JOB SUMMARY

Supervises, assists and trains laboratory personnel in the analysis of various sample types following approved Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methodology. Evaluates and coordinates staffing, equipment and resources to ensure the analytical and regulatory needs of both internal and external clients are met. Maintains the highest quality standards as set by the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP). Validates data against data quality and regulatory compliance requirements from a variety of analytical techniques and instrumentation. Performs other duties of a similar nature as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

– Supervises and directs staff to ensure adherence to regulatory methods, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Sewer District policies. Evaluates performance, assists with staff development plans, provides coaching and hands-on job instruction. Assists in the hiring and promotion process as required. Directs quality control and quality assurance on analyses performed by subordinates.

– Assists with short and long-term objective planning. Sets priorities for resource utilization (people and materials). Assigns work and schedules to meet varying workloads, deadlines or personnel changes.

– Encourages cooperation among laboratory team members. Fosters team spirit and motivates staff to obtain high productivity, results and morale.

– Reviews and validates data against quality and regulatory requirements from a variety of analytical techniques and instrumentation including but not limited to gravimetric, volumetric, and physical testing as well as advanced instrumentation such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, titrators, continuous flow injection analyzers (FIA), Discrete analyzers, Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometers (ICP), ICP Mass Spectrometers (ICP-MS), Ion Chromatographs (IC), Gas Chromatographs (GC), and GC Mass Spectrometers (GC-MS).

– Assists with facilitation of new ideas from peers and subordinates to improve processes and generate solutions to new method development, software application utilization, data accessibility, and information sharing.

– Evaluates analytical processes in conjunction with management. Assists with streamlining procedures to increase efficiency while maintaining method compliance. Detects abnormal operation of laboratory equipment and implements necessary corrective action, including requesting maintenance and repair of equipment.

– Analyzes and maintains quality control/quality assurance data from advanced instrumentation, chemical, bacteriological and biological procedures.

– Critically examines information, equipment and software programs for ease of use and applicability. Makes recommendations for purchase following evaluation. Tests and validates new equipment and methods prior to use in the laboratory.

– Reviews work output to ensure staff is completing according to specification. Reviews data for accuracy and method compliance prior to reporting. Reviews accuracy and timeliness of reporting. Ensures that records are maintained and verifies that all records and logs are accurate.

– Keeps current with new systems, methods or processes. Assists with special projects in conjunction with other Sewer District departments, educational institutions and environmental agencies and organizations.

– Provides analytical data, technical support, and data evaluation to other Sewer District departments and external stakeholders.

– Provides verbal and written updates on laboratory issues to management and staff.

– Prepares and presents lectures about new methods, procedures and instrumentation to other government agencies, educational institutions, environmental and scientific organizations and the public.

– Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

Candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree, preferably in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE

– Candidate must possess three (3) years of progressively responsible analytical laboratory experience, with at least two (2) years of experience utilizing advanced instrumentation and advanced chemical and biological techniques. Extensive knowledge of advanced instrumentation and interpretation of data produced, chemical theories, good laboratory practices, EPA methodology, and effective supervisory practices required.

– Previous supervisory experience preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATIONS

– Candidate must possess a valid driver’s license with a driving record in accordance with the Sewer District’s acceptable guidelines.

– Possession of a Class III State of Ohio Wastewater Analyst Certificate preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

– Candidate must possess the ability to perform quantitative and qualitative chemical and biological analyses using advanced instrumentation.

– Candidate must possess the ability to critically evaluate information and ideas, analyze data and make appropriate recommendations for accurate reporting of information and data and express conclusions clearly and logically.

– Candidate must possess exceptional critical thinking and analytical skills and effective oral and written communication and presentation skills.

– Candidate must possess strong team leadership and people management skills.

– Candidate must possess the ability to effectively plan, coordinate, establish and maintain effective working relationships and prioritize workloads based on available resources.

– Candidate must possess the ability to continuously take on complex projects and additional responsibilities.

– Candidate must be detail oriented and capable of managing large amounts of data, maintain detailed comprehensive records, analyze and organize information, have effective project and time management skills and be well organized.

– Candidate must have knowledge of supervisory principles and theories, management principles and practices, and advanced wastewater treatment theories and practices.

– Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

During the course of performing the essential functions of this position, the employee must be able to analyze, communicate, comprehend, coordinate, make decisions, possess general intelligence, interact, interpret, negotiate, possess numerical intelligence, organize, problem solve, have resilience and perform tasks. Physical work will need to be performed, such as balancing, bending, climbing, crawling, crouching, driving, feeling, kneeling/squatting, reaching, sitting, standing, talking, typing and walking. Repetitive movements will need to be performed such as simple grasping and fine manipulation with one or both hands. Ability to push, pull and lift from floor to waist up to 60 lbs. on an occasional basis may be necessary. Position will require visual demands of accommodation, color vision, depth perception, far acuity and near acuity. Ability to withstand very loud noise exposure for fifteen minutes or longer on an infrequent basis is required. Exposure to environmental conditions such as respiratory hazards, extreme cold/heat (non-weather related), vibrations and wet/humid conditions is encountered in this position.

Off-shift, on-call and weekend work may be required. Working hours may also include consecutive weekends and/or holidays. Working hours may change with short notice. Projects can be event driven. Scheduling must be coordinated between multiple departments and may also be dependent upon the clients’ needs.

Pay Range: USD, Commensurate with Experience

$76,768 – $95,960 annual salary

Our Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Our Accessibility Statement

Our Employee Benefits & Wellness Programs
We offer a comprehensive employee benefits package including Health Insurance Coverage, Various Retirement Planning Options (Ohio Public Employee Retirement System and Deferred Compensation Plans), Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Free Parking at our facilities, Corporate Discounts, and more! We also have an active Health & Wellness Program that promotes a life/work balance.

NEORSD supports the use of hybrid work as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity and better prepares the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for hybrid work. hybrid eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.

DISCLAIMER:  The information outlined in this job description indicates the general nature and type of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not intended to provide a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities or competencies required of employees within this classification.