Water Quality Lab Lead

Water Environment Federation; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Water Environment Federation seeks a Senior Laboratory Manager to oversee daily sample collection and laboratory analyses for water, wastewater, biosolids and soil samples. You will supervise Laboratory Analysts and staff, ensure SOP adherence, and provide technical direction for method development.

The role emphasizes QA/QC, data validation, and continuous improvement while coordinating with procurement and regulatory affairs. Strong leadership and lab management experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in chemistry, biology or related science field; combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Proficient in laboratory safety and QA/QC processes.
• Experience with core wastewater analysis and analytical methods.
• Strong supervisory and mentoring abilities.

Responsibilities

• Plans, schedules, and reviews the work of laboratory analysts.
• Ensures SOPs are followed for sampling, chain of custody, analyses, storage, and disposal.
• Provides technical direction and assists with method development.
• Conducts review and validation of analytical data.
• Prioritizes analytical work to meet internal customer needs and supports workload.
• Implements QA/QC program and ensures data accuracy for regulatory compliance.
• Identifies efficiency improvements and leads continuous improvement projects.
• Monitors supplies and tracks service contracts in the lab.
• Evaluates instrument performance and maintains preventive maintenance programs.
• Participates in staff recruitment and performance reviews.
• Assists with budgeting and planning; coordinates with procurement.
• Collaborates with Regulatory Affairs on chemical handling and hazardous waste disposal.
• Performs other tasks as assigned.

Skills

Lab instrumentation

Lab safety

Wastewater analysis

Statistics basics

QA/QC processes

LIMS usage

Staff mentoring

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or related science field

Tools

LIMS

MS Office

Job description

Water Environment Federation seeks a Senior Laboratory Manager to oversee daily sample collection and laboratory analyses for water, wastewater, biosolids and soil samples. You will supervise Laboratory Analysts and staff, ensure SOP adherence, and provide technical direction for method development.

The role emphasizes QA/QC, data validation, and continuous improvement while coordinating with procurement and regulatory affairs. Strong leadership and lab management experience are required.