ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYST III - INTERNAL ONLY

City of Plantation; Plantation (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Plantation seeks a non-exempt supervisory Laboratory Director overseeing chemical and microbiological analyses in the water and wastewater lab. The role guides staff, ensures QA/QC, and maintains accreditation readiness. Experience with environmental testing and regulatory compliance is essential.

The position requires a BS in chemistry, biology, or environmental science, at least five years in a lab, and two years performing certified analyses. Florida driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, biology, or environmental science is required.
• Minimum of five years of laboratory work experience, preferably in environmental quality control.
• At least two years of experience performing certified chemical and microbiological analyses.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and provides leadership to laboratory analysts; assigns, reviews, and plans work.
• Acts as Technical Director for Chemistry & Microbiology; operates Lachat & Discrete Analyzer as Lead Nutrient Chemist.
• Trains and supervises staff in testing procedures; recommends procedural improvements.
• Oversees analysis of daily tests to determine contaminant levels in water and wastewater samples.
• Ensures microbiology quality control and certification requirements are met; maintains documentation and records.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory skills

Laboratory supervision

Chemistry knowledge

Biology knowledge

Equipment operation

SOP development

Quality control/QA procedures

Education

Bachelor of Science (chemistry / biology / environmental science)

Tools

Lachat

Discrete Analyzer

Laboratory SOPs

Job description

This position is only open to current City of Plantation employees.

This is a non-exempt supervisory role which includes technical laboratory work performing physical, chemical and biological examination of natural and potable water, domestic and industrial wastewater, and air quality. An employee in this classification serves as the Technical Director for all chemical and microbiological analysis in the laboratory. Work is subject to review by Laboratory Manager through reported analytical results obtained and by observing overall performance of laboratory activities.

Employees are hired as AT WILL employees that serve at the pleasure of the City and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.

Supervisor Responsibilities

• Supervises and provides leadership and assistance to laboratory analysts whose duties include but are not limited to: instructing, assigning, reviewing, and planning work of others, maintaining standards, coordinating activities, and allocating personnel.
• Serves and registers with FDOH as Technical Director for Chemistry & Microbiology. Operates Lachat & Discrete Analyzer as Lead Nutrient Chemist.
• Trains and supervises technical laboratory assistants in water and wastewater pollution control methodology on testing procedures; recommends new procedures to improve efficiency.
• Oversees the analysis of daily: biological, chemical, and physical tests to determine levels of contaminants present in water and waste water samples.
• Ensures all microbiology quality control is completed by Environmental Analyst II.
• Stays current with NELAC/NELAP accreditation requirements; ensures that appropriate documentation is in place and staff are properly trained.
• Writes, reviews laboratory SOP's for all certified tests.
• Ensure correct procedures are being followed for certified tests.
• Assists in bi-annual audits as technical director; gathers requested data for audits.
• Maintains required records, log books, and files; assists with quality control and quality assurance procedures.
• Performs laboratory procedures usually completed by staff when needed.
• Coordinates documentation record keeping such as MDL's, IDOC's, CDOC's, & PT's. Perform all MDL studies on chemistry instrumentation as needed and required.
• Reviews and approves chain of custody of staff in chemistry and microbiology.
• Performs other related work (including weather or other extreme emergency duties) and assigned duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of chemistry and biology.
• Knowledge of the basic principles and practices of water and wastewater treatment.
• Knowledge of and ability to effectively apply, NELAC/NELAP and QNQC Laboratory requirements, programs, procedures and methodologies.
• Ability to operate and to care for specialized laboratory equipment.
• Ability to prepare primary and secondary standards with precision and accuracy.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental officials, other municipal employees, and the general public.
• Ability to effectively perform duties under varying climatic conditions and work safely with various chemical agents, odors, fumes, or other hazardous materials.
• Ability to operate City vehicle or self-contained mobile laboratory and possess the required license.

Education and Experience

Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in chemistry, biology, and/or environmental science, is required. A minimum of five (5) years of laboratory work experience, preferably in environmental quality control, is required, including at least two (2) years of experience performing certified chemical and microbiological analyses. An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training may be considered.

Licenses and Certifications

Valid State of Florida driver’s license.

Physical Demands

The work involves light physical demands, such as exerting up to 20 lbs of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Ability to work around high voltage, rotating equipment and various hazardous chemicals.