LABORATORY SUPERVISOR- SOUTH CARY WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY
Apply NowCompany: Town of Cary, NC
Location: Cary, NC 27513
Description:
Salary : $74,755.20 - $123,323.20 Annually
Location : Cary, NC
Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
Job Number: 25-02300
Department: Utilities
Division: SCWRF
Opening Date: 02/12/2025
Closing Date: 3/6/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A
Description
At Cary, we challenge the standard for how local governments should operate, prioritizing excellence, professionalism, inclusion, and environmental stewardship in everything we do. Our mission is to build on our legacy of excellence by thinking differently, solving public problems, and continuously learning and growing. As a trusted partner in the community, we strive to enhance the lives of all those we serve, while protecting and preserving our environment for future generations. If you share our values of innovation, service, and environmental responsibility, we invite you to be part of our dynamic team.
Cary is currently seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual to become the Laboratory Supervisor at our South Cary Water Reclamation Facility. In this critical role, you will oversee the daily operations of our State-certified laboratory, ensuring compliance with State and Federal regulatory standards. You'll maintain efficient and accurate testing procedures while working seamlessly with our operations and maintenance teams to ensure the smooth functioning of the entire facility. As the primary regulatory liaison with the NCDEQ Laboratory Certification Branch, you will stay up-to-date with the latest laboratory methodologies and compliance monitoring requirements related to our NPDES, Reclaimed Water, Thermal Biosolids Dryer, and Stormwater permits.
Under the general supervision of the South Cary WRF Manager, you'll supervise one laboratory analyst and collaborate closely with other teams to ensure the highest standards of water quality testing and regulatory compliance.
If you're passionate about leadership, teamwork, and ensuring the integrity of environmental services, we'd love to have you join our team at Cary, where we're dedicated to building a better future for our community.
**This position is designated as a "critical position." Employees serving in critical roles are required to report to work during adverse weather or other emergency situations to ensure continued operation facilities.**
Typical Tasks
Manages and supervises laboratory staff, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
Develops and implements laboratory procedures in accordance with state and federal regulations.
Oversees sample collection, analysis, and data interpretation to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Maintains laboratory equipment, ensuring proper functionality and adherence to standards.
Collaborates with plant operations and regulatory agencies to address compliance issues and optimize processes.
Oversee the preparation and timely submission of required regulatory compliance reporting.
Develops and implements the laboratory quality assurance program.
Maintains laboratory certification through successful completion of proficiency testing analyses conducted annually.
Stays current with advances in laboratory techniques, instrumentation, and regulatory requirements.
Oversee the development and maintenance of laboratory data management software.
Coordinates all stream sampling and monitoring; supervises steam sampling and trains personnel in sampling techniques; makes sure proper analytical procedures are followed and data is recorded properly.
Manages hazardous waste chemicals in accordance with State and Federal regulations.
Coordinates all scheduling, documentation, and sampling of parameters analyzed by commercial laboratories.
Collaborate with the facility manager to draft the annual operating budget, ensuring early notification of equipment replacements and anticipated rises in laboratory supplies costs.
Serves as the Backup Operator in Responsible Charge for the facility.
Maintains records in accordance with Federal and State regulations.
Provides regulatory data and correspondence for permit renewals and participates in regulatory audits for the facility.
Prepares data for the annual biosolids report with all forms and calculations such as SARS and PAN.
Ensures laboratory safety by coordinating chemical handling training, maintaining up-to-date SDS, and overseeing the development of the chemical hygiene plan.
Performs other job related tasks as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Comprehensive knowledge of state and federal regulations relative to wastewater treatment, laboratory, streams, biosolids, and safe working environments; comprehensive knowledge of the operation of complex testing equipment; comprehensive knowledge of modern laboratory techniques, materials, and equipment, including those used in standard chemical and biochemical analysis of water and wastewater; comprehensive knowledge of the principles of organic and inorganic chemistry; skilled in the use of testing equipment; ability to prepare laboratory reagents and assemble laboratory apparatus for chemical and biochemical analysis; ability to perform the necessary laboratory tests; ability to prepare and keep accurate records and prepare reports; ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions; ability to work well with others; ability to train personnel; ability to supervise other personnel; ability to maintain a safe working environment; ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with staff and citizens.
