Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
DEFINITION
Manage, supervise and coordinate the activities and operations of the Environmental Laboratory within the Utilities Department including drinking water quality and wastewater laboratories; coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, departments and outside agencies; and provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Utilities Director.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives administrative direction from the Utilities Director.
Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical and clerical staff.
PRIMARY DUTIES--The following are examples of primary duties assigned to positions in this classification. Other related duties and responsibilities may be assigned.
1. Oversee, direct and coordinate the programs, operations, services and activities of the Environmental Laboratory Services for two separate laboratories, the Wastewater Lab and the Water Quality Lab.
2. Plan, develop, implement, and monitor goals, objectives, policies and priorities for assigned laboratories; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
3. Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
4. Plan, direct, coordinate and review the work plan for assigned staff; assign work activities, projects and programs; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
5. Monitor regulatory compliance of water and wastewater treatment plant operations; provide process control to ensure regulatory compliance; assist operations staff in the evaluation of treatment plant performance to ensure regulatory compliance; review compliance monitoring reports.
6. Ensure that proper regulatory agency reporting procedures are maintained; compile, interpret, and present complex, technical reports according to established policies, schedules and procedures.
7. Select, train, motivate and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
8. Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the laboratory section's annual budget; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement adjustments.
9. Serve as the liaison for the Environmental Laboratory with other divisions, departments, regulatory agencies, and the general public; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with regulatory agencies and customers.
10. Manage and review capital improvement plans related to water and wastewater laboratory services; provide input regarding future capital needs and maintenance activities.
11. Provide responsible technical and staff assistance to the Utilities Director, division staff and other agencies; conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations and operational studies; recommend modifications to programs, policies and procedures as appropriate.
12. Research and forecast environmental regulations; research governmental regulations for water and wastewater quality standards; interpret regulatory requirements and develop subsequent internal policies; implement specialized testing and analyses for current and future regulations.
13. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends, developments in water and wastewater treatment, and technological advances in laboratory instrumentation and computerization.
14. Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints; receive, research, and respond to citizen requests for information.
15. Serve as staff on a variety of committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Operations, services and activities of a comprehensive water and wastewater quality control laboratory program.
Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
Principles and practices of program development and administration.
Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
Laboratory quality assurance and quality control principles and practices.
Recent developments, current literature and information related to water and wastewater treatment, technological advances in laboratory instrumentation and computerization.
Laboratory safety and chemical disposal techniques.
Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers.
Analytical procedures relating to the analyses of water, wastewater, and industrial wastes.
Principles of chemistry, biology, microbiology and physics.
Principles of water and wastewater treatment.
Industrial pretreatment technologies.
Principles of business letter writing and technical report preparation.
Analytical instrument theory and operational characteristics of modern laboratory instruments and equipment.
Mathematical and statistical analysis principles as they apply to laboratory work.
Proper water and wastewater sampling techniques.
Ability to:
Manage, supervise, and coordinate Laboratory Services section services activities.
Supervise, direct and coordinate the work of assigned staff.
Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff.
Participate in the development and administration of program goals, objectives and procedures.
Prepare and administer large program budgets.
Perform a variety of complex physical and chemical analyses.
Properly operate a variety of laboratory instruments and equipment.
Analyze, interpret, apply, and report results of laboratory data, analyses, and projects.
Maintain accurate records and documentation.
Prepare clear and concise technical, administrative and financial reports.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Minimum Requirements:
Experience:
Five years of increasingly responsible water and wastewater laboratory experience including two years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.
Training:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, biology, microbiology or a science related field.
License or Certificate
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado driver's license.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid CPR/first aid certificate.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, Colorado “D” water or wastewater certification.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
Laboratory environment; exposure to hazardous chemicals, infectious waste, dust, fumes, gases, noise, radiant and energy.
Physical Conditions:
The job is characterized by:
Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.
The following physical activities are very or extremely important in accomplishing the job’s purpose and are performed on a daily basis:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for prolonged periods. The employee is regularly required to see, hear, talk, stand, twist and use repetitive motions in the conduct of work. The employee is also required to perform light lifting.