Laboratory and Research Manager

About the role

At NEW Water, our purpose goes beyond daily operations—we are dedicated to being a model of water quality protection and environmental sustainability. As the Laboratory and Research Manager, you will play a central role in fulfilling this vital mission by leading our laboratory operations, ensuring rigorous environmental compliance, and delivering accurate data. Your work directly protects local water resources, supports public health, and serves our region.

Responsibilities

• Mission-Driven Leadership: Promote and sustain a team culture centered on Safety, Respect, Team, and Environment. Lead, mentor, and empower a talented team of laboratory analysts, chemists, and coordinators.
• Regulatory & Quality Excellence: Oversee daily lab operations to ensure full compliance with Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permits, state/federal regulations, and WDNR laboratory certification standards.
• Data & Research Oversight: Direct quality assurance, sample analysis, data validation, and research initiatives that support treatment plant operations, watershed programs, and customer billing.
• Strategic Department Management: Oversee departmental budgeting, equipment lifecycle planning, safety protocols, and technical continuous improvement projects.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 8 years in a certified laboratory environment. At least 2 years in a supervisory or management role preferred.
• Certifications: Wisconsin Wastewater Treatment Operators License - Laboratory Certification (or ability to obtain within 2 years of hire).

Skills

• Strong knowledge of state and federal regulatory frameworks, QA/QC protocols, wastewater treatment processes, LIMS, and chemical safety best practices.
• Exceptional communication skills with a collaborative, team-first approach.

Benefits

• Retirement Security: Participate in the Wisconsin Retirement Plan (WRS), one of the strongest pension systems in the country.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid leave benefits such as vacation, PTO, and paid holidays. FlexTime and FlexPlace arrangements may be available once training/onboarding is complete.
• Health & Wellness: Choose from a variety of Medical Insurance plans (including an HDHP with an HSA contribution) and dual choice Dental Plans. Long Term Disability (LTD) and Life Insurance coverage provided at no cost.

About NEW Water

NEW Water is a public utility that provides regional clean water services to 15 municipal customers, serving approximately 239,000 residents throughout a 285-square-mile area. We embrace cultural attributes of Safety, Respect, Team, and Environment as we strive to protect our most valuable resource—water. Proudly serving our community since 1931, NEW Water provides an essential service to protect public health, our precious waterways, and support economic development. We clean an average of 41 million gallons of water daily.