Minimum and Preferred Qualifications
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in chemistry, environmental science, biological sciences or related field. Considerable experience in the management of a laboratory and the supervision of personnel is preferred.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Requires possession of a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving history.
Experience with management and planning of laboratory needs for budgetary purposes.
Must be able to meet State of North Carolina laboratory certification criteria.
Occasional On-Call status.
National Incident Management Systems ICS 100, 200, and 300 Certification (training provided).
Requires drug testing and background check (which may include criminal check, education verification and credit history review) prior to employment.
PREFERENCES:
A degree in environmental sciences, chemistry, biology or a closely related field.
Supervisory/Management experience at a wastewater, residuals, or reclaimed water or water treatment facility.
National Incident Management Systems ICS 100, 200, and 300 Certification (training provided).
Experience with reporting NPDES compliance monitoring data with the North Carolina eDMR system and reporting Reclaimed Water compliance monitoring data with the NC NDMR form.
Wastewater operator certification.
Wastewater laboratory analyst certification.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work in this class is light to medium work and may require exposure to various environmental conditions such as heat, cold, rain, and unpleasant surroundings. An employee must have the physical agility to move about freely including climbing stairs and accessing sampling sites. Moderate lifting may be required in performing the work. Visual acuity is necessary to perform paperwork, read test results, and complete reports. An employee must also be able to hear, talk, and smell. Employee may not be colorblind.
FLSA- Exempt
Cary ensures equal employment opportunities (EEO) are provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, veteran status, or genetic information.
Regular Full-Time Employees
Cary is pleased to provide excellent, competitive, and comprehensive benefits to serve the needs of our employees and their families.
Because Cary believes that employees are one of our most important resources, significant dollars (averaging about 40% of annual salary per employee) are spent each year on employee benefits.
All regular full-time employees of Cary are eligible, and benefits coverage for new employees and family members is effective upon an employee's hire date.
01
Do you currently possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving history?
02
Which best describes your level of education?
03
Do you have experience with management and planning of laboratory needs for budgetary purposes? If YES, please explain your experience below.
04
Are you able to meet State of NC laboratory certification criteria?
05
Do you possess a degree in environmental sciences, chemistry, biology, or a closely related field? NOTE: If "yes" to this question, please provide type of degree and field of study.
06
Do you have a NC Wastewater Operator certification? If so, which one?
07
Do you currently possess a Wastewater Laboratory Analyst certification? If so, which one?
08
How many years of laboratory management experience do you have?
09
Which of the following best describes the permitted capacity of the treatment facility you have been employed with?
10
Do you have laboratory experience that included coordinating and completing in-house biosolids sampling and anaylsis for both compliance monitoring and process control? NOTE: If you answer "yes" to this question, this experience must be listed on your application.
11
Do you have laboratory experience that included coordination and completing in-house reclaimed water sampling and analysis for both compliance monitoring and process control? NOTE; if you answered "yes" to this question, this experience must be listed on your application.
12
Do you have experience supervising a laboratory at a treatment facility that is manned 24-hours, 7-days a week?
13
Do you have experience as a supervisor with ensuring lab personnel demonstrate competency with laboratory methods, evaluating data validity against multiple QA/QC criteria, method validation studies, planning for large laboratory equipment purchases or replacements, and staying current with NCDEQ methodology? NOTE: If you answer "yes" to this question, your experience must be listed on your application.
14
If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please briefly explain this experience.
15
Do you have experience with reporting NPDES compliance monitoring data with the North Carolina eDMR system and reporting Reclaimed Water compliance monitoring data with the NC NDMR form?
16
Which best describes your direct experience with supervising or managing a water reclamation facility laboratory.
17
Why are you interested in this position?
