7/7/80
Rev & Ret 8/10/88
Rev 10/19/88

City of San José

LABORATORY SUPERVISOR (5117)

CLASS PURPOSE
   Under direction, performs work of considerable difficulty in planning, organizing and directing the operations of a chemical, biological and instrumentation laboratory in the Department of Water Pollution Control. Supervises a staff of Chemists, Microbiologists and Laboratory Technicians. 
Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESULTS (Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.)

• Directs the operations of the chemical, microbiological and bioassay laboratories.

• Supervises the work of Chemists, Microbiologists and Laboratory Technicians.

• Performs administrative duties for the laboratory section including preparation and control of the annual laboratory operations budget and monitoring of new developments; evaluates equipment and procedures related to laboratory operations, recommends purchase of state-of-the-art instrumentation and institutes changes in procedures to meet the section's goals and to effectively utilize personnel.

• Plans, organizes, reviews and evaluates laboratory programs that support wastewater treatment plant operations and processes, industrial waste compliance monitoring and revenue, NPDES permit monitoring and EPA pretreatment requirements.

• Directs the implementation of the Regional Water Quality Control Board's bio-monitoring requirements which include the performing of flow-through bioassays.

• Provides technical consultation to engineering, operations and industrial waste staff as required in the evaluation investigation and solution of problems where laboratory analysis is necessary.

• Implements a vigorous quality assurance program; recommends improvements in procedures and methods to maintain a high quality work product.

• Compiles and prepares correspondence and periodic technical evaluations of new programs as required by the Regional Board, State Board and EPA; directs the preparation of extensive reports and records.

• Plans and supervises the hiring, training and evaluation of laboratory professionals.

• Coordinates the use of a laboratory data management system, confers with operations programming staff regarding applications.

• Acts as Department First Aid, Radiation Safety Officer and coordinator in the Hazardous Materials Communication Program.

TYPICAL END RESULTS

• Ensure the implementation of the State of California mandated Bio-monitoring programs.

• Provision of specifications on the current State-of-the-Art laboratory instrumentations.

• Ensure the accurate completion and submissions of State of California mandated Self-Monitoring and Pre-Treatment reports.

• Implement the Quality Assurance Quality Control (QAQC) Program mandated by the State of California and the EPA.

• Operate the Water Pollution Control Department Laboratory within budgetary constraints.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
   This class is distinguished from the first level Chemist class by its primary responsibility for supervising all laboratory facilities in the City's Water Pollution Control Plant. Administrative guidance is received from the Principal Sanitary Engineer. The class is distinguished from the lower class of Chemist in that the Laboratory Supervisor has responsibility for all departmental laboratory activities and functions. The incumbent compiles and compares correspondence, prepares extensive technical reports and coordinates the use of a laboratory computerized data management system. The incumbent acts as Department and Radiation and Safety Officer and coordinates the Hazardous Materials Communication Program and provides technical consultation to engineering, operations, maintenance, industrial waste staff in the evaluation, investigation and solution of problems where laboratory analysis is necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS
   Minimum Knowledges, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles, laws and regulations regarding water and wastewater treatment.

• Knowledge of the chemical and bacteriological characteristics of water, wastewater and industrial waste; general quantitative and qualitative analyses; organisms, particularly microorganisms common to fresh water, estuarine water and wastewater; standard laboratory equipment and its uses; sources of information related to water, wastewater and industrial waste analysis and sampling techniques and methods of statistical analysis.

• Knowledge of standard analytical procedures; administrative techniques, including planning, scheduling, training and budgetary control functions; state and federal standards related to water pollution control and water quality; data processing techniques as applied to the solution of laboratory and plant processing problems; principles and techniques of effective supervision.

• Ability to interpret laboratory and Plant operating data and make sound recommendations for solving problems and increasing efficiency; prepare clear, complete and concise correspondence and reports of technical nature; and deal tactfully and effectively with other City employees, representatives of governmental and industrial organizations and others.

Competency Knowledges, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the bacteriological and chemical characteristics of potable water, wastewater and related effluents; general chemical qualitative and quantitative analysis and bioassays, microorganisms, organic and non-organic pollutants of water and wastewater; methods, procedures and sample chain-of-custody requirements, modern state-of-the-art instrumentation and its effective utilization; sources of information on wastewater and industrial waste control.

• Ability to evaluate a variety of laboratory tests relating to water or wastewater treatment, develop and supervise complex research projects; deal effectively and courteously with other City departments, outside agencies and the general public.

• Ability to plan, coordinate, schedule, assign, supervise, review and evaluate the work of a subordinate staff; design laboratory programs to meet the needs of varied operating departments; develop and evaluate complex research projects; develop and evaluate process control, regulatory compliance monitoring and laboratory quality assurance programs.

Training And Experience
   Any combination of training and experience equivalent to successful completion of advanced undergraduate work from an accredited college or university in Chemistry, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, Sanitary Engineering, Environmental Science or a closely related field. The baccalaureate degree requirement must include courses in analytical chemistry and bacteriology. Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in laboratory work involving the chemical, bacteriological and instrumental analysis of wastewater including at least two (2) years of responsible supervisory and administrative experience in operating a Chemical, Biological and Instrumentation Laboratory.

Formerly Senior Chemist
(2789Z)