WPC & Water Treatment Laboratory Administrator (Internal Applicants Only)

JOB SUMMARY

This is very responsible department of water quality laboratory position involving the direction and coordination of the water quality laboratory operations and staff in the collection of compliance, process, and other water, wastewater, and sludge samples.

Work involves responsibility for safe, effective and timely testing of samples to assure water and wastewater quality. Duties include directing laboratory testing of water, wastewater, sludge and industrial waste, administering laboratory procedures, interpreting test results and coordinating the associated reporting. This position also has the responsibility for handling all supervisory level managerial functions, managing laboratory-related budgets, and making difficult water pollution control and water analysis laboratory technical and operational decisions. Assists with maintaining the Department's Quality Control and Quality Assurance Program and any associated DPH or DEEP laboratory state certification programs. This work requires that the employee have considerable knowledge, skill and ability in water and wastewater chemistry and bacteriology, and laboratory procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Directs and coordinates laboratory testing to determine if plant effluent meet standards. Directs routine and specialized testing of water, sewage, sludge and industrial waste and interprets test results to ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations. Prepares test reports. Directs laboratory certification procedures.

• Assists with the operation and management of the treatment facilities as appropriate; ensures the work activities comply with established procedures and provides guidance to subordinates and staff regarding technical issues pertaining to the operation.
• Ensures that the District submits the necessary analytical compliance data in a timely manner, requests variances from the appropriate state agencies, and interfaces with the regulatory community as needed.
• Reviews and assists in the negotiation of regulatory permits and or orders, ensures that the operations of the facilities and/or distribution system comply with the Metropolitan District's, the State of Connecticut, and federal standards, and identifies issues of noncompliance and needed corrective action.
• May serve as the manager on various projects, or assist in the planning or development of treatment or distribution system projects.
• Directs the maintenance of laboratory equipment and supply inventories and carries out requisition procedures.
• Schedules, assigns, directs and evaluates employees in a laboratory work group.
• Prepares reports, completes forms and compiles information on completed work assignments and employee effort. Analyzes information on work group efficiency and effectiveness. Analyzes delivered sludge processing costs.
• Develops and manages the department budget and controls and accounts for expenditures within fund allocations.
• Trains and counsels employees. Administers union contract language and oral warnings and recommends higher level discipline. Assists in employee selection. Assures safe work practices.
• Serves as subject matter expert within MDC on the regulatory aspects pertaining to laboratory, water and wastewater issues.
• Performs hands-on laboratory or associated duties as necessary.
• Coordinates activities on a short and long term basis to assure personnel, materials and equipment necessary for projects and objectives. Assists in planning and developing water and water pollution control capital projects.
• Operates a personal computer, and other general office equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, to include the use of word processing, spreadsheets, database or other system software such as LABWORKS and HACH WIMS.
• Performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the direction of the Manager of Water Quality.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university in chemistry, bacteriology or environmental science plus eight years of progressively responsible chemical or water pollution control laboratory experience including at least some experience in a supervisory capacity.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have a valid driver's license.

Must obtain State of Connecticut Environmental Laboratory Manager or Co-Manager (DPH) certification or OIT status within twenty four (24) months, and maintain certification.

Wastewater Operator License Class 4 certificate preferred.

PERFORMANCE APTITUDES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES)

• Knowledge of water and wastewater chemistry, bacteriology and laboratory procedures principle and practices.
• Knowledge of public administration principles and practices as applied to a specialized work unit.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing and to coordinate technical and specialized operational and administrative activities.
• Ability to administer policies and procedures including scheduling, budgetary work, day-to-day problem solving and report writing.
• Ability to lead a work group.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, vendors, contractors, other governmental agencies, and the general public;

ADA COMPLIANCE

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert moderate physical effort that involves lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (under 50 pounds).

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate auditory cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally and in writing. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate smells.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are performed primarily in an indoor, shop, laboratory, or office environment with occasional fieldwork that may involve exposure to various weather conditions, atmospheric conditions, hazards, noises, etc.

The Metropolitan District seeks to ensure the diversity of its workforce through non-discriminatory employment practices. People of all backgrounds, including people of color, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Salary : $116,150 - $150,995