Job Type: Non-Union
Job Posting: COP-00031-23
Salary: $67,668.11 – $82,251.01
Department: Water Supply Board
The City of Providence welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce at all levels of the organization. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit hiring discrimination of any type. All City hiring decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
PLEASE NOTE:
All persons employed by the City of Providence are required to have achieved a fully vaccinated status against the COVID-19 virus. “Fully vaccinated status” shall be defined as having received the full number of doses required to complete the vaccination series of one of the currently recognized COVID-19 vaccines. Proof of vaccination completion will be required before beginning employment with the City.
Job Summary
The Laboratory Supervisor reports to the Manager-Water Laboratory and performs highly responsible professional work directing and overseeing the operation of a RI Department of Health certified laboratory; responsible for scheduling and supervising the work of laboratory chemists; performs the more complex technical tests and examinations to comply with the EPA and RIDOH Drinking Water Standards; performs bacteriological analysis of water samples; responsible for preparation and sterilization of bacteriological cultural media; responsible for maintenance of laboratory QC records and equipment, and the compilation of daily and monthly bacteriological reports; performs assigned duties in accordance with established standard methods and EPA prescribed procedures; maintains laboratory microbial certification through participation in EPA sanctioned performance testing programs; oversees the coordination with other Providence Water (PW) departments with regard to investigating and resolving consumer water quality issues; performs other related duties as assigned.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Supervises and directs the work and performance of laboratory chemists.
- Schedules the routine and non-routine collection of water samples from various locations within Providence Water (PW) jurisdiction including the distribution system, water treatment plant, watershed lands, and related areas.
- Responsible for maintaining records and chain of custody forms as required by regulation.
- Responsible for the more technical bacteriological examinations and procedures including, but not limited to, coliform testing and total plate count; responsible for related record keeping as required.
- Preparation and sterilization of bacteriological culture media used in the microbiological examination water samples.
- Plans, organizes, and implements the laboratory’s SDWA Total Coliform Rule bacteria analysis and sampling program.
- Performs testing on other samples as requested or mandated by future regulations pertaining to potable and non-potable water monitoring.
- Coordinates sampling, organizes analysis and communicates results pertaining to consumer complaint investigations and resolutions and other water quality related issues.
- Evaluates and interprets laboratory test results.
- Responsible for watershed brook, stream, and reservoir testing; new water main efficiency of disinfection examinations.
- Orders necessary laboratory reagents and supplies.
- Performs both simple and complex chemistry testing on water samples as required; ensures cleanliness of glassware, lab equipment, and facilities; responsible for performance of daily bacteriological QC/QA testing and recording.
- Responsible for the more technical chemistry examinations and procedures; responsible for related record keeping as required.
- Directs the preparation and standardization of chemical reagents used in the examination of potable and non-potable water samples.
- Plans and manages the laboratory’s RI DEM Pollution Discharge Elimination System sampling program.
- Researches, prepares, and directs the implementation of new chemistry test procedures as necessitated by changing laboratory analytical requirements and/or new SDWA regulations.
- Oversees and updates annual laboratory chemical and hazardous waste inventory; directs performance of daily chemistry lab QC/QA testing and record keeping.
- Participates in required annual EPA sanctioned performance testing program used for maintaining RI Department of Health laboratory certification.
- Monitors laboratory instrumentation, including electro-chemical meters and spectrophotometric meters, to determine possible causes of laboratory analytical procedure failures.
- In extenuating circumstances, acts as laboratory chemist in his/her absence; provides coverage for other management personnel.
- Performs all duties, tasks, and tests without close supervision.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in bacteriological or biological sciences from an accredited college or university or minimum of ten (10) years laboratory experience with a minimum of one (1) year supervisory experience preferred.
- Working knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of environmental sampling, testing, and basic laboratory practices including scientific terminology, aseptic technique, general laboratory safety practices, and the ability to apply such knowledge.
- Must possess and maintain a valid State Driver’s License.
- Ability to communicate effectively and courteously; ability to establish and maintain good relations with department personnel and the public.
- Computer proficient with knowledge of Microsoft Office programs; background with Water Information Management Solution, preferred.
- Must be able to perform all essential functions of the job.
Posting expires when position is filled.
