50 pounds occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds frequently.
• Full range of body movements including stooping, twisting, kneeling, bending, leaning, reaching, climbing (heights), stretching and working in awkward positions.
• Vision is needed for reading, recording and interpreting information; speech and hearing are used to communicate with other employees over the telephone, two-way radio and in person.
• May work in a wastewater plant where noise, irritants, dust, dirt, bacteria, hazardous chemicals/air/materials and fumes are always present. May come into contact with raw wastewater.

Benefits Overview

Parker Water & Sanitation offers a robust benefits program including: 

• Low-cost health premiums 

• 100% District paid dental and vision insurance 

• District HSA contribution for those on our HDHP insurance 

• Social Security Replacement program – 401(a) 

• 457 (b) retirement plan with District match up to 5%, fully vested right away 

• 100% District paid Short- and Long-Term Disability 

• 100% District paid Life and Disability Insurance (2x annual salary) 

• Tuition Reimbursement up to $5250 per year 

• Employee Wellness program 

For a more in-depth overview of the many benefits PWSD offers please visit www.pwsd.org/careers and click on the Total Rewards Program link.