This position will be assigned to the Cobb County Water System. This position is critical to laboratory functions as it manages the Laboratory’s Quality Assurance Program. This position also serves as a first responder to cover all functions and duties of Laboratory Technicians/Analysts and Senior Lab Analysts when necessary. This position is responsible for instructing and training of laboratory staff, and ensuring the lab procedures are compliant to established QA/QC requirements.

Oversees the Laboratory Quality Assurance Program: Reviews data generated by analysts and technicians; updates Standard Operating Procedures and manuals as necessary; ensures equipment is properly maintained/calibrated and records are kept up to date; identifies trends in quality control data and initiates corrective action procedures when necessary.

Leads and coordinates daily work activities of assigned co-workers: confers with supervisor to obtain direction regarding work assignments and priorities; organizes tasks to complete assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; confers with co-workers, assists with complex and problem situations, and provides technical expertise; trains and instructs co-workers regarding operational procedures and proper use of equipment; and assists with supervision of co-workers by reporting employee problems and providing input on disciplinary action and employee performance evaluations.

Performs chemical, physical, and bacteriological examination of water samples: collects, receives, inspects, prepares, and tests water samples for established criteria; prepares all bacteriological media and reagents needed for testing; performs microbiological and physical testing and necessary calculations; reviews, analyzes and reports results; identifies trends and patterns; and prepares and submits related reports.

Analyzes chemical, physical, and bacteriological test results: reviews and evaluates test results prepared by lab technicians/analysts for accuracy, precision, and compliance with established criteria; identifies questionable or inaccurate results; re-tests and examines water samples; troubleshoots and verifies instrumentation function; makes corrections and adjustments as needed; and reviews final data prior to the submission of the National Pollutant Discharge Monitoring System Report to the Environmental Protection Division.

Ensures compliance with established laboratory and industry policies, procedures and standards: inspects sample results for consistency with historical values; enters quality control data for batch analysis; verifies accuracy and precision of techniques; performs method detection limit study in assigned work area; informs supervisors of data errors or permit violations; and documents corrective actions. Reviews logs and records regarding work activities: researches, compiles, consolidates, and/or tabulates data and information; logs data and analytical information; verifies accuracy and completeness of data and information entered; and incorporates information into requested reports and other prepared materials.

Utilizes and maintains field, testing, and laboratory equipment: calibrates equipment; performs accuracy checks; cleans and sterilizes equipment and work areas; ensures preventive maintenance; and notifies management when equipment is not working properly.

Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable policies and procedures impacting laboratory and testing operations: maintains and awareness of new equipment, procedures, trends and advances in the profession; participates in continuing education activities; and attends meetings, workshops and seminars as appropriate.

Acts as a liaison between the laboratory and wastewater plants, e.g. sends daily data and interprets results if necessary; trains operators in sampling techniques, QA/QC procedures, and laboratory equipment maintenance; gathers current and historical data to assist in troubleshooting chemical and biological conditions.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or related field required; supplemented by three years of experience as a certified lab analyst; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain certification as a Georgia Wastewater Laboratory Analyst.

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

Sensory Requirements

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors

Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as odors, wetness, fumes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, toxic agents, disease, or pathogenic substances.