Laboratory Supervisor - Wastewater Management

Orange Water & Sewer Authority (OWASA); Carrboro (NC); On-site; USD 81,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Paid time off

Holidays

Educational reimbursement

Job summary

Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) in Carrboro, NC, is seeking a Laboratory Supervisor to lead our Wastewater Management Laboratory programs and team. The role supports a culture of excellence and ensures compliance in a Grade IV facility with reclaimed water distribution.

Successful candidates will have at least four years in wastewater labs and one year in supervision, a related bachelor’s degree, and strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• At least four years experience in wastewater laboratory and one year in a supervisory role.
• Experience analyzing inorganic and bacteriological wastewater parameters using certified methods.

Responsibilities

• Ensuring all laboratory procedures and programs comply with laws, policies, and regulations.
• Performing and overseeing analytical testing; managing supplies and equipment purchases.
• Supervising, developing, and coaching a staff of two employees and one intern; ensuring performance expectations are met.
• Communicating with customers, the public, and vendors.
• Creating and updating SOPs, QC/QA manuals, Chemical Hygiene Plans, SDS, chain of custody, and monthly reports.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field of study (physical science or environmental studies) or equivalent

Job description

Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA)

Laboratory Supervisor - Wastewater Management

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; bachelors 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 drivers license issued by the State of NorthCarolina.
• Ability to meet andmaintainrequirements for a safety sensitive position; physical requirements include the ability tofrequentlyexert 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds.

Team members are our most important resource. Pay and Benefits include:

• Salary Range is $80,682 - $120,918
• 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. This recruitment will close August 30, 2026.