Water Laboratory Manager
About The Position
The County of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department is offering a career opportunity for a Water Laboratory Manager. This is a single-position management role with overall responsibility for the administration, regulatory compliance, operational oversight, quality assurance, and supervision of the County’s Water Quality Laboratory (WQL).
Typical Tasks And Representative Duties
Plans, organizes, directs, and oversees all activities and operations of the Water Quality Laboratory to ensure efficient, effective, and compliant laboratory services.
Supervises, mentors, and evaluates the performance of assigned staff; interviews and selects employees; recommends appointments, reassignments, and disciplinary actions; assigns and reviews work for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with policies and performance standards.
Develops and administers laboratory budgets, including forecasting operational needs, monitoring expenditures, evaluating resource allocation, and approving procurement of equipment, materials, supplies, and services.
Develops, implements, evaluates, and updates laboratory policies, procedures, and quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) protocols.
Oversees and maintains compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, permits, accreditation requirements, and reporting obligations related to laboratory operations, including Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) standards.
Monitors changes in legislation, regulations, industry standards, and emerging technologies related to water quality, laboratory operations, and treatment processes; evaluates operational and regulatory impacts and recommends appropriate actions to maintain compliance and improve effectiveness.
Collaborates with Department management, engineers, operations personnel, regulatory agencies, contractors, consultants, and other stakeholders regarding water quality issues, treatment operations, compliance initiatives, and laboratory services.
Prepares, reviews, and submits technical reports, compliance documentation, operational data, and regulatory reports to local, state, and federal agencies in accordance with established requirements and deadlines.
Evaluates laboratory operations and implements improvements to service delivery methods, procedures, technologies, and operational efficiencies.
Coordinates with water and wastewater treatment operations personnel regarding laboratory testing requirements and training necessary to support compliant and efficient plant operations.
Responds to inquiries, complaints, and technical questions from regulatory agencies, outside organizations, County staff, and the public regarding water quality and laboratory-related matters.
Supports stormwater compliance activities in accordance with the County’s Stormwater Management Program (SWMP), National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), and related regulatory requirements.
Develops and administers grants, contracts, consultant agreements, and related funding or procurement activities.
Employment Standards
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of organic and inorganic chemistry, microbiology, and laboratory science as related to water and wastewater analysis.
Methods, standards, regulations, and reporting requirements established by the Environmental Protection Agency, California State Water Resources Control Board, California Department of Public Health, and other regulatory agencies related to drinking water, wastewater, surface water, groundwater, recycled water, biosolids, stormwater, and related functions.
Principles and practices of laboratory quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) programs and procedures.
Laboratory instrumentation, analytical methods, calibration procedures, maintenance practices, and troubleshooting techniques.
Principles and practices of public agency budgeting, procurement, contract administration, and financial planning.
Principles and practices of operational planning, program evaluation, and continuous organizational improvement.
Safe work practices and procedures applicable to laboratory and water quality operations.
Effective verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
Principles, practices, and procedures of supervision, leadership, mentoring, training, team dynamics, team building, and performance evaluation.
Education & Experience
Required: Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental science, or a closely related field. In addition, six years of progressively responsible experience in water or wastewater laboratory testing, including at least two years of supervisory, lead, or administrative responsibility in a laboratory setting.
Preferred: Possession of a valid State of California Department of Public Health Water Treatment Operator Grade 2 (T2) certification or higher within 6 months of appointment. The 6-month requirement to obtain a T2 certification may be extended up to 12 months by the appointing authority. Sustained certification including any required continuing education units is mandatory for continued employment.
How To Apply
Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application. An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews. Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process. If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed. For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov. Your attached resume will not substitute for the completion of the application. Please complete all required fields and supplemental questions. Be advised that while use of AI is common practice, we want to see your individual style and critical thinking skills in your answers to the supplemental questions.