Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of the Assistant Laboratory Manager is to assign, oversee, and review collection of sludge and wastewater samples and analytical work conducted by laboratory staff, and to serve as the Laboratory Quality Assurance Officer.  Determine sampling methods and the various testing procedures for; process control, industrial user and regulatory samples for wastewater analysis and performed quality control and quality assurance procedures. Organize and maintain records of test results, operations and maintenance activities, chemical usage, safety data sheets, and plant reference materials. The duties of this position are performed as a requirement defined under NJAC 7:18 Regulations for Laboratory Certification Programs.

Essential Functions

1. Act as an alternate to the Laboratory Manager or assigned alternate.
2. Act as and perform duties of the Laboratory Quality Assurance Officer in accordance with NJAC 7:18 Regulations of certified laboratory methods; the training of staff in the performance of sample collection, analyze immediate parameters, and laboratory analysis methods.
3. Work in conjunction with Lab Manager to maintain the NJ state certification for the wastewater laboratory certification requirements.
4. Oversee and supervise laboratory staff and daily laboratory operations requirements, including: all sampling and analysis, equipment, scheduling sample events, and ensuring compliance with sampling requirements and methods.
5. Perform in-house lab analysis on the following wastewater samples including but not limited to pH, DO, temperature, BOD/CBOD, TSS, TS, VS, COD, Fecal Coliform, Settleable, and microscope examination of MLSS to determine overall health of treatment system.
6. Maintain safe operations and safe working conditions for laboratory as required by the RVSA Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plan and Laboratory Safety Program.
7. Recommend best practices to maintain and improve project outcomes or laboratory functions and identify training needs.
8. Establish, develop, maintain, and implement required standard operating procedures and Quality Assurance/Quality Control programs for sample collection (discrete, composite, and continuous), analyses, data management, sample tracking, and regulatory and other reporting in conformity with NJ wastewater laboratory certification requirements.
9. Responsible for scheduling Commercial lab services, ordering sample containers, preparing chain of custody forms and shipment of samples.
10. Utilize required information technology applications for data management i.e. LIMS, review, and report production.
11. Conduct periodic audits and assessments of all methods, reports, processes, and staff, down to a detailed level including instrumentation settings.
12. Perform fiscal tasks associated with the production of purchase requisitions, tracking expenditures on purchase orders, contract management, etc.
13. Order equipment, supplies, etc., and manage laboratory, and maintain chemical inventories.
14. Must be able to perform the duties of a Lab Analyst during scheduled work assignments and non-scheduled emergency callouts, on non-standard workdays and/or work hours, including weekends, and holidays. Standby and response to emergency callouts is a core function of this position.
15. Perform related and other duties, as assigned.

Reporting Relationships & Interactions

This position is a direct report to the Laboratory Manager, or assigned alternate, and is assigned to the Laboratory Department. The position requires supervision of staff, interaction with the general public, and Local, State, and Federal public agency representatives.

Qualifications

Licenses and Certification

• Maintenance of a New Jersey Basic Driver’s License.
• Required to possess credentials to be a Laboratory Quality Assurance Officer for NJDEP Laboratory Certification in accordance with NJAC 7:18 Regulations.

Education

• An accredited bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science or an approved related field.
• A minimum of five years of recent related laboratory work experience in a certified clinical, public health, or environmental laboratory. Wastewater experience is preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Required knowledge of chemical principles, theories, techniques, and modern lab instrumentation as well as knowledge of the practical and common methods and procedures and laboratory analyses.
• Required experience with using a LIMS system for data entry.
• Demonstrated proficiency in leadership and supervision. Must be proactive, strategic, and detailed-oriented with demonstrated ability to work under minimal supervision, utilize strong interpersonal skills (e.g., tact, diplomacy, cooperation, negotiation, etc.) and perform at a high level of initiative, using good judgement and discretion.
• Knowledge of routine analytical tests, preparation, and standardization of reagents, along with sufficient aptitude to perform the duties of the position.
• The person serving in this position is expected to maintain up-to-date skill sets to remain current with the best available technologies.
• Excellent comprehension, written, and oral skills in English so that involved and complicated instructions and technical texts can be read, understood, produced, and communicated to staff.
• Excellent organizational skills including the ability to plan effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft office applications, including the ability to develop complex Excel spreadsheets including complex calculations and trending of data.
• Ability to work harmoniously with co-workers, supervisors, managers, and the public.

Classification: Exempt