The following functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, review, and participate in the work of staff to ensure compliance with public drinking water regulations.
Monitor the development of new water quality regulations and water treatment techniques; advise the department of potential impacts and prepare for applicable changes.
Participate in the development and implementation of goals and objectives as well as TNI policies and procedures; make recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards, policies, and procedures; monitor work activities to ensure compliance with established TNI policies and procedures.
Establish schedules and methods for providing water quality services; identify resource needs; review needs with appropriate management staff; allocate resources accordingly.
Participate in the selection of water quality laboratory staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.
Participate in the preparation and administration of the water quality laboratory budget; submit budget recommendations; monitor expenditures.
Coordinate external contract services for complex laboratory sample analysis. Utilize knowledge of complex laboratory procedures and complex data review processes to ensure results are compliant with drinking water regulations.
Establish and implement a water quality monitoring plan that includes procedures and controls to ensure effective water sample collection, testing, and encompassing TNI regulatory standards; meet drinking water compliance requirements in accordance with local, state and federal regulations.
Perform statistical review and analysis of field data and laboratory results; oversee and ensure proper record keeping; monitor and arrange for the purchase of laboratory chemicals and other supplies; maintain laboratory equipment.
Develop, prepare, and disseminate information and provide assistance and expertise to the public and policy makers concerning the quality of water; investigate and respond to customer complaints and health and safety issues.
Develop and implement sampling programs for water quality control and quality assurance program; make recommendations on procedures and advise other divisions on water quality matters to validate new analytical methods.
Monitor the laboratory quality assurance and quality control programs; conduct performance evaluation samples to maintain Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) certification.
Maintain the quality control manual per TNI requirements; maintain records concerning operations and programs; prepare reports on operations and activities. Generate monthly quality control report in adherence to TNI standards.
Coordinate activities with those of other divisions and outside agencies and organizations; provide staff assistance to the Water Field Operations Manager and Environmental Services Manager; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
Attend and participate in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the field of water quality, water analysis and related legislation; incorporate new developments as appropriate into programs.
Perform related duties as required.
Experience and Education: Four years of responsible experience related to water quality compliance and laboratory analysis including one year of administrative and/or lead supervisory experience supplemented by a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, biology, or a related field. An equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions and provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
Knowledge of: Operations, services, and activities of a water quality laboratory; drinking water regulations and the requirements of applicable regulatory agencies; principles and practices of complex laboratory procedures and complex data review processes; principles and practices of performing complex chemical and bacteriological analyses; principles and practices of organic, inorganic chemistry and microbiology; processes related to the accurate review and evaluation of water quality data; sampling techniques; principles of quality assurance and quality control programs; principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation; basic principles and practices of budget preparation and administration; principles and procedures of record keeping; principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation; occupational hazards and standard safety practices; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases; pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Ability to: Coordinate and direct a water quality laboratory; supervise, organize, and review the work of assigned staff involved in drinking water analysis; select, train, and evaluate staff; recommend and implement goals, objectives, policies and procedures for providing water analysis and reporting; understand the organization and operation of the organization and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities; understand, interpret, and apply general and specific administrative and departmental policies and procedures as well as applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations; interpret new and current regulations and develop effective implementation plans for new regulations; prepare clear and concise reports; participate in the preparation and administration of assigned budgets; advise the department on water quality matters; effectively and efficiently implement and maintain the water quality monitoring programs; conduct accurate and thorough chemical and microbiological analysis on drinking water; operate and maintain a variety of sophisticated analytical instruments; prepare accurate and thorough water quality reports and maintain water quality data;; manage, conduct and report required laboratory analysis on performance evaluation samples to satisfy the ELAP compliance for laboratory certification, and adherence to EPA requirements; develop, validate and certify analytical methods for water analysis; plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines; effectively represent the department to outside individuals and agencies to accomplish the goals and objectives of the unit; work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies; respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to inquiries from the public, City staff, or other agencies on sensitive issues in area of responsibility; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
License/Certification Required: Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license. Possession of a California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Laboratory Analyst Grade II or California-Nevada Section American Water Works Association (AWWA) Water Quality Analyst Grade II Certificate. Possession of a State of California Department of Public Health Grade II Water Treatment Operator and a Grade II Water Distribution Operator Certificate. Required certifications and licenses must be valid and maintained as a condition of continued employment in the position.
