Laboratory Supervisor

Orange-Water-and-Sewer-Authorit; Carrboro (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

OWASA is seeking a skilled Laboratory Supervisor to lead our Wastewater Management Laboratory programs and team, fostering a culture of excellence. This role will drive quality testing, compliance, and continuous improvement across lab activities.

The successful candidate will supervise two staff and one intern, develop SOPs and QA/QC documentation, and collaborate with customers and vendors while maintaining a safe, inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum four years’ experience in wastewater laboratory and at least one year in a supervisory role.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as physical science or environmental studies.
• Experience analyzing inorganic and bacteriological wastewater parameters using certified wastewater methods.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain NC driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all laboratory procedures comply with laws, policies, and regulations.
• Perform and oversee analytical testing; manage supplies and equipment purchases.
• Supervise, develop, and coach a staff of two employees and one summer intern.
• Communicate with customers, the public, and vendors.
• Create and update documents such as SOPs, QC/QA manuals, Chemical Hygiene Plans, SDS, Chain of Custody forms, and monthly reports.

Job description

Seeking a skilled and motivated Laboratory Supervisor to foster a culture of excellence and lead our Wastewater Management Laboratory programs and team. OWASA is a leader in the utility industry; our Wastewater Treatment Plant is a Grade IV facility with a reclaimed water distribution system.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring all laboratory procedures and programs are compliant with all laws, policies, and regulations.
• Performing and overseeing analytical testing; maintaining an inventory of supplies and determining proper equipment to purchase.
• Supervising, developing, and coaching a staff of two employees and one summer intern; ensuring performance expectations are met.
• Communicating with customers, the public, and vendors.
• Creating and updating documents such as: Standard Operating Procedures, Quality Control/Quality Assurance manuals, Chemical Hygiene Plans, Safety Data Sheets, Chain of Custody forms, Discharge Monitoring Report and monthly reports.

Successful candidates should have:

• At least four years’ experience in wastewater laboratory and one year performing in a supervisory role; bachelor’s degree in related field of study such as physical science or environmental studies or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience analyzing inorganic and bacteriological wastewater parameters using certified wastewater methods (ex: cBOD, TSS, Fecal Coliform, etc.).
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills.
• Service-oriented attitude, professionalism, and a passion to foster a diverse and inclusive work environment are necessary.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina.
• Ability to meet and maintain requirements for a safety sensitive position; physical requirements include the ability to frequently exert 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds.

• Membership in the NC Local Government Employee Retirement System
• 5% Employer 457 Deferred Compensation contribution; Retirement Health Savings account
• Employer paid Health, Dental, Vision, Life insurance, Dependent Life, Long-term Disability
• Vacation, Sick, Personal, Bereavement and Parental Leave
12 Paid Holidays
• Educational Reimbursement: Bonus Pay for Additional Certifications and/or Education
• Cell Phone Stipend
• Ability to transfer unused sick leave from preceding NC Local Government or State agency employer
• Much, much more!

OWASA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diverse experiences. We provide competitive pay and benefits in a safe, rewarding work environment.