Biology Supervisor

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 biological and analytical techniques and instrumentation. Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

- Analyzes and maintains quality control/quality assurance data on samples from microbiological, bacteriological and biological testing procedures.

- 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 and provides coaching as well as hands-on job instruction. Assists in the hiring and promotion process as required. Directs quality control and quality assurance on analyses performed by subordinates.

- Reviews work output to ensure staff completes 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.

- 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 repairing equipment.

- 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.

- Ensures that regulations and standard operating procedures are followed. Maintains proficiency in biological, quantitative and instrumental analysis.

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

- Provides verbal and written updates on laboratory issues to management and staff. Notes and reports trends in data for all sample sites and reports anomalies to management. Provides analytical data, technical support and data evaluation to other Sewer District departments and external stakeholders.

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

- Reviews and validates data against quality and regulatory requirements for a variety of biological and analytical techniques and instrumentation. Examines the structure, development, ratio and general characteristics of microorganisms present in the biological wastewater treatment process. Evaluates the information gathered and communicates findings to operations staff.

- Oversees and validates Whole Effluent Toxicity testing as required by the Sewer District’s NPDES permits. Ensures the validity of cultures, test organisms, lineage and organism viability. Performs and/or reviews the statistical analysis on results to validate testing. Leads the investigation into possible sources of toxicity.

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

- 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.

- 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.

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

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

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

EXPERIENCE

- Candidate must possess three (3) years progressively responsible analytical laboratory experience, with at least two (2) years of progressive experience utilizing microbiology, toxicology and advanced chemical and biological techniques. Extensive knowledge of advanced instrumentation and interpretation of data produced, biological and 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. The 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.

Salary : $80,606 - $100,758