Laboratory & Research Manager

Make a Direct Impact on Our Community and Environment

At NEW Water, our purpose goes beyond daily operations-we are dedicated to being a model of water quality protection and environmental sustainability. As the Laboratory and Research Manager, you will play a central role in fulfilling this vital mission. By leading our laboratory operations, ensuring rigorous environmental compliance, and delivering accurate data, your work directly protects local water resources, supports public health, and serves our region.

Key Responsibilities

• Mission-Driven Leadership: Promote and sustain a team culture centered on Safety, Respect, Team, and Environment. Lead, mentor, and empower a talented team of laboratory analysts, chemists, and coordinators.
• Regulatory & Quality Excellence: Oversee daily lab operations to ensure full compliance with Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permits, state/federal regulations, and WDNR laboratory certification standards.
• Data & Research Oversight: Direct quality assurance, sample analysis, data validation, and research initiatives that support treatment plant operations, watershed programs, and customer billing.
• Strategic Department Management: Oversee departmental budgeting, equipment lifecycle planning, safety protocols, and technical continuous improvement projects.

What You Bring to the Team

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 8 years in a certified laboratory environment. At least 2 years in a supervisory or management role preferred.
• Certifications: Wisconsin Wastewater Treatment Operators License - Laboratory Certification (or ability to obtain within 2 years of hire).
• Core Competencies: Strong knowledge of state and federal regulatory frameworks, QA/QC protocols, wastewater treatment processes, LIMS, and chemical safety best practices. Exceptional communication skills with a collaborative, team-first approach.

Compensation:

Hiring Range: $98,946-$116,417 (annually)

Full Salary Range: $98,948-$139,693 (annually)

Why Choose NEW Water?

Be a part of an organization where your expertise actively protects the environment every single day. We offer a culture that values professional growth, collaborative leadership, and a shared dedication to clean water and sustainable communities.

We are proud to offer a comprehensive rewards package that includes retirement security, work-life balance, and wellness support:

• Retirement Security: Participate in the Wisconsin Retirement Plan (WRS), one of the strongest pension systems in the country.
• Work-Life Balance: Our team enjoys paid leave benefits such as vacation, PTO and paid holidays, Additionally FlexTime and FlexPlace arrangements may be available once training/onboarding is complete.
• Health & Wellness: Choose from a variety of Medical Insurance plans (including an HDHP with an HSA contribution) and dual choice Dental Plans. We also provide Long Term Disability (LTD) and Life Insurance coverage at no cost.

Who We Are:

NEW Water is a public utility that provides regional clean water services to 15 municipal customers, serving approximately 239,000 residents throughout a 285-square-mile area. NEW Water embraces cultural attributes of Safety, Respect, Team, and Environment, as we strive to protect our most valuable resource, water. Proudly serving our community since 1931, NEW Water provides an essential service to protect public health, our precious waterways, and support economic development. NEW Water cleans an average of 41 million gallons a day, so that our community can do laundry, flush the toilet, and run their businesses knowing that the receiving waters are being protected.

For more information or to apply please visit: www.newwater.us/careers