Chief Lab Technician

Description

Provides immediate supervision over Lab Technicians and Field Sample Technician to ensure permit required testing is performed in accordance with state and federal regulations, coordinate specialized testing with contract laboratories, and oversee the purchase and inventory of laboratory supplies in addition to regular assigned duties.

Examples of Duties

•Oversees the day-to day work activities of Lab Technicians within the Division to include training, assigning work tasks, and monitoring and inspecting the work of technicians; and provides direction and guidance in work tasks.
•Assists, as directed, and makes recommendations to management in executing personnel/employee related tasks to include hiring, training, setting worker goals and objectives, preparing work schedules, evaluating, counseling, and disciplining employees.
•Adheres to all rules and regulations pertaining to regulatory permits issued by the Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Department of Health, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
•Acts as the Town's liaison with regulatory agencies in matters concerning the laboratory; acts as the Town's liaison with the general public to answer questions related to water quality and directs other inquires to the appropriate department.
•Collects, documents, calculates, and generates required reports of laboratory data, and all other applicable information necessary to meet Town, state, and federal reporting guidelines.
•Assists supervisor in determining purchasing needs for use in budget preparation and secures price quotes for purchase of equipment, supplies, materials, etc.
•Oversees the Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG) program to insure Food Service Establishments (FSE) are in compliance with Town ordinances.
•Collects and analyzes wastewater samples to determine the effectiveness of the wastewater treatment process, collects and analyzes wastewater samples required by regulatory agency permits, collects samples for bacteriological analysis required by regulatory agencies, and collects and analyzes other water or wastewater samples considered necessary by the supervisor.
•Maintains an inventory of supplies, equipment, chemicals, etc.
•Answers questions from the general public concerning water quality and directs other inquiries to the appropriate department.
•Adheres to personnel, safety, and departmental policies and procedures.
•Assists coworkers as needed.
•Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
•Associates degree or equivalent in science/chemistry is required.
•Must have a valid state-issued Driver's License and driving record must be in compliance with Town policy.

EDUCATION:
•Must maintain a Class "C" Wastewater Operator Certification from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

WORK EXPERIENCE:
•Five (5) or more years of experience as a Wet Lab Analyst is required.
•Experience in wastewater analysis is preferred.

Must submit to and pass a post-offer, non-regulated drug test and thorough background checks (including criminal history).

Desired Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:
•Must have a general working knowledge of water and wastewater treatment plant facilities and of the principles of operation for an activated sludge treatment process.
•Must have excellent knowledge of chemistry, chemicals, chemical hygiene, reactions, safety requirements, and testing equipment such as microscopes, DO, and pH meters.
•Must have good leadership, organizational, supervisory, problem solving, and training skills.
•Must be able to work evenings and weekends as needed.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
•Must be able to write, talk, hear, see, and read.
•Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
•Must have good hand/eye coordination to operate equipment.
•Must be able to climb stairs to collect samples; and work in adverse environmental conditions including hazardous conditions to include mechanical, electrical, fume odor, dust/mist, chemical, and toxic substances.