Job Description

This is very responsible position to assist with planning and managing the staff, resources, and operation and maintenance of the water quality laboratory including: reviewing the work of department staff directly and through subordinate supervisors; assisting with planning, evaluating, and monitoring the plant's work load, budgets, productivity, safety and performance; and responsibility for the development of engineering solutions to technical and operational problems. Work involves directing the testing, the interpretation and reporting of test results to federal and state regulatory entities and within the District as the test results pertain to water quality and the regulatory requirements of the testing program.

Work involves leading, supervising and managing the District's drinking water and wastewater laboratories. Familiarity with all District processes, procedures, tools and equipment necessary to fulfill federal, state and local regulations a plus. Experience in HACH WIMS database including programming, troubleshooting and report development desired.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the sciences of biology or chemistry; supplemented by a minimum ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in water treatment systems, three (3) of which must be supervisory and/or managerial experience (which may include program and/or project supervision); or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Must possess a Connecticut Class IV Operator Water Treatment Plant Certificate or the ability to acquire and maintain within eighteen (18) months.

Must have a valid driver's license.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists in planning and directing the programs and objectives of the water treatment process; gathers and analyzes information on the effectiveness and efficiency of the water quality operations; recommends changes to operating policies and procedures; and makes other recommendations to improve performance and productivity.
• Plans and directs the operation of the Department of Water Quality Laboratories in the testing of water, wastewater and sludge samples by federally approved methodology, interprets the results and determines the action to be taken with the results of the analysis. The action may include but is not limited to reporting test results to departments within the District, state and/or federal regulatory authorities and taking corrective action if necessary based on the analysis result. Directs the reporting of compliance water analysis data to the regulatory authority in the manner and format mandated. Prepares, certifies and submits regulatory reports; prepares reports of laboratory test results; completes forms and compiles information on completed work assignments and employee effort.
• Assists with managing the operations and maintenance of the laboratories; monitors workload and productivity; ensures work activities comply with established policies and procedures; and provides guidance to subordinate supervisors and staff regarding difficult technical issues.
• Reviews and assists in the negotiation of regulatory permits and orders; ensures operations comply with District, state and federal regulations and standards; and identifies issues of noncompliance and needed corrective actions.
• Assists in developing capital and operational budgets; reviews subordinate budgets; reviews and monitors unit and sub-activity expenditures; prepares budget spreadsheets; and recommends approvals for expenditures and/or budget allocations.
• Analyzes water quality data and the compliance with federal and state regulations in accordance with statutory requirements. Directs the laboratory staff in the certification processes, assists in plant permitting and implementation requirements, directs the operation of the quality assurance program, and directs the implementation of the chemical hygiene plan. Serves as project manager on various projects: assists in the planning and developing of water improvement projects. Assures certification of each laboratory as a state approved laboratory as applicable.
• Directs the operation of the department, and coordinates with other departments' operations and recommendations which may impact the water quality of the potable and stored water of the distribution system including but not limited to the supply, water treatment and distribution systems. Assists in the water quality monitoring and security upgrades within the distribution system to augment routine water quality monitoring.
• Reviews proposed regulations at the state and federal level relating to water quality, water analysis, operator certification and cross connection programs. Plans and evaluates new regulatory requirements and the impact upon the District and makes decisions for the implementation of the final regulations. Interfaces with state and local government agencies and professional water and wastewater organizations relating to regulatory affairs pertaining to water quality and cross connection issues.
• Performs related work as required.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

Relevant education, experience, skills, managerial/supervisory ability, and performance aptitudes as reflected in the position's job specification. The MDC seeks to enhance the diversity of its workforce. People of color, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The selected candidate will undergo an internal background check

The Metropolitan District Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Commission will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

EOE/AA/M/F/D/V