Utilities Laboratory Supervisor

Description

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TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Application Deadline: April 30, 2024

Selection Interviews: Week of May 6, 2024

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Public Works Department is seeking an experienced professional in public agency laboratories who can work independently and take initiative. Well-rounded supervisory experience is highly sought after as this position plans, organizes, and provides direction and oversight of all laboratory sampling and analysis of a comprehensive, analytical laboratory, including overseeing assigned staff. Higher certifications from California Water Environment Association (CWEA) or the American Water Works Association (AWWA) are highly desirable. Finally, a successful candidate will be approachable and have a service-centered attitude as this incumbent is the primary contact for regulatory agencies regarding laboratory services.

DEFINITION

The Utilities Laboratory provides analytical support for regulatory sampling and monitoring requirements related to the Wastewater and Water Operations and Treatment facilities. Under general direction, plans, organizes, and provides direction and oversight of a comprehensive analytical laboratory, including testing and sampling a variety of matrices including water, wastewater, and industrial wastes; plans, organizes, and provides direction and oversight of quality assurance; provides general supervision to assigned staff; updates laboratory methods and determines test procedures; develops and maintains the laboratory's Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plans; oversees regulatory reporting; ensures that laboratory operations and maintenance functions meet all applicable laws, regulations, and City policies; and performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from assigned supervisory or management staff. Exercises general supervision and direction over assigned staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a full-supervisory classification responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, supervising, and evaluating all City laboratory activities. Responsibilities include developing and implementing policies and procedures for assigned programs, budget administration and reporting, and program evaluation. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines.

Essential and Marginal Duties

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Recommend and directs the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the Utilities laboratory.

• Reviews and implements policies and procedures to meet legal requirements and City needs; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; recommend the implementation of change.

• Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications; forecasts additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; administers the approved budget.

• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, reviews, and evaluates the work of technical and professional staff.

• Provides for the selection, training, professional development, and work evaluation of laboratory staff according to applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations; authorizes discipline as required; and provides policy guidance and interpretation to staff.

• Ensures compliance with applicable regulatory and quality control standards, including compiling and preparing various reports and records related to water quality regulatory monitoring, processing control requirements, enforcing the in-house quality assurance program, updating and reviewing standard operating procedures, and performing corrective action when required.

• Coordinates activities of laboratory staff and other laboratories and outside agencies; trains employees in work methods, relevant safety precautions, and use of tools and instruments.

• Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect laboratory operations; and implements policy and procedural changes as required.

• Provides technical advice in the area of expertise, as needed.

• May provide analytical findings and information to various governmental agencies and the public, as needed.

• Ensures upkeep and renewal of the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.

• Oversees quality assurance programs for laboratory analysis and instrumentation; prepares periodic water quality reports, including those required by other government agencies.

• Receives, investigates, and responds to problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.

• Monitors the laboratory quality assurance program for accuracy; provides guidance and oversight to the Laboratory Quality Assurance Officer.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.

• Principles and practices of leadership.

• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of a utility laboratory.

• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.

• Applicable Federal and State laws; District, department, and division regulations, codes, policies, and procedures.

• General chemical, biological, bacteriological, and physical laboratory testing methods and procedures, including qualitative and quantitative analyses.

• Principles of analytical, organic, and inorganic chemistry and related sciences.

• Basic principles of water and wastewater treatment, distribution, and disposal.

• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

• The structure and content of the English language to perform the work.

• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.

• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

Ability to:

• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.

• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls for the laboratory.

• Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for laboratory.

• Assist in the development and monitoring of assigned budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.

• Analyze the results of chemical, biochemical, biological, bacteriological, and physical analysis of potable water and wastewater, and make appropriate recommendations for plant operations.

• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.

• Establish and maintain a variety of manual and computerized record keeping and project management systems.

• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.

• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.

• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.

• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in chemistry, biology, or a related field and three (3) years of experience in an analytical treatment plant laboratory performing chemical, physical, and bacteriological analyses, including supervisory experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession, or ability to obtain, a valid California class C driver's license upon appointment.

• Possession of a Grade III Laboratory Analyst certification issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) or the American Water Works Association (AWWA) at time of application.

• Possession of a Grade IV Laboratory Analyst certification issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) or the American Water Works Association (AWWA) within 18 months of hire.

