City of Tampa

This is highly responsible technical and supervisory work directing the analytical support laboratory for the operation of a water treatment facility.

An employee in this class is responsible for performing assignments of unusual difficulty, which involve supervision of technical staff and planning, organizing, coordinating and reviewing a comprehensive analytical program for a water treatment facility. Work is performed under general direction and includes the responsibility for directing the collection and analyses of water samples in support of a water treatment facility. Review of the quality of data from a variety of analytical procedures is necessary. Work in this class requires that the employee exercise extensive initiative and independent judgment in the review of data and establishment of sampling plans. An important aspect of this class is the ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other technical staff and with the public. The ability to maintain a budget and compliance scheduling is essential. Work is reviewed through conferences, reports submitted, and results achieved.

Supervises the water quality laboratory; supervises technical laboratory staff and cross training programs; assists the Water Quality Assurance Officer in carrying out water quality research projects.

Is responsible for laboratory certification program (i.e., on-site inspections, internal quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) monitoring, PE participation/scheduling); reviews data for precision and accuracy; maintains laboratory sampling and safety plans for compliance.

Coordinates sampling programs; plans monthly analytical work schedule; determines work schedules and assignments; when necessary, participates in the analyses; operates a light weight motor vehicle, if necessary.

Manages the operation of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS); compiles data for reports, papers, and reviews; maintains records, prepares and submits necessary reports for compliance to state and federal regulatory agencies as directed i.e.: maintain National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) Certification.

Responds to customer concerns regarding water quality and public health issues.

Reviews supply purchases for laboratory; monitors laboratory supplies budget; evaluates purchase requests, vendors, and products.

Recommends personnel actions such as employment, promotions, transfers, demotions, suspensions, and dismissals; administers required discipline and responds to employee grievances; responds to employee leave requests; completes performance evaluations. Performs related work as required.

Knowledge of: principles, practices, terminology, and procedures used in the laboratory analyses of water as well as the current literature and research in related fields; development and maintenance of QA/QC programs; utilization of the LIMS; the instrumentation and methodology used in the laboratory analyses of water; appropriate sampling, testing, and analysis techniques and procedures; interpretation of scientific data; techniques for troubleshooting instrumentation; purchasing procedures and product evaluation; federal, state and local rules, codes, and ordinances relating to water quality; good laboratory practices; occupational hazards, appropriate precautions, and methods of promoting safety; NELAC certification requirements; effective supervisory and planning techniques; distribution system service area; effective customer service techniques.

Ability to: apply scientific and technical knowledge accurately and with professional judgement; complete and interpret scientific tests and examinations; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; prepare clear, legible, accurate reports; operate and maintain laboratory testing and analysis equipment; interpret advanced scientific data; maintain certification; troubleshoot equipment and analyses; perform adjustments and repairs to laboratory and field equipment; supervise, assign, direct, and train subordinate personnel; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public; operate a light weight motor vehicle, if required.

Skill in: the operation and maintenance of laboratory testing and analysis equipment; training staff on instrumentation and methodology; writing laboratory plans; evaluation of instrumentation and methodology.

Mostly sedentary, indoors, requires extended use of computer, typing and viewing monitor.

Graduation from an accredited university or college with a bachelor’s degree; a master's degree is preferred, in a natural science or related field, five (5) years of experience in analytical laboratory work (preferably including graduate level research experience), three (3) years of supervisory experience and one (1) year of plan writing experience; OR 

an equivalent combination of education (not less than possession of a high school diploma/GED), training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above.

Possession of a valid Florida driver's license is required.

During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.