Laboratory Supervisor

Water Otter Job Board; Commerce (CA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

California Water Service is seeking a Laboratory Supervisor to oversee testing of water samples, coordinate scheduling, and maintain QA/QC programs in a Commerce, CA environment. You will supervise technicians, ensure regulatory compliance, and support continual process improvements.

Ideal candidates hold a Chemistry/Microbiology/ Biology degree with several years in water quality labs, experience with ELAP/TNI, and strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology or equivalent experience.
• 5 years in water quality compliance or related field.
• 3 years in an ELAP certified laboratory.
• 2 years in a TNI certified laboratory.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data systems.

Responsibilities

• Supervise laboratory technicians in chemical and bacteriological analyses and sample tracking.
• Oversee monthly monitoring schedules and regulatory compliance using LIMS/BI.
• Lead QA/QC processes and ensure adherence to ELAP and TNI standards.
• Train staff, conduct performance reviews, and ensure safe working conditions.
• Manage lab safety program and waste handling procedures.

Skills

Laboratory supervision

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

Problem solving

Project management

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, or Biology

Tools

LIMS

MS Office

Job description

Laboratory Supervisor

California Water Service

Job Description

California Water Service Group (Cal Water) invites you to build a meaningful career with the third largest publicly traded water utility in the United States. Guided by our mission to be the leading provider of water and wastewater services, we are dedicated to improving the quality of life for the customers, communities, and employees we serve. Our culture is grounded in core values-integrity, quality, service, value, health and safety, respect and collaboration, and corporate citizenship-and is reflected in our recognition as a Top Workplace®, a Great Place to Work®, and a J.D. Power leader in customer satisfaction for multiple years. Join Cal Water and be part of a purpose driven organization where your work makes a lasting impact.

SUMMARY: Under general direction the Laboratory Supervisor will supervise the performance of laboratory technicians responsible for sample logistics, sample control and performing analyses of environmental samples; assisting in directing special study projects and program development within a full-service environmental laboratory; assisting in monitoring and supporting the maintenance of appropriate quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) processes and procedures throughout the laboratory sections ensuring compliance with TNI requirements; performs related work as required. This position is located in Commerce, CA.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops, supervises, reviews and directs the work of laboratory technicians coordinating testing of chemical, and bacteriological analyses of water through shipping, receiving, and tracking of sampling kits.
• Manage implementation of the annual monitoring schedules, sample coordination, collection and tracking to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Assists in management of continuous improvement activities utilizing Corrective Action Plans, process controls, and document management.
• Manage monthly monitoring schedules, sample coordination, collection and tracking to ensure regulatory compliance, utilizing LIMS and BI to ensure all monthly sampling requirements are met.
• Interviews candidates and recommends selection of employees; directs the training of employees in the performance of work; reviews and evaluates employee performance and recommends staffing changes to meet established goals; interprets Company policies and procedures to assigned staff; is responsible for the maintenance of safe working conditions.
• Assists with monitoring within the laboratory sections, the application of work methods and protocols that ensure achieving established laboratory wide quality assurance and quality control standards; implements corrective action as required.
• Provide assistance with the laboratory quality control and quality assurance program to ensure compliance with the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) and TNI standards.
• Assist in the review and approval of inhouse and contract laboratory data.
• Assist with managing the laboratory safety program to ensure compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) requirements for safe working conditions
• Assists in planning, organizing, evaluating and managing laboratory waste storage, removal, and documentation.
• Performs work on-site in the assigned office location

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology and/or equivalent relevant experience
• Five years of experience working in water quality compliance
• Three years of experience working in an ELAP certified laboratory
• Two years of experience working in a TNI (The NELAC Institute) certified laboratory
• Water Distribution Operator Grade 2 Certification preferred
• Water Treatment Operator Grade 2 Certification preferred
• AWWA or CWEA Analyst I, II, III and IV preferred
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications
• Valid California Driver License

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of state and federal water quality regulations and drinking water laboratory regulations
• Knowledge of Company policies and procedures
• Knowledge of the chemical characteristics of and standard methods for the analysis of water; general chemical quantitative and qualitative analysis; organisms, particularly microorganisms common to water and wastewater;
• Knowledge of standard laboratory equipment and its uses, analytical instrumentation and the laboratory information management system (LIMS).
• Knowledge of water systems treatment and distribution practices
• Knowledge of and ability to apply water and environmental regulations
• Knowledge of drinking water contaminants, their standards, and all associated regulations
• Knowledge of water quality sampling, test methods, chain of custody documentation, and compliance standards
• Knowledge and ability to use Microsoft Office applications to create presentations, spreadsheets, and Word documents
• Knowledge of the Laboratory Information Manager System (LIMS)
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with agencies, contractors, consultants, customers, employees, and vendors
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of employees and management
• Ability to work with regulators, operators, technical staff, and customers
• Ability to think clearly and react appropriately in emergency situations
• Demonstrated commitment to outstanding customer service
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Good problem-solving and trouble shooting skills
• Flexible and able to prioritize work

Salary Range: $91,800 - $170,500 (DOE)

Deadline to submit resume is Thursday, November 5, 2026.

The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity. California Water Service, Hawai'i Water Service, New Mexico Water Service, Texas Water Service, and Washington Water Service do not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIES.