Laboratory Supervisor - Biology

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Laboratory Manager
Manager, Technical Services

POSITION SUMMARY
This position is directly responsible for supervising all laboratory personnel in the complete analysis and interpretation of water and wastewater in accordance with accreditation requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Direct responsibility for records and quality control measures required by the Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and state NELAP accreditation.

2. Evaluates and interprets analytical results, establishes test priorities and assists the Manager, Laboratory Services in preparing periodic reports for state and federal regulatory agencies.

3. Responsible for maintaining a high quality of controlled test measurements and records to comply with state and federal regulations.

4. Supervises and maintains safe working conditions for laboratory personnel in the operation and handling of potentially dangerous equipment and chemicals. Responsible for safety training and data integrity training.

5.  Responsible for proper daily computer data storage of laboratory analytical results and for document handling such as chain of custody records.

6. Responsible for reviewing, generating and/or approving Purchase Requests, Pick Tickets, & Purchase Orders as necessary in the designated system. 

7. Directly supervises a group of laboratory employees to include hiring, training, scheduling and performance evaluation.

8. Employees assigned to this position are classified as essential personnel.  Essential personnel are required to report to work when scheduled during departmental and/or emergency situations including, but not limited to, extended periods of inclement weather when travel may be difficult.  This position is essential because in the absence of sufficient personnel, the plant cannot operate safely.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Regularly has full personnel management responsibilities including approving time, selection, discipline, grievances and formal performance evaluations for a position's direct and indirect reports.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Recommend budget adjustments as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION
(required level of education)
Bachelor degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science or related field with 24 college credit hours of chemistry and/or 16 college credit hours of biology as required by state accreditation.

EXPERIENCE
(minimum years and types of related experience required)

Four or more years of laboratory experience including supervision. Water analysis experience involving extensive instrumentation necessary. May substitute up to two years of experience with an advanced degree.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
(any specialized certifications licenses or registrations required by TRA or other authority in order to do the job, including those the incumbent must be able to obtain)
Valid Texas driver's license. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (or predecessor agency) Class C Wastewater or Water Operator's Certificates of Competency or  Laboratory Analyst Certificate is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE
(Information or facts than employee must know in order to be able to perform the work)
Should be knowledgeable of state and federal laws related to water quality analysis. Must possess a broad knowledge of all laboratory instrumentation and be capable of keeping records to comply with state and federal regulations governing laboratory operations. Knowledge of basic computer usage and programs. Strong Knowledge of Laboratory Quality Systems as required for accreditation.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
(developed capability to use or apply knowledge effectively or dexterity/coordination in the performance of physical tasks)
Ability to make responsible decisions as required by circumstances. Ability to review data with attention to detail required. The ability to deal tactfully and effectively with employees and representatives of other organizations.

GUIDANCE RECEIVED
Guided by Department Goals and Priorities. Makes decisions that are guided by overall Departmental goals, priorities and policies. Job requires interpreting goals and priorities into action steps and delegating responsibility for completion; has broad latitude in regard to methods and approaches but must obtain approval for actions that have policy, service or cost implications.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Duties are always carried out in a laboratory or office environment. Working conditions include exposure to odors, chemical hazards and fumes.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Technical equipment and instrumentation used in the laboratory, and office equipment including computer and calculator.