Required Question
Location : Cary, NC
Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
Job Number: 25-02300
Department: Utilities
Division: SCWRF
Opening Date: 02/12/2025
Closing Date: 3/6/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A
Description
At Cary, we challenge the standard for how local governments should operate, prioritizing excellence, professionalism, inclusion, and environmental stewardship in everything we do. Our mission is to build on our legacy of excellence by thinking differently, solving public problems, and continuously learning and growing. As a trusted partner in the community, we strive to enhance the lives of all those we serve, while protecting and preserving our environment for future generations. If you share our values of innovation, service, and environmental responsibility, we invite you to be part of our dynamic team.
Cary is currently seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual to become the Laboratory Supervisor at our South Cary Water Reclamation Facility. In this critical role, you will oversee the daily operations of our State-certified laboratory, ensuring compliance with State and Federal regulatory standards. You'll maintain efficient and accurate testing procedures while working seamlessly with our operations and maintenance teams to ensure the smooth functioning of the entire facility. As the primary regulatory liaison with the NCDEQ Laboratory Certification Branch, you will stay up-to-date with the latest laboratory methodologies and compliance monitoring requirements related to our NPDES, Reclaimed Water, Thermal Biosolids Dryer, and Stormwater permits.
Under the general supervision of the South Cary WRF Manager, you'll supervise one laboratory analyst and collaborate closely with other teams to ensure the highest standards of water quality testing and regulatory compliance.
If you're passionate about leadership, teamwork, and ensuring the integrity of environmental services, we'd love to have you join our team at Cary, where we're dedicated to building a better future for our community.
**This position is designated as a "critical position." Employees serving in critical roles are required to report to work during adverse weather or other emergency situations to ensure continued operation facilities.**
Typical Tasks
Manages and supervises laboratory staff, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
Develops and implements laboratory procedures in accordance with state and federal regulations.
Oversees sample collection, analysis, and data interpretation to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Maintains laboratory equipment, ensuring proper functionality and adherence to standards.
Collaborates with plant operations and regulatory agencies to address compliance issues and optimize processes.
Oversee the preparation and timely submission of required regulatory compliance reporting.
Develops and implements the laboratory quality assurance program.
Maintains laboratory certification through successful completion of proficiency testing analyses conducted annually.
Stays current with advances in laboratory techniques, instrumentation, and regulatory requirements.
Oversee the development and maintenance of laboratory data management software.
Coordinates all stream sampling and monitoring; supervises steam sampling and trains personnel in sampling techniques; makes sure proper analytical procedures are followed and data is recorded properly.
Manages hazardous waste chemicals in accordance with State and Federal regulations.
Coordinates all scheduling, documentation, and sampling of parameters analyzed by commercial laboratories.
Collaborate with the facility manager to draft the annual operating budget, ensuring early notification of equipment replacements and anticipated rises in laboratory supplies costs.
Serves as the Backup Operator in Responsible Charge for the facility.
Maintains records in accordance with Federal and State regulations.
Provides regulatory data and correspondence for permit renewals and participates in regulatory audits for the facility.
Prepares data for the annual biosolids report with all forms and calculations such as SARS and PAN.
Ensures laboratory safety by coordinating chemical handling training, maintaining up-to-date SDS, and overseeing the development of the chemical hygiene plan.
Performs other job related tasks as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Comprehensive knowledge of state and federal regulations relative to wastewater treatment, laboratory, streams, biosolids, and safe working environments; comprehensive knowledge of the operation of complex testing equipment; comprehensive knowledge of modern laboratory techniques, materials, and equipment, including those used in standard chemical and biochemical analysis of water and wastewater; comprehensive knowledge of the principles of organic and inorganic chemistry; skilled in the use of testing equipment; ability to prepare laboratory reagents and assemble laboratory apparatus for chemical and biochemical analysis; ability to perform the necessary laboratory tests; ability to prepare and keep accurate records and prepare reports; ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions; ability to work well with others; ability to train personnel; ability to supervise other personnel; ability to maintain a safe working environment; ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with staff and citizens.
Minimum and Preferred Qualifications
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in chemistry, environmental science, biological sciences or related field. Considerable experience in the management of a laboratory and the supervision of personnel is preferred.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Requires possession of a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving history.
Experience with management and planning of laboratory needs for budgetary purposes.
Must be able to meet State of North Carolina laboratory certification criteria.
