WWTF Laboratory Supervisor

Lab Supervisor

Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering or related field is required (equivalent experience or certification will be considered in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree).

Must be able to obtain, a Class IV Wastewater Operator’s License issued by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality within one year of becoming eligible to take the test. The Utility’s compensation system is designed to motivate employees to contribute to the maximum of their ability by compensating based on their job performance and meeting licensing requirements. Inability to obtain proper licenses, within a year of being eligible to test, will result in a decrease of potential merit increases.

Must possess and maintain a valid Arkansas Driver’s License commensurate with work duties. Individual must remain insurable by the Water & Sewer Commission’s insurance carrier.

1. JOB SUMMARY

This position is based at the Springdale Wastewater Treatment Facilities under the supervision of the WWTF Environmental Manager. This position provides direct supervision of the WWTF Laboratory Analyst positions. The Laboratory Supervisor assumes the responsibility of Laboratory Analyst as they provide skilled analytical services and scientific knowledge to the treatment facilities. The Laboratory Supervisor may able be required to fulfill the function of a Laboratory Analyst as circumstances require.

This position supports our Mission of providing safe, high quality drinking water to our patrons and to responsibly treat and dispose of wastewater generated by patrons and protect public health.

It requires skilled analytical work involving sampling and laboratory analysis of wastewater samples for NPDES permit requirements, process control, and the Industrial Pretreatment Program, along with related duties as required. This is a safety sensitive position.

This position may include work outside normal business hours including weekends and holidays.

2. GENERAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

General duties and responsibilities are as follows:

· Plans, coordinates, directs, and evaluates the work of laboratory personnel.

· Monitors the operation of the laboratory and works with staff to relay laboratory data to appropriate personnel to ensure continued high quality of effluent and compliance with all permits, effective wastewater treatment processes, and regular monitoring of industrial discharges to the treatment facilities.

· Perform chemical and biological analyses of municipal wastes, industrial effluents, treatment plant processes, and the receiving stream. Perform bacteriological analyses of wastewater.

· Follow USEPA approved methodology to satisfy operational and regulatory permit requirements. Follow federal and state guidelines and provide required permit information. Make procedural modifications as necessary.

· Maintain a quality control program using a system of internal and external checks and controls as specified to assure the precision and accuracy of analyses.

· Calculate analytical results and maintain necessary records. Perform instrument calibrations and chemical standardization as required. Prepare chemical solutions and reagents necessary to perform laboratory analyses.

· Assist in coordinating sampling for compliance and surcharge monitoring. Collect samples as required.

· Assist in inventory control of supplies and chemicals. Order chemicals, supplies, and laboratory equipment as necessary to perform analyses.

· Maintain and clean laboratory, equipment, and glassware to maintain a neat and orderly working environment and to assure quality performance and longevity of equipment.

· Train new laboratory personnel.

· Provide assistance to other plant and Utility divisions as needed.

3. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES TO MEET JOB REQUIREMENTS

The following knowledge, skills and abilities are required to meet the requirements of this job position:

· Develop an understanding and recognize the correlation between analytical results and plant operational performance. Notify Environmental Manager or appropriate person(s) regarding questionable samples and/or results.

· Maintain a basic knowledge of chemistry, biology, laboratory techniques, practices, and procedures. Demonstrate good math skills.

· Maintain and demonstrate basic knowledge and practical use of computer systems, be able to develop reports, graphs, spreadsheets and summaries as needed.

· Maintain laboratory equipment and materials.

· Attend meetings, classes, and seminars to satisfy training and licensing requirements.

· Perform multiple functions simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

· Demonstrate the ability to work safely and efficiently.

· Demonstrate the ability to understand and interpret verbal and written instructions, interpret data, and write clearly and comprehensively.

· Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing. Read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Write routine reports and correspondence.

· Demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with fellow employees. Work well with the public, supervisors, and co-workers.

· Maintain a good attendance record.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

4. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervise Laboratory Analysts in their work in accordance with policies of the Springdale Water and Sewer Commission and applicable city ordinances and federal/state laws. Assist in the training of employees with less experience.

Upon direction from the Wastewater Facilities Director, this position may assume the role of WWTF Environmental Manager in his or her absence.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to interviewing and recommending prospective individuals for employment; employee training, planning, assigning, and work direction; evaluation, rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints; and resolving problems.

5. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Personnel at the Wastewater Treatment Facilities work at a site designed to optimize working and safety conditions. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient mobility to gain access to all sites, including different levels, and to maneuver across hazardous surfaces and walkways which can be slippery or open grates. Facilities personnel are expected to work outdoors in inclement weather and in several different environments within the facilities, often moving from indoors to outdoor work stations. Temperatures within the vary between hot and cold, and some portions of the facilities require ventilation. Facilities conditions warrant extra precaution when working near high voltage switchgear and equipment; potential contact with a variety of combustible, corrosive and toxic chemicals and gases such as chlorine, sulfur dioxide, polymers, methane, and oxygen; and working around raw sewage. Exposure to odors, dust, sludge, high noise levels, machinery vibrations, and other hazards are experienced daily.

Work skills require walking, standing for extended period of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate computer keyboard and laboratory equipment; reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally, bending at the waist and kneeling or crouching to retrieve lab samples; hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone; and seeing to read various documents related to assigned activities. Good color perception and the ability to adjust focus is required in order to perform the many colorimetric tests involved in the laboratory. The employee may be required to push, pull, lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds a limited number of times during the day. The noise level is usually moderately quiet.

Conduct external audits and inspections of various industrial facilities and to collect samples and inspect operating conditions at the wastewater treatment facilities. This work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, in high, precarious places, and in outside weather conditions, and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level can be loud at times.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $30.52 - $45.77 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person