MANAGER OF LABORATORY

ALCOSAN; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

ALCOSAN is seeking a Laboratory Manager to oversee the operation and compliance of a full-service laboratory analyzing wastewater. The role requires strong technical knowledge, responsibility for data management, and staff supervision, ensuring adherence to EPA standards. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and 5 years of relevant experience.

Applicants must also possess the ability to obtain Environmental Laboratory Supervisor Certification and demonstrate strong leadership skills to manage a competent laboratory team.

Qualifications

• Five years of Environmental Compliance or Laboratory Experience.
• Five years of managerial / supervisory experience.
• Possess or ability to obtain Environmental Laboratory Supervisor Certification.

Responsibilities

• Manage a full-service laboratory ensuring proper analysis of wastewater.
• Review analytical results for accuracy.
• Develop and implement a data management strategy.
• Ensure compliance with authority's rules and policies.
• Conduct training for laboratory staff.

Skills

Test Methods utilized in EC Laboratory

NPDES Permit Requirements / Parameter Limits

EC Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

Wastewater Treatment Process

OSHA Safety Standards

Sampling, collection, and chemistry process

Hazardous Waste Issues: SPCC and Disposal Plans

Experimental Design (theory and application)

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

PA DEP Chapter 252 Requirements for Laboratory Accreditation

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or a related field

Job description

ALCOSAN is committed to providing wastewater treatment services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. From our Board of Directors to our Executive Director, leadership and staff; we work to enhance the community’s quality of life and safety by protecting our rivers and streams. After 60 years of continued design, construction and operations of the sewer system and treatment plant, we now have 400 plus employees serving residential, commercial and industrial customers in 83 communities throughout Allegheny County.

Position Summary

The Laboratory Manager is responsible for managing a full service laboratory; including ensuring proper analysis of wastewater by EPA approved standards, and maintaining compliance with all applicable laws and accreditation requirements.

Essential Functions

• Reviews analytical results for proper execution of procedures and for accuracy in accordance with Quality Assurance Plan.
• Develops and implements a data management strategy to ensure timely and accurate sample analysis including dissemination of results.
• Maintains compliance with the Authority’s rules and policies.
• Reviews analytical methods to maintain knowledge of procedures, equipment, and to maintain efficient work load scheduling.
• Implements appropriate analytical procedures for wastewater and solid matrix samples as provided for State and Federal Regulations.
• Ensures implementation of quality control standards and procedures as determined by the Quality Assurance Officer.
• Implements all measures necessary to obtain and sustain environmental laboratory accreditation according to Pennsylvania Law. (Chapter 252 Laboratory Regulations Accreditation)
• Reviews applicable laws and regulations to ensure proper laboratory operation.
• Conducts training to Laboratory Staff in matters pertaining to laws, regulations, and laboratory operation standards.
• Maintains and builds upon knowledge of treatment plant operations through industry articles, publications, and membership with professional organizations.
• Develops short and long‑term project plans including annual objectives and budget requests for the department.
• Selects, trains, and supervises department personnel.

Knowledge / Abilities

Extensive / Considerable Knowledge Of

• Test Methods utilized in EC Laboratory
• NPDES Permit Requirements / Parameter Limits
• EC Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Wastewater Treatment Process
• OSHA Safety Standards
• Sampling, collection, and chemistry process
• Hazardous Waste Issues: SPCC and Disposal Plans

Some / Limited Knowledge Of

• Experimental Design (theory and application)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• PA DEP Chapter 252 Requirements for Laboratory Accreditation
• Techniques of problem identification and problem solving

Ability To

• Communicate with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co‑workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e‑mail, or in person.
• Analyze Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Make Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Update and Use Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up‑to‑date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Interpret the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Organize, Plan, and Prioritize Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Establish and Maintain Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Think Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Communicate with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in written, or by telephone or e‑mail.
• Schedule Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Coordinate the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Coach and Develop Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Guide, Direct, and Motivate Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Develop and Build Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Resolve Conflicts and Negotiate with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Interpret the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Monitor and Control Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Minimum Education Level Required

Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or a related field.

Minimum Experience Required

Five (5) years of Environmental Compliance or Laboratory Experience including five (5) years managerial / supervisory experience.

Required Certifications / Licenses

Possess, or ability to obtain Environmental Laboratory Supervisor Certification.

The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Authority to comply with all federal, state, and local statutes governing equal employment opportunity.