Occasional On-Call status.
National Incident Management Systems ICS 100, 200, and 300 Certification (training provided).
Requires drug testing and background check (which may include criminal check, education verification and credit history review) prior to employment.
PREFERENCES:
A degree in environmental sciences, chemistry, biology or a closely related field.
Supervisory/Management experience at a wastewater, residuals, or reclaimed water or water treatment facility.
National Incident Management Systems ICS 100, 200, and 300 Certification (training provided).
Experience with reporting NPDES compliance monitoring data with the North Carolina eDMR system and reporting Reclaimed Water compliance monitoring data with the NC NDMR form.
Wastewater operator certification.
Wastewater laboratory analyst certification.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work in this class is light to medium work and may require exposure to various environmental conditions such as heat, cold, rain, and unpleasant surroundings. An employee must have the physical agility to move about freely including climbing stairs and accessing sampling sites. Moderate lifting may be required in performing the work. Visual acuity is necessary to perform paperwork, read test results, and complete reports. An employee must also be able to hear, talk, and smell. Employee may not be colorblind.
FLSA- Exempt
Cary ensures equal employment opportunities (EEO) are provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, veteran status, or genetic information.
Regular Full-Time Employees
Cary is pleased to provide excellent, competitive, and comprehensive benefits to serve the needs of our employees and their families.
Because Cary believes that employees are one of our most important resources, significant dollars (averaging about 40% of annual salary per employee) are spent each year on employee benefits.
All regular full-time employees of Cary are eligible, and benefits coverage for new employees and family members is effective upon an employee's hire date.
01
Do you currently possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving history?
- Yes
- No
02
Which best describes your level of education?
- High school diploma or GED
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
03
Do you have experience with management and planning of laboratory needs for budgetary purposes? If YES, please explain your experience below.
04
Are you able to meet State of NC laboratory certification criteria?
- Yes
- No
05
Do you possess a degree in environmental sciences, chemistry, biology, or a closely related field? NOTE: If "yes" to this question, please provide type of degree and field of study.
06
Do you have a NC Wastewater Operator certification? If so, which one?
- I do not have this certification.
- Grade I
- Grade II
- Grade III
- Grade IV
07
Do you currently possess a Wastewater Laboratory Analyst certification? If so, which one?
- I do not have this certification
- Class I
- Class II
- Class III
- Class IV
08
How many years of laboratory management experience do you have?
- No direct experience
- Less than 1 year
- 1-2 years
- 3-4 years
- 5-6 years
- 7+ years
09
Which of the following best describes the permitted capacity of the treatment facility you have been employed with?
- Greater than 10 MGD
- 5 MGD to 10 MGD
- 2.5 MGD to 5 MGD
- Less than 2.5 MGD
- I have never worked at a water treatment facility
10
Do you have laboratory experience that included coordinating and completing in-house biosolids sampling and anaylsis for both compliance monitoring and process control? NOTE: If you answer "yes" to this question, this experience must be listed on your application.
- Yes
- No
11
Do you have laboratory experience that included coordination and completing in-house reclaimed water sampling and analysis for both compliance monitoring and process control? NOTE; if you answered "yes" to this question, this experience must be listed on your application.
- Yes
- No
12
Do you have experience supervising a laboratory at a treatment facility that is manned 24-hours, 7-days a week?
- Yes
- No
13
Do you have experience as a supervisor with ensuring lab personnel demonstrate competency with laboratory methods, evaluating data validity against multiple QA/QC criteria, method validation studies, planning for large laboratory equipment purchases or replacements, and staying current with NCDEQ methodology? NOTE: If you answer "yes" to this question, your experience must be listed on your application.
- Yes
- No
14
If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please briefly explain this experience.
15
Do you have experience with reporting NPDES compliance monitoring data with the North Carolina eDMR system and reporting Reclaimed Water compliance monitoring data with the NC NDMR form?
- Yes
- No
16
Which best describes your direct experience with supervising or managing a water reclamation facility laboratory.
- I have no experience
- Less than 1 year
- 1-2 years
- 3-4 years
- 5 or more years
17
Why are you interested in this position?
Required Question