Wastewater Lab Supervisor

City of Flagstaff; Flagstaff (AZ); On-site; USD 66,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ASRS retirement plan

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Paid holidays and leave

Take-home vehicle (city)

Job summary

The City of Flagstaff is seeking a skilled environmental laboratory professional to lead its wastewater and reclaimed water compliance laboratory. This role oversees sampling, testing, QA/QC, data management, and regulatory reporting to ensure compliance with ADEQ, EPA, ADHS, and applicable permit requirements.

Working with wastewater operations and regulatory partners, you will help ensure accurate, defensible laboratory data and uphold high environmental standards while supporting after-hours

Qualifications

• AA or AS or equivalent education or experience.
• 4 years of experience in laboratory, water/wastewater field or equivalent.
• Must obtain Grade 1 Wastewater/Wastewater Treatment/Water Distribution System Operator Certification within 1 year of hire.
• Bachelor's degree or higher is desirable, with 7 years of experience in Water/Wastewater.

Responsibilities

• Lead sampling, testing, QA/QC, data management, and regulatory reporting for water/wastewater programs.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with ADEQ, EPA, ADHS, and permit requirements.
• Provide supervision, mentorship, and training to lab staff.
• Coordinate with operations and regulators; respond to emergencies as needed.
• Manage compliance programs and participate in permit renewals and modifications.
• Order lab supplies and review external proposals for equipment.

Skills

Attention to detail

Regulatory compliance

Team leadership

Customer service

Education

AA/AS or equivalent

BA/BS preferred

Grade 1 Certification within 1 year

Grade 2 Certification desirable

Tools

Laboratory data management software

Regulatory reporting tools

Job description

The City of Flagstaff is seeking a skilled environmental laboratory professional to lead its wastewater and reclaimed water compliance laboratory. This position oversees sampling, testing, quality assurance and quality control, data management, and regulatory reporting while ensuring compliance with ADEQ, EPA, ADHS, and applicable permit requirements.

Working closely with wastewater operations and regulatory partners, this role helps ensure the City meets evolving environmental standards, maintains accurate and defensible laboratory data, and protects the quality of our community’s water resources. If you bring strong technical expertise, attention to detail, and a commitment to environmental compliance.

Duties range from routine/less difficult to more complex (requiring the incumbent to take initiative, make judgment calls, and make decisions for the functions/processes for which they are accountable.)

• Provides excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Elements of the job may require availability to respond to after-hours emergencies.
• May supervise Water Services Operators (WSO) training in specialty area or laboratory technicians and provide mentoring and training to ensure cross training occurs.
• Schedules training, monitors training for quality, and coordinates other on-going training, including safety training and safety enforcement.
• May complete performance evaluations for employees who have worked in specialty area.
• Assists with or conducts interviews and makes recommendations during the hiring process.
• Researches, estimates, and purchases/requisitions equipment and materials.
• Puts equipment into service and takes equipment out of service in area of specialty.
• May review proposals and provides guidance and assistance to outside suppliers, engineers, contractors, and inspectors.
• Provides input on equipment needs to repair or up-grade facilities.
• Responsible for necessary documents, SOP’s, data entries and reports to properly record the service activities for area of specialty.
• Responsible for updating and maintaining emergency and security plans.
• Performs administrative duties including payroll, up-date manuals, records retention, meetings, training, etc.
• Provides determination of best work practices concerning requests for equipment, tools, chemicals and PPE needed to maintain a safe and operational facility.
• Directs staff in installation and start-up operations.
• Responsible for all scheduled and unscheduled work, including planning, assigning, purchasing, and supervising, exercising initiative and independent judgment in carrying out the work or meeting unusual problems.
• Responsible for employee safety and safe operation of all equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Regulatory Compliance

• Manages ADHS licensed Environmental compliance laboratory for water or wastewater.
• Plans and conducts sampling, testing and reporting for all parameters listed on state-issued permits and/or drinking water rules for the City’s water/wastewater facilities.
• Verifies QA/QC on all laboratory data.
• Compiles monthly data from various in-house lab bench sheets and contract lab reports.
• Submits reports to ADEQ and EPA in accordance with permit or rule frequencies.
• Communicates with regulatory bodies in instances of non-compliance and completes all required notifications/reports.
• Assists lab techs when needed and performs duties of the lab tech in their absence.
• Manages the Drinking water and Wastewater compliance programs and ensures that all areas of compliance are met.
• Develops or modifies programs based on new permits, permit modifications and/or rule changes.
• Participates in the permit renewal and or modification process.
• Orders lab supplies.

To review the full job description for this position, please click the following link: Class Specifications | Water Services Supervisor | Class Spec Details

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• AA, AS or equivalent education or experience
• 4 years of experience in laboratory, water/wastewater field or equivalent.
• Grade 1 Wastewater Treatment, Water Treatment or Water Distribution System Operator Certification within 1 year of hire.
• Any combination of relevant education and relevant experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis. Minimum requirements such as driver's license and certifications may not be substituted and are required at time of hire.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

• BA, BS or equivalent education or experience
• 7 years of experience in the Water / Wastewater field including budgeting, safety, policies, and procedures.
• Grade 2 Wastewater Treatment , Water Treatment, or Water Distribution System Operator Certification.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must obtain Grade 1 Wastewater Treatment, Water Treatment or Water Distribution System Operator Certification within 1 year of hire.
• Must possess, or obtain upon employment, a valid Arizona driver's license.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity.
• Must have the ability to be contacted and to respond in a timely manner and be willing and able to perform emergency work on an evening or weekend basis.
• Operations and Maintenance positions are subject to a Mandatory Respirator Program which includes passing a respirator physical exam within 6 months of hire.
• Must possess or obtain an Arizona issued class B or better Commercial Driver’s License within probationary period, including a Tanker Endorsement (Wastewater Collection and Stormwater Collection)
• Employees may be designated a take home City vehicle.
• Employees who are designated to take home a City vehicle per the Vehicle Take Home Administrative Policy must live within the prescribed area. The defined as a 12-mile radius from City Hall or 35 miles eastbound, westbound, and southbound from the I-17 and I-40 exchanges, or 10 miles from City Hall along Highway 180 North with a five-mile-wide corridor (2 ½ miles on each side).

CURRENT COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and positive work environment. We offer competitive pay, outstanding benefits, and the chance to work with a committed team making a difference in our community. Located in the beautiful mountain town of Flagstaff, AZ, you’ll enjoy a unique quality of life with outdoor recreation, stunning scenery and a welcoming community.

Our total compensation package includes best-in-class benefits and an annual salary of $66,289.60 - $99,424.00, based on the candidate's qualifications and experience. Plus:

• Arizona State Retirement System with 100% Match
• Employees are members of Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) with a mandatory contribution rate of approximately 12%
• Deferred Compensation Options
• Up to 4% Annual Pay for Performance Increase
• Group Insurance including Health, Dental and Vision coverage
• Flexible & Health Savings Accounts
• 13 Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave, Personal Leave, Paid Parental Leave, Bereavement, Jury Duty
• Life Insurance, AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability and Voluntary Life Insurance
• First-Time Homebuyer Assistance
• Qualified Public Student Loan Forgiveness Employer
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Clinic, Telehealth, Wellness Program & Incentives
• Tobacco Cessation Program
• Employer Assistance Program
• Recognition includingWorkiversary, Wonderful Outstanding Worker (WOW), On-the-Spot, 7k Award, and City Manager's Excellence Awards
• Employee Discounts:MountainLine Bus Eco Pass, Aquaplex, and Recreation Centers

Please note that Compensation and Benefits are subject to change based on future policy change, budgetary impact, and Council changes.

The City of Flagstaff is looking for team members who are passionate about community, innovation, and quality of life. Come be a part of this cool community and see why the City of Flagstaff is a great place to work!