LAB COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR

Brownsville Public Utilities Board; Brownsville (TX); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Brownsville Public Utilities Board is seeking a Laboratory Compliance Lead to oversee and participate in monitoring compliance with state and federal water, wastewater, and microbiological regulations. This role includes sampling, data review, QA/QC, and auditing processes.

You will lead staff, interpret regulations, maintain documentation, perform analyses, and report data to agencies while operating lab instruments and supporting corrective actions and safety programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or related field with 4 years’ experience in water/wastewater analyses; or Associate degree with 6 years’ experience.
• Texas Level B lab analyst certification or TCEQ Technical Manager equivalence.
• Valid Texas Driver license with clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and guide staff; provide laboratory leadership and participate in notable projects.
• Research and interpret federal/state regulations related to analytical methods.
• Perform water, wastewater, microbiological analyses per SOPs and Quality Manual.
• Prepare data reports and summaries for agencies; ensure regulatory compliance.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot lab instrumentation to meet requirements.
• Maintain laboratory databases for equipment and supplies; support safety programs.

Skills

Communication

Computer skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/ Biology/ Environmental Science

Associate degree + 6 years experience in analyses

Tools

ICP/MS

GC/MS

GC

Ion Chromatography

TOC Analyzer

Spectrophotometers

Automatic Sampling Equipment

Job description

Salary $58,801 - $75,275 Annually (Depending on Qualifications)

Job Summary

Under limited supervision, this position is responsible for overseeing and participating in all compliance requirements under assigned section in order to meet state and federal water, wastewater, and/or microbiological regulations, including but not limited to participating in sampling, analysis, data review, Quality Assurance/Quality Control, and auditing processes.

Responsibilities

Provides leadership, training, and guidance to less experienced staff; leads special projects and assumes Laboratory Administrator responsibilities in their absence or as assigned. Researches and interprets federal and state regulations related to analytical methodologies; supports regulatory compliance and quality assurance by reviewing, updating, and maintaining laboratory documentation and processes. Performs water, wastewater, microbiological and/or environmental sampling and laboratory analyses, in accordance with the laboratory’s SOP’s, Work Instructions, Quality Manual, TNI Standard, and applicable regulatory requirements. Prepares final data reports and summaries required by federal, state and local agencies. Installs, operates, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory instrumentation/equipment to ensure reliable performance and compliance with federal, state, and method-specific requirements. Leads section-level correspondence for water, wastewater, and/or microbiology deficiencies identified through federal, state, or internal audits; prepares supporting documentation and assists in developing corrective action plans for laboratory management review. Updates and maintains laboratory databases for laboratory equipment and/or chemical supplies. Ensures assigned work section and vehicles in areas ready to use for next day analysis. Participates in scheduled and emergency after-hours sampling and analysis. Participates in the rotation of Safety Officer role and complies with all safety, environmental, and personal protective equipment requirements. Completes other job duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge important to perform the functions of the job include:

1. Knowledge and understanding of the operation of various types of analytical instruments, i.e., Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometer, Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer, Gas Chromatography, Ion Chromatography, Total Organic Carbon Analyzer, Spectrophotometers, Automatic Sampling Equipment, etc.

2. Knowledge to adhere to Federal Register, EPA , TCEQ and Guidance Manuals.

Skills important to perform the functions of the job include:

1. Skill in operating laboratory and electro/mechanical equipment to collect samples.

2. Effective oral and written communication skills in English.

3. Advanced computer skills on Microsoft programs.

4. Skill in working with others to achieve departmental goals or improvement objectives.

Abilities important to perform the functions of the job include:

1. Ability to collect, analyze and record data as evidence for enforcement actions.

2. Ability to prepare and maintain records for court evidence.

3. Ability to perform mathematical and statistical computations associated with sample size and discharges.

Education & Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or related field and four (4) years of experience in the analyses of water and wastewater or an Associate Degree from an accredited college in the field of Environmental Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Science, or related field and six (6) years of experience in the analyses of water and wastewater.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

A valid Texas Driver license and a safe driving record as measured by company policy are required.

Must possess a Level B laboratory analyst certification issued from the Texas Water Utilities Association, or a TCEQ letter of approval as a Technical Manager in a BPUB accredited laboratory section, or equivalent certification.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires frequent bending, lifting, walking, carrying, and the use of force equivalent to lifting up to 50 pounds. Approximately half of the work is performed in the field, with the remaining portion conducted in a standard laboratory or office environment. Fieldwork may require working in adverse weather conditions, including but not limited to sunshine, rain, or sleet.

Eligibility for Employment

In addition to any and all other qualifications required for employment stated under the Brownsville P.U.B Personnel Policies and Procedures Policy No. 39:

• Prohibit the hiring of any person who is related to BPUB Executive Management within the third degree of Consanguinity or second degree by Affinity; and
• Based on certain prohibitions of the Charter and Statute on nepotism, no person can be hired who shall be related to any member of the Board of Directors or City Commission within the third degree of consanguinity or second degree by affinity.