Job description
General DescriptionUnder the direction of the assigned Manager, the Laboratory Director is responsible for supervising, planning, and coordinating all aspects of laboratory testing and record keeping in support of NPU"s wastewater and water plant operations. The Laboratory Director manages a team of laboratory technicians, aides, and other support staff to maintain full compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations. Duties & Responsibilities
Serves as head of NPU"s environmental laboratories and ensures that laboratories meet or exceed State of Connecticut Regulations.
Maintains up to date knowledge of the chemical and bacteriological characteristics of water, wastewater, and industrial waste; general quantitative and qualitative analyses; organisms, particularly microorganisms common to fresh water and wastewater; standard laboratory equipment and its uses; sources of information related to water, wastewater and industrial waste analysis and sampling techniques and methods of statistical analysis.
Maintains up to date knowledge of the principles, laws and regulations regarding water and wastewater treatment.
Ensures that all work is performed in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and local regulations, and discharge permit requirements.
Interprets laboratory and plant operating data and makes sound recommendations for solving problems and increasing efficiency.
Prepares clear, complete, and concise correspondence and reports of technical nature; and deals tactfully and effectively with other City employees, representatives of governmental and industrial organizations, and others.
Manages, motivates, and leads laboratory personnel in a positive and effective manner.
Establishes and ensures laboratory operations are maintained in accordance with standard operating procedures as outlined in "Standard Methods" Federal EPA Standard Guidelines and Policies and other applicable regulations and guidelines.
Evaluates analytical results daily and advises the Water and Wastewater Chief Plant Operators of any action needed to maintain water quality standards as defined by each State permit.
Works with the Water Chief Plant Operator to ensure that the operation of the water distribution system complies with all Federal, State and local regulations
Develops written procedures for sampling and testing in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CTDPH) and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
Ensures proper collection of required samples and performs a variety of physical, chemical, and biological analysis on a variety of water samples taken from reservoirs, treatment processes, distribution system and customers of NPU.
Performs required sampling, testing and analysis in accordance with EPA"s Lead and Copper Rule.
Performs required sampling, testing and analysis in accordance with EPA"s Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (Stage 2 DBPR) and all aspects required regarding water sampling.
Maintains laboratory operations and staff knowledge in a constantly changing regulatory environment.
Investigates new or improved analytical techniques and maintains analytical programs in compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations.
Evaluates analytical results daily and advises plant staff of any action needed to maintain water and wastewater quality.
Oversees the performance of non-routine and investigative analyses.
Prepares laboratory reports for submission to regulatory agencies.
Prepares chemical and bacteriological media, reagents, and test solutions for all laboratories.
Operates and maintains various laboratory equipment.
Maintains sufficient inventory of laboratory materials, supplies and equipment.
Maintains State laboratory certification at all facilities.
Ensures successful completion of annual proficiency tests as required.
Monitors treatment plants process, distribution, and collection systems, and makes recommendations to operations staff concerning adjustments.
Assists with responses to customer complaints and concerns regarding water quality.
Plans, develops, and administers laboratory operation budget in accordance and consistent with NPU"s planning and strategic goals.
Works with team members from all NPU divisions to initiate and implement continuous process improvements.
Works with team members in establishing priorities and distributing work accordingly.
Works with team members to establish and assess performance goals and develop training plans.
Evaluates workplace health and safety hazards and works with management and fellow employees to ensure that health related issues are addressed promptly.
Complies with OSHA safety standards including chemical hygiene and hazardous material response.
Participates on multi-functional teams and committees to promote the goals of NPU.
Performs related duties as assigned. Qualifications
Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of eight (8) semester credit hours in microbiology and eight (8) semester credit hours of inorganic and/or organic chemistry.
Five (5) years of responsible laboratory experience in environmental microbiology, environmental chemistry, and/or the analysis of water and wastewater.
Three (3) years of management experience in an environmental laboratory setting preferred.
Must be able to obtain and maintain State of Connecticut approval as a Director of an Environmental Laboratory by the State of Connecticut Department of Health for Inorganic Chemicals, Organic Chemicals, and Microbiology within 6 months of appointment.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver"s license. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Adaptable to changes in procedure and policies.
Ability to work as a team player on various assignments.
Ability to prioritize own work, work of the team, and assist others in prioritizing and organizing work.
Ability to answer questions and explain to customers information including, but not limited to:
- Drinking water quality as related to public health
- Water quality testing and analysis parameters
- Basic microbiological process of wastewater treatment and the testing parameters
- Connecticut Department of Public Health and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Regulations
Strong communication skills.
Ability to instill confidence by responding to the customer and regulatory agencies in a prompt, respectful, courteous, and informative manner.
Ability to manage telephone conversations and use interpersonal skills to extract information.
Ability to apply knowledge to build a strong self-managed team and effectively train others. Physical Requirements
The physical demands of this job are extensive and cannot be effectively summarized. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Important Information
In order to be considered, applicants must demonstrate on their application they meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the job announcement.
You must reside within the State of Connecticut, 60 miles from Norwich within one year of appointment.
Examination will consist of: 100% written OR 100% oral OR 100% experience and training.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER Disclaimer
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
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