• Possession of a valid State Water Resources Control Board Distribution Operator Grade 1 Certificate is highly desirable.

• May be required to complete National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in standard office and laboratory settings and use standard office and laboratory equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.? Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required.? Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office and laboratory equipment.? Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 40 pounds with the use of proper equipment.?

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in laboratory and office environments with low to moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions. Employees are frequently exposed to odors, fumes, and hazardous chemicals and physical substances.? Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.? Works outdoors, as needed, and subject to inclement weather.

WORKING CONDITIONS

N/A

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All City of Tracy employees are, by State and Federal law, Disaster Service Workers. The roles and responsibilities for Disaster Service Workers are authorized by the California Emergency Services Act and are defined in the California Labor Code. In the event of a declaration of emergency, any employee of the City may be assigned to perform activities which promote the protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property. Such assignments may require service at locations, times, and under conditions that are significantly different than the normal work assignments and may continue into the recovery phase of the emergency. If a "Local Emergency" is declared during the employee's shift, employees will be expected to remain at work to respond to the emergency needs of the community. If a "Local Emergency" is declared outside of the employee's shift, employees must make every effort to contact their direct supervisor or department head to obtain reporting instructions as Disaster Service Workers.

The City of Tracy provides a generous benefit package to employees in the Mid-Managers Bargaining Unit. A summary of key benefits is listed below. More information can be found in the Benefit Summary and in the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Tracy and the Tracy Mid-Managers Bargaining Unit.

Health Benefits

• Choice of Kaiser, HMO, POS and PPO, and Sutter Health Plus HMO health insurance plans available. City contribution fully covers premiums for Kaiser HMO or Sutter HMO with dental and vision and provides a generous contribution towards other plans including Kaiser Point of Service Plan and PPO.

Dental and Vision Plans

• Choice of Delta Dental or Bright Now Dental plans available. VSP is available as a Vision plan.

Life Insurance and Long Term Disability

• Individual coverage of $50,000 is fully paid by the City. Supplemental life insurance may be purchased by the employee at the same premium rate paid by the City.

Retirement Program

• CalPERS (formula dependent upon hire date and membership status in CalPERS). Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation programs available (MissionSquare & AIG/VALIC). The City participates in Social Security.

Paid Leave and Holidays

• General vacation accrues at the rate of 96 hours per year the first year and progresses up to 192 hours per year at 16 years of service. Management leave is accrued at 104 hours per year. Maximum accumulation of vacation, management leave, and floating holidays shall be 488 hours. Sick leave is accrued at a rate of 96 hours per year with unlimited accrual. There are 14 paid holidays per year (includes 2 floating holidays).

Management Benefit

• Fixed allowance of $960 per year to be used at employee's discretion for job related expenses.

Dependent Care and Medical Spending Accounts - (IRS Section 125): Available to eligible employees on a voluntary basis.

Additional Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program, AFLAC, Employee Credit Union, Direct Deposit, Scholareshare529 and Tuition Reimbursement.

01

Do you have the equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in chemistry, biology, or a related field?

• Yes

• No

02

Do you have at least three (3) years of experience in an analytical treatment plant laboratory performing chemical, physical, and bacteriological analyses?

• Yes

• No

03

Please provide the dates that you have obtained this experience so it can be verified on the job history you provided. If not applicable, please write N/A.

04

Does your experience include supervisory experience?

• Yes

• No

05

Please provide the dates that you have obtained this experience so it can be verified on the job history you provided. If not applicable, please write N/A.

06

Do you possess a Grade III Laboratory Analyst certification issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) or the American Water Works Association (AWWA) at time of application.

• Grade III Laboratory Analyst certification issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA)
• Grade III Laboratory Analyst certification issued by the American Water Works Association (AWWA)
• I do not have a Grade III Laboratory Analyst certification.

07

Do you possess a Grade IV Laboratory Analyst certification issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) or the American Water Works Association (AWWA)?

• Yes

• No

08

Do you possess a valid State Water Resources Control Board Distribution Operator Grade 1 Certificate?

• Yes

• No

09

Do you have public sector experience in the water and wastewater area of maintenance (i.e. City, County, or Special District)?

• Yes

• No

Required Question

Agency City of Tracy

Address 333 Civic Center Plaza

Tracy, California, 95376

Phone 209-831-6150

209-831-6158

Website http://www.cityoftracy.org

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