Water Laboratory Supervisor

Salary - $73,105.00 - $82,243.00 Annually

Location - Bloomington, IL

Job Type - Full-Time

Hours/Shift - Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm

Description

Perform a responsible level of organization and supervision in the operation of the Water the Department Laboratory, under the direction of the Superintendent of Water Purification. 

Under general direction, plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs the daily operation of the City’s Water Quality Control Laboratory. Responsible for the overall technical quality of the work performed in the Laboratory and for assuring the use of standard methods. 

Examples of Duties

This list may not include all tasks and/or knowledge which may be expected of the employee, nor does it cover all specific duties which may be required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Plans, develops, and implements or directs the implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities relating to the laboratory operations, and related facilities.
• Participates in the development of the laboratory operations unit budget; forecasts additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors; expenditures.
• Acts as liaison between laboratory and regulatory agencies and laboratory users.
• Reviews all data before it is reported as final. Assures that results from different parameters of a sample correlate.
• Oversees the scheduling of projects and the completion of tasks within the required time schedule and sample hold times. Monitors progress of projects and communicates with laboratory staff and users as required.
• Oversees the Chain of Custody (COC) sample trams into the laboratory and assures that data handling and COC records are organized accessible.
• Participates in recruitment and selection activities; makes recommendations for appointment of new staff; assists with staff orientation and training.
• Supervises staff including provision of timely performance evaluations; recommends and implements approved discipline; provides staff development; and maintains high standards necessary for efficient, professional operations; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination actions.
• Assists in establishing budget guidelines, reviews unit expenditures.
• Builds and maintains respectful, positive working relationships with staff, supervisors, outside agencies and the public using principles of good customer service; provides effective conflict resolution, as needed.
• Attends assigned meetings and training; interacts with outside agencies; provides leadership for teams, or committees, as needed.
• Supervise, prioritize, and schedule the work of laboratory personnel engaged in the analysis of potable water.
• Supervise the performance of laboratory tests and analyses for compliance with the Illinois Environmental Agency, Division of Drinking Water, Illinois Department of Public Health and other regulators.
• Schedule and coordinate the sampling and analyses of potable water, and special projects performed by outside laboratories and in house analyses.
• Plan and develop new laboratory techniques and evaluate new instruments.
• Prepare billing data for external entities users.
• Represent the City at various workshops, conferences and other meetings as required.
• Prepare reports; compile and record data for analysis.

Typical Qualifications

General Skill Levels: 

Knowledge of:

• Municipal water systems.
• Principles and methods used in complex chemical, biological, bacteriological and physical analyses of potable water.
• Proper sampling techniques.
• Methods and processes of potable water treatment, including applicable regulations governing potable water treatment operations.
• Analytical, organic and in organic chemistry.
• Budgeting principles and techniques.
• Analytical instruments used in potable water analyses.
• Supervisory skills and experience related to the management of a water laboratory.
• Methods and practices used in the supervision and training of personnel.

Ability to:

• Ability to deal with the public in general and difficult work situations.
• Perform work independently under limited supervision.
• Ensure that proper on-the-job safety procedures are followed, and safety equipment is properly and consistently used.
• Communicate orally and in writing with internal and external stakeholders professionally.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of complex technical records and reports.
• Analyze laboratory data, water quality data, and potable water treatment plant data and utilize results in modifying analytical procedures.
• Utilize laboratory equipment used in potable water analyses.
• Utilize Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel for report writing.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Supervise, train and evaluate personnel.

Education/Experience: 

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or a closely related field of natural or physical science. A minimum of five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in the water laboratory environment, including one (1) year of supervisory experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.

Certificate or Licenses:

• Required possession and maintenance of a valid Illinois Class C Driver’s License. 

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Maintain the following physical abilities: see well enough to read, write and make observations, operate hand and power tools, vehicles and heavy equipment; hear well enough to converse on the radio, telephone and in person; bodily mobility to walk, bend, stand, crouch or climb for extended periods of time, operate assigned equipment and vehicles and perform heavy manual labor for extended periods; ability to tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing essential functions and be able to lift equipment on a frequent basis 25lbs, and an occasional basis of 50lbs.

Job Number - 00685

Department - Water

Division - Water Purification

Closing Date - 10/1/2024 11:59 PM Central

FLSA - Exempt