Prince William County Service Authority

Laboratory Supervisor

About the Employer

Job Description

Position Summary Supervises the operations and staff of the Water Quality Laboratory (laboratory). This position plans and coordinates laboratory activities and provides functional and technical supervision of the laboratory. With limited direction, administers and oversees a Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control Program (QCP) for the laboratory's certification programs for potable water, wastewater, and biosolids. Oversees and directs the operation of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Experienced workers initiate their daily assignments, follow through on matters, and use independent judgment and training to take appropriate actions to deal with standard recurring situations. Demonstrates a commitment and supports a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This position may be underfilled as an Assistant Laboratory Supervisor. The job description for the Assistant Laboratory Supervisor is available upon request. The salary range for the Assistant Laboratory Supervisor is: $74,938.50 - $98,319.00 annually. Position Responsibilities / Essential Job Functions Supervise Laboratory staff: assign and review work, take action to adjust work, staffing, and operations to meet requirements, assist in the selection of new employees, train and evaluate staff, initiate actions regarding payroll and take appropriate action to improve performance as necessary. Keep abreast of the latest knowledge of technical and legal developments in the field. Review local, state, and federal environmental laws, rules, and regulations as they pertain to laboratory operations to ensure quality control and certification. Assist the laboratory in ensuring compliance with Federal, State (including Virginia Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (VELAP) regulations involving but not limited to laboratory operations, health and safety regulations, disposal, and reporting procedures. Provide oversight to the laboratory's Quality Assurance/Quality Control program and ensure it meets the requirements of the Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) Certification Program. Inform superiors of special situations and problem areas as needed and take appropriate action. Administer or serves as primary backup in overseeing a Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control Program (QCP) for the laboratory's certification programs for potable water, wastewater, and biosolids. Perform daily and monthly reporting of data. Collect, organize, collate, date, interpret, and transcribe laboratory data to the permanent record. Prepare routine and special technical reports for internal use and regulatory agencies. Review daily tests to ensure all quality control procedures (QCP) are met. Coordinates communication between laboratory and operations staff regarding operational process control strategy and performance. Administer and report all outside proficiency samples and studies. Provide oversight and review of the Laboratory's Quality Manual and Standard Operating Procedures. Oversee laboratory data validation and assists with final report preparations. Coordinate the preventative maintenance visits and the calibration of instruments with the external vendors and laboratory staff. Prepare specifications for new analytical equipment in consultation with the instrument manufacturer. Oversee directing operation of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Maintain and develop the LIMS program and database while working with Prince William Water's Information Technology (IT) Department. Build queries, forms, electronic data transfer processes, macros, and reports to meet the needs of the laboratory and regulatory reporting requirements. Implement and maintain the instrument data parsers and import systems. Develop and maintain the LIMS database and instrument data backup systems. May be deemed essential at any time. Perform other duties as assigned or required. Essential Skills and Experience Knowledge of the principles of organic and inorganic chemistry including qualitative and quantitative analysis; modern chemical laboratory procedures, techniques, and equipment, and skill in their use; elementary physics, physical chemistry, and biochemistry; Virginia's regulations and requirements for water and wastewater treatment and effluents; rules, laws, and regulations on analytical procedures, safety, and management in a laboratory; effective techniques of supervision; computer equipment and software applications related to assignment; English usage, spelling, and grammar. Demonstrated ability to supervise, train, and evaluate subordinate staff; assign, review, and prioritize the work of others; estimate time and materials needed for assigned work; work independently with minimal supervision. Demonstrated ability to perform technical laboratory work involving microbiological, chemical, and physical analysis, interpret laboratory test results; perform complex mathematical formulas, write precise and accurate reports, and maintain moderately complex records. Demonstrated ability to interpret and explain department policies and procedures; understand and follow oral and written instructions, establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, interface effectively with all levels of employees, and perform work following established safety regulations, guidelines, and practices, operate a motor vehicle and observe legal and defensive driving practices. Must be able to follow established codes, policies, and guidelines; operate computer equipment and software applications related to assignment; and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to supervise staff including, but not limited to planning, organizing, scheduling, training, reviewing work, providing feedback, approving timesheets, and conducting performance evaluations. Minimum Education and Work Experience: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, or related field. At least four years of progressively responsible laboratory experience. Or a combination of education and experience as described above. Required Licenses/Certifications and Other Special Requirements: None. Minimum Lead/Supervisory or Management Experience: At least one year of lead or supervisory experience. Physical Demands and Work Environment The physical demands of this position are available upon request. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications do not express absolute employment or promotional standards. They are general guidelines that should be considered along with the job-related selection or promotional criteria. J-18808-Ljbffr