WATER QUALITY LABORATORY COORDINATOR

Western Virginia Water Authority; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Virginia Water Authority is seeking a Water Quality Laboratory Coordinator to oversee laboratory and water quality control activities at the plant operations division. You will ensure drinking water quality meets state and federal regulations and provide technical expertise for SDWA/NPDES compliance.

The role involves developing training and safety programs, compiling detailed reports for agencies, and supervising lab staff; a Bachelor's degree in Biology/ Chemistry with 3–5 years lab

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or Chemistry with 3–5 years lab experience.
• Knowledge of SDWA and NPDES regulatory guidelines.
• Experience with QA/QC programs in a water or environmental lab.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct laboratory staff in chemical, biological, and physical analyses.
• Ensure SDWA and permit compliance through QA/QC programs.
• Prepare monthly reports for VDH and DEQ; draft Consumer Confidence Reports.
• Monitor regulatory activities and implement new programs.
• Coordinate procurement and external lab services.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to staff.

Skills

Laboratory process design

Regulatory knowledge (SDWA & NPDES)

LIMS software

Written and verbal communication

Leadership and supervision

Data analysis and problem solving

QA/QC programs and safety

Education

Bachelor's in Biology or Chemistry

Tools

LIMS

ICP

Segmented Flow Analyzer

Total Organic Carbon (TOC)

pH meters

Spectrophotometer

Excel

Word / Outlook

Job description

JOB POSITION: Water Quality Laboratory Coordinator Division: Water Quality Plant Operations Status: Non-Exempt Grade: 108 Job Code: 358 Reports to: Director of Plant Operations Date: 07-01-22 Revised Date: 09-23-26 Last Reviewed Date: 09-23-26

SUMMARY OF JOB

Under limited supervision, performs technical work at the supervisory level to manage laboratory and water quality control activities. Ensures that drinking water quality meets or exceeds State and Federal regulations. Provides technical expertise necessary to ensure compliance. Develops and implements training and safety programs. Provides detailed, technical information and reports to City, State and Federal Agencies. Designs and implements new analytical programs to measure water quality. Responds to water complaints and inquiries from the public. Supervises assigned subordinate personnel. Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field with a minimum of three (3) to five (5) years medical or environmental laboratory experience and a clear understanding of regulatory guidelines of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Requires a valid driver's license.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

