Manager, Laboratory

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

- Oversees and manages (also assist when needed) in all laboratory operations, including sampling, analysis, reporting, and quality assurance activities for wastewater, industrial waste, biosolids, and related materials.

- Reviews and approves sampling plans, field documentation, and analytical results to ensure consistency with regulatory standards and internal objectives.

- Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of laboratory staff, providing guidance, technical support, and performance feedback.

- Coordinates laboratory schedules to ensure timely and accurate completion of routine and special project testing, including regulatory and compliance-driven sampling programs.

- Ensures that all laboratory analyses meet or exceed NELAP and other regulatory requirements and leads the laboratory in maintaining accreditation and audit readiness.

- Oversees the implementation and continuous improvement of QA/QC procedures; reviews quality control data, investigates anomalies, and approves corrective actions.

- Manages procurement, maintenance, calibration, and replacement of laboratory instruments, supplies, and safety equipment to ensure operational readiness and efficiency.

- Develops, implements, and updates standard operating procedures (SOPs) and laboratory policies in alignment with regulatory updates and industry best practices.

- Identifies training needs and provides or coordinates technical and safety training for laboratory staff to support professional development and regulatory compliance.

- Oversees data management systems, including LIMS, ensuring accurate data entry, review, reporting, and archiving of laboratory results.

- Prepares and submits internal and external reports, including regulatory compliance documents, performance summaries, and operational metrics.

- Serves as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies, internal departments, consultants, and contractors on matters related to laboratory operations and compliance.

- Manages laboratory budget, including forecasting, expense tracking, and justifying equipment purchases or operational changes.

- Ensures a safe, clean, and organized laboratory environment, enforcing compliance with applicable health, safety, and environmental regulations.

- Leads continuous improvement initiatives and identifies opportunities for operational efficiency, cost reduction, and innovation.

- Promotes teamwork, a culture of accountability, and a high standard of professionalism among laboratory staff.

- Performs other duties and projects as assigned at the discretion of the Director, Clean Water and Technology.

Supervisory Responsibilities

: Provides daily planning and administration in the selection, supervision, promotion, discipline, and training of personnel within the unit. Supervises laboratory staff and schedules work assignments on a 7 day a week, 365 day a year basis; participates in the selection, evaluation, and promotion of employees; reinforces appropriate behavior and recommends disciplinary action in accordance with DC Water policies and procedures.

Key Working Relationships:

Interacts with subordinate employees, co-workers throughout the Authority, and consultants and contractors.

Skills & Qualifications:

The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability necessary for an individual to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable amounts of training are provided.

Required Experience:

- Seven (7) years of progressive experience preferably in a modern laboratory in a wastewater treatment or similar facility of which four (4) years of experience working in a NELAP accredited wastewater laboratory or equivalent to NELAP accreditation, and two (2) years of experience in supervisory or management role.

- Knowledge of NPDES permit requirements.

- Demonstrated experience leading teams, managing budgets, and interacting with regulatory agencies.

Minimum Education Requirements:

- Bachelor's degree in chemical, environmental, biological sciences or engineering or related environmental field from an accredited college or university.

Required Skills:

- Extensive knowledge of laboratory and sampling procedures and protocols; skilled in the use of analytical instruments and laboratory equipment.

- Extensive knowledge of microbiology, chemistry, and ability to apply knowledge to procedures.

- Process knowledge, including how each unit process fits into overall wastewater treatment process and ability to recommend and implement strategies to enhance quality, productivity, and cost-effectiveness.

- Extensive experience in quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), regulatory compliance (e.g., NELAP), and audit preparation, with a proven track record of maintaining certification standards.

- In-depth knowledge of the NELAP certification process, including implementation and maintenance of systems to ensure ongoing compliance.

- Demonstrated ability to manage and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation, including Gas Chromatography (GC), Ion Chromatography (IC), and automated colorimetric systems, ensuring proper maintenance and calibration.

- Proficient in coordinating method development and ensuring adherence to EPA-approved procedures and internal SOPs

- Adept at interpreting complex laboratory data and using results to drive data-informed decisions, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.

- Capable of training and mentoring technical staff, overseeing performance, and implementing cross-functional workflows to optimize lab efficiency.

- Familiar with the configuration and operation of field sampling equipment, including automatic samplers, pH/DO probes, and peristaltic pumps.

- Proficient in using data management systems and general office software (e.g., Excel, Word, LIMS) for reporting, record-keeping, and regulatory submissions.

- Excellent human relations and communication skills, including listening, reading, oral and written communication skills.

- Utilizes personal computer and maintains a working knowledge of applicable software programs (i.e., word processing, spreadsheets, e-mails, etc.).

Required Licenses & Certifications:

- Must possess and maintain a current valid Class IV (ABC or equivalent) Laboratory Analyst Certification or acquire within 36 months of employment and maintain current a class IV (ABC or equivalent) Laboratory Analyst Certification.

Physical Requirements:

- Subject to indoor and/or outdoors environmental conditions that include extreme cold and/or hot temperatures.

Requires moderate physical activities, such as occasionally performing the following:

- Lifting, pushing, or pulling light or moderately heavy objects/materials (up to 50 lbs.)

- Climbing up and down ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, etc.

- Balancing (to prevent falling) when standing or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces.

- Bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, etc.

- Crawling or moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet.

- Standing or walking for long periods