Laboratory Manager

City of Redlands, CA; Redlands (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Redlands seeks a Laboratory Technical Manager to oversee laboratory services for water and wastewater programs, ensuring ELAP compliance and accurate data management.

The role supervises staff, coordinates external testing, and prepares technical reports in line with state and federal regulations. A strong background in chemistry or related fields is required, with leadership experience in a public utility setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, chemical engineering, or related field with water and wastewater treatment training.
• Experience overseeing lab operations and supervising staff in an ELAP-compliant lab.
• Strong familiarity with testing procedures, data management, and regulatory reporting.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and direct laboratory services for water, wastewater, recycled water, and solid waste programs.
• Supervise staff and coordinate testing with outside labs; prepare technical reports.
• Ensure EPA/ELAP compliance and lead audits and quality assurance programs.

Skills

Laboratory management

Regulatory compliance

Data analysis

Supervisory experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry/biochemistry/biology/microbiology/chemical engineering

Job description

Under general direction, to plan, organize, coordinate, develop, direct, and control all aspects of the laboratory services, analytical testing and data management activities related to the water, wastewater, recycled water, recycled water and solid waste programs of the City of Redlands. Serves as the Laboratory Technical Manager in accordance with the California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) requirements. Provide staff support to the Municipal Utilities and Engineering managerial staff. Exercises direct supervision over assigned staff.

Examples of duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manage, direct, and evaluate personnel assigned to the laboratory program;
• Evaluate operations and activities of the laboratory; recommend improvements and modifications; assist in the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Assist in budget development, justification and support documentation, and administration for the laboratory.
• Prepare and approve technical reports and correspondence related to local, State, and Federal regulations and legislation, analytical tests and procedures analysis as necessary.
• Coordinate testing activities with outside laboratories; send samples to outside laboratories for tests and analysis as needed, maintain test records;
• Perform complex computerized data analysis and programming; compile and record laboratory data using manual and computer-based methods data management systems; train water and wastewater facilities personnel in proper sampling techniques;
• Interpret laboratory analysis of samples related to treatment, quality control, and effluent discharge of Wastewater Treatment Plant effluent and industrial waste, and of potable water, to ensure compliance.
• Review and interpret precision and accuracy analysis.
• Manage the operations and quality assurance/quality control programs for all sections of the laboratory;
• Review and validate analysis; ensure the methods, techniques, and equipment used to analyze water, wastewater, recycled water, industrial waste, bio-solids, and solid waste streams produce accurate, reliable results;
• Ensure Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP), and other outside regulatory agency standards and requirements are met to maintain laboratory accreditation;
• Serve as laboratory subject matter expert and lead for outside agency audits;
• Perform complex mathematical calculations and statistical analysis for test results, using both manual and computer-based methods.
• Conduct special examinations and analysis to assist with water and wastewater plant problems and studies; develop testing/analysis schedules.
• Participate in quality control of laboratory procedures and equipment; establish test procedures for new instrumentation; review and make sound recommendations related to laboratory safety and quality assurance programs;
• Manage California Laboratory Intake Portal (CLIP) inputs and requirements;
• Monitor, track, and document safety training;
• Participate on professional, industry and/or inter-agency committees on laboratory and similar technical issues; attend meetings and workshops as Municipal Utilities representative.
• Monitor new regulations and legislation to remain current on regulatory environment and new laboratory analytical requirements; and
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Experience

• Four (4) years of experience in the analysis of water, wastewater, solid waste, hazardous waste, or other environmental samples, including at least two (2) years of supervisory or leadership experience in the operation of an analytical laboratory. Three years of experience as a Lab Analyst or equivalent with the City of Redlands may substitute for supervisory or leadership experience.

Education

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, chemical engineering, or a related field, with additional training in water and wastewater treatment. For degrees obtained outside of the U.S., an official equivalency evaluation is required.

License or Certificate

• Possession of a valid Grade III Laboratory Analyst Certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA), or a valid Grade III Water Quality Laboratory Analyst Certificate issued by the California-Nevada Section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) upon hire;
• Obtain a valid Grade IV Laboratory Analyst Certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) , or a valid Grade IV Water Quality Laboratory Analyst Certificate issued by the California-Nevada Section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) within one year of appointment.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license upon hire.

Special Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, climb, and lift 40 lbs.; exposure to outdoors, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards; ability to travel to different sites and locations.