• Provides direction to laboratory staff in chemical, biological, and physical analyses by wet chemistry, instrumental methods, on-line process analyzers and collection and preservation of water samples. Directs laboratory staff in the analyses of bacteriological testing for compliance and private water samples. Monitor and maintain all data from plant process, laboratory, distribution and private water samples submitted to the laboratory for analysis. Problem solves as required based on laboratory data.
• Establishes, implements, maintains and controls monitoring to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Drinking Water Regulations and the Department of Environmental Quality Discharge Permit Regulations.
• Establishes, implements, maintains and controls analytical programs consistent with the operational needs of the water treatment plant. Plan, implement and control quality assurance program for the laboratory including quality control testing programs, proficiency testing and certification for the laboratory staff and operational staff.
• Monitors regulatory activities that pertain to drinking water and waste water contaminants. Plans and implements new programs to meet upcoming requirements of State and Federal regulations.
• Oversees procurement, requisitions, orders and initiates payment for laboratory equipment and supplies. Coordinates quality control divisional activities with other divisions and departments.
• Prepares written reports and presentations. Prepare monthly reports for the Virginia Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Quality. Prepares Consumer Confidence Report on an annual basis for the Main System and all of the City's Community Well Systems. Monitor all compliance results to ensure compliance and measures required when results are not in compliance with regulations. Prepares Public Notices for distribution and other Notices of Violation. Work with mail house and Information Technology for mailing of Public Notices. Reports on a daily basis when needed to VDH and DEQ if bacteriological or chemical results are not in range or as expected. Manages the generation, storage and retrieval of laboratory data.
• Demonstrates leadership aptitude in technical functions and people management. Achieves results through people by successful objective setting, performance review, motivation, delegation, teambuilding, empowerment and leading by example.
• Participates in various water quality committees. Attends various training sessions in order to stay abreast of water quality regulations and technology. Attends various departmental and divisional meetings to troubleshoot water quality and treatment situations.
• Assume a high level, in-depth scientific leadership and mentoring role of staff responsible for performing chemical, biological, and physical tests of water and wastewater to determine the efficiency of the plant processes and to meet permit compliance.
• Provides technical expertise for documentation authoring and review (i.e. laboratory and environmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Standard Methods.
• Administer a QA/QC program to assure correctness of lab procedures and that laboratory data are of acceptable quality.
• Coordinate and monitor contract laboratory services as necessary. Schedules and tracks tests performed by outside lab.
• Maintains laboratory certifications.
• Interacts with regulatory officials as needed for both analytical testing clarification and permitting purposes.
• Completes performance evaluations of assigned employees. Supervises the training of subordinate employees in modern methods of laboratory analyses and the use of sophisticated analytical equipment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversees the work of assigned employees. Responsible for interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to design, review, and recommend improvements for water and wastewater laboratory processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of State and EPA water and wastewater regulations including permitting requirements.
• Knowledge of specialized lab equipment with multiple logic functions. For example: ICP, Segmented Flow Analyzer, Total Organic Carbon, dissolved oxygen meters, pH meters, and spectrophotometer.
• Computer knowledge including, but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and lab specific software such as LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) and LIMS Interface.
• Ability to work independently with broad direction and limited supervision. Ability to effectively organize and oversee the work of assigned personnel. Ability to work effectively with other supervisors, co-workers, and contractors and deal tactfully with the public.
• Ability to think logically and comprehend data and complete statistical data analysis.
• Ability to manage safe work practices and programs for assigned personnel.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbal and in writing.
• Ability to respond to inquiries from employees and customers orally or in writing as necessary.
• Ability to identify problems and/or conflict and manage problems and/or conflicts.
• Ability to analyze and solve technical and administrative problems.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as Standard Methods, operating and maintenance instructions, maps and procedure manuals.
• Ability to develop work instructions furnished in writing, oral or diagram form.
• Ability to write reports, correspondences and procedure manuals in a clear concise manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other Water Authority departments and the general public.
• Ability to develop and promote a team environment.
• Must possess and maintain a good work ethic with a strong emphasis on good attendance, reporting to work on time, completing job assignments in a timely manner, maintaining a good work attitude, performing all job duties as assigned and/or scheduled.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field with a minimum of three (3) to five (5) years medical or environmental laboratory experience and a clear understanding of regulatory guidelines of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES); or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Requires a valid driver's license.

CERTIFICATE, LICENSE, REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a valid Virginia driver's license or have the ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment date. No more than six (6) demerit points on driving record if required to drive Water Authority vehicles.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, and sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, climb (stairs).
• Specific vision abilities required by this job is for the ability to read, record and interpret information. If corrective lenses are noted on driver's license, the lenses must be worn when operating Authority vehicles.
• Speech and hearing are used to communicate with other employees over the telephone and in person.
• Repetitive movement using equipment is involved.
• Employee must be able to stand for an extended amount of time at the jobsite.
• Employee must be physically able to regularly reach overhead.
• Employee must regularly lift, carry and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally 20 pounds. Assistance is required on weight amounts above those listed. Failure to do so could result in injury and denied Worker's Compensation benefits.

WORK ENVIRONMENT ENCOUNTERED IN THIS JOB

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Employee may be periodically exposed to moderate noise level, extreme outside weather conditions, uneven, steep, slippery terrain conditions, dusty conditions and wet and/or humid conditions.
• Employee may be periodically subject to exposure to moving mechanical parts and equipment operation.
• Employee may complete laboratory tests governed by industry standard methods which include the use of chemicals which can include various acids, bases, and similar chemicals.
• Employee may be periodically subject to exposure to moving mechanical parts and equipment operation.

GENERAL STATEMENT AND SELECTION GUIDELINES

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work assigned to in this job position. They should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties or tasks performed by personnel so classified.

The following will identify the selection guidelines for job placement:

• WVWA application
• Rating of education, experience, training and qualifications
• Reference checks
• Interview with WVWA management team
• Applicant must pass a pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol test
• A criminal background check and social security number verification will be performed. The results must match information provided by the applicant on the WVWA application
• Job related test might be required and would be administered to all applicants applying for the position