Laboratory Systems and QA/QC Manager

The Position

The Regulatory Affairs Department is seeking a Laboratory Systems and QA/QC Manager. This position manages and maintains the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMs), provides reports, ad-hoc response to information requests and coordinates with Digital Solutions as needed to maintain or update system integrity. Optimizes the application of the LIMs system to facilitate the Quality Assurance and Quality Control programs for the Clean Water Services (CWS) lab, and support staff and management activities in an efficient manner. Responsible for oversight of CWS quality assurance program for all laboratory analysis; administering the laboratory performance testing program; reviewing and approving the lab Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and lab data; consulting with and directing laboratory personnel on data quality issues; and ensuring compliance with established quality assurance standards. Provides review and oversight of compliance sampling, data and quality assurance, interaction with operations staff, to ensure permit compliance.

Note: Candidates who are selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be invited to self-schedule their interview. Please be sure to check your email for status updates.

Essential Functions

(The essential functions listed below are not intended to reflect all duties that may be assigned to this classification. CWS may augment duties and/or essential functions at its discretion. Additionally, some incumbents may not perform all Essential Functions.)

- Works with department users and Digital Solutions (DS) staff to resolve complex systems problems and issues within the LIMS. Works with DS to perform needed updates and customizations to the system. Serves as a liaison with the software vendor regarding upgrades, customizations, and issues.

- Analyzes and redesigns processes and translates requirements into functional specifications. Guides partners through identifying and solving system problems and enhancements. Defines alternative approaches and determines solutions to problems.

- Prepares and leads project work, scope, and schedules to ensure completion within established timeframes and guidelines. Develops and oversees project contract and budget.

- Organizes, and applies LIMs system capabilities to ensure efficient documentation and support to the laboratory quality assurance and quality control programs. Provides support to staff and management as needed. Generates routine and ad-hoc reports.

- Responsible for oversight and documentation of the of the quality assurance/quality control program. Monitors performance of analytical accuracy and precision for CWS. Makes recommendations to laboratory management and staff regarding data quality, sample reruns, data reevaluation, instrument calibration, and laboratory performance evaluation studies.

- Troubleshoots problems within laboratory operations and data analysis. Serves as liaison between regulatory auditors and laboratory personnel. Performs quality control checks of data and works with users to correct data discrepancies and systemic causes.

- Provides oversight and guidance to the laboratory staff to document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Maintains current knowledge of National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) and revises SOPs as needed. Maintains document control and archiving.

- Develops and provides training and technical expertise to users. Serves as a technical expert to workgroup for data analysis and problem solving.

- Creates and maintains a positive, engaged, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture within the department, to improve the work groups’ understanding and recognition of diversity in the workplace, and foster multidisciplinary and integrated team approaches.

- Oversees, organizes, assigns, and reviews staff’s work. Develops performance standards, prepares performance evaluations, provides coaching, and prepares development plans.

- Drives a CWS or personal vehicle for work-related purposes.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE OF:

- Application of LIMs data management system including data and information management, generating reports, and detailed troubleshooting

- Procedures of laboratory quality assurance and quality control programs

- Contemporary, advanced principles and practices of analytical chemistry including instrumentation and computerization

- Basic principles and practices of biology, microbiology, and environmental science

- Mathematics and statistical analysis

- Laboratory analysis, data assessment, and reporting

- Standard laboratory procedures, methods and techniques used in the sampling, examination, and testing of water and wastewater, environmental, and industrial samples

- Laboratory safety procedures including management of chemical and biological hazards

- Operation and capabilities of laboratory equipment

Principles of supervision including teambuilding, coaching techniques and practices

SKILL IN:

- Supervising and coordinating the work of professional and technical personnel, selecting, supervising, training, and evaluating staff

- Planning, configuration, development, and implementation of new laboratory software program operations

- Application of LIMs in support of quality assurance or other operational programs, interpreting and explaining laboratory methods, processes and procedures, techniques, and methods

- Analyzing problems, projecting consequences, and recommending courses of action

- Interpreting and explaining laboratory policies and procedures

- Operating automated laboratory equipment

Use of computers and software for word processing, spreadsheets, software application administration, database management, and project management

ABILITY TO:

- Effectively lead groups of varied interests and responsibilities

- Understand and interpret pertinent policies, procedures, laws, and regulations pertaining to the program area

- Perform technical writing and data reporting

- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including a variety of CWS and other government officials, and the general public

- Operate effectively in a team environment

- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR LICENSES:

The following are the minimum qualifications for this position.

3 years experience leading, supervising, or managing;

5 years experience as a laboratory specialist, analytical chemist, analytical biologist, or a QA/QC specialist in a laboratory setting;

3 years experience in the development or the application of laboratory information management systems or providing QA/QC oversight;

College-level coursework in chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental science, statistics, mathematics, quality control, laboratory methodologies, or a related field.

Upon selection, candidate must possess and maintain a valid State issued driver's license.

Additional Information

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants who require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any phase of the application process should contact Human Resources at 503.681.3600 or TDD 503.681.3601.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Clean Water Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, age, uniformed service, sexual orientation or disability in the admission or access to the recruitment process or any aspect of employment.

Clean Water Services offers eligible employees the opportunity to choose benefits and plans that meet both individual and family needs. In addition to a competitive salary, Clean Water Services offers employees a comprehensive benefit packet that includes health coverage, health reimbursement account, life and accidental death insurance, flexible spending account, Oregon Public Employees Retirement Plan (PERS/OPSRP), deferred compensation, paid vacation, holidays and sick leave, tuition reimbursement, goal sharing bonus, and more. Further information for full-time regular non-represented employees can be found here (Download PDF reader).

Depending on hours worked and duration of the position, temporary employees may qualify for an offer of medical benefits, deferred compensation, and employee discounts. Temporary employees are eligible for sick leave at the rate of .0334 per hour worked upon beginning employment and may carry over up to 40 hours into the next calendar year.