Water Treatment Lab Director

Water Treatment Lab Director

Salary

$82,558.00 - $149,780.00 Annually

Location

Wichita Water Distribution, KS

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

Program Mgr -Water Quality mgr

Department

Public Works and Utilities

Division

PWU Production and Pumping

Opening Date

07/13/2026

Closing Date

7/27/2026 11:59 PM Central

Bargaining Unit

1000

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The City of Wichita is NOT an E-Verify Employer.

Distinguishing Features of Work

Safe drinking water starts long before it reaches the tap. As the Water Treatment Lab Director, you will provide strategic leadership for the Citys water treatment laboratory and oversee the scientific, operational, and regulatory functions that protect public health every day. This highly visible leadership role directs laboratory operations, water quality programs, regulatory compliance, and technical staff while serving as the subject matter expert for water treatment processes and laboratory testing. You will use scientific expertise, data analysis, and operational leadership to ensure Wichitas drinking water consistently meets or exceeds federal and state standards. Working closely with treatment plant operations, maintenance, engineering, and distribution teams, you will drive continuous improvement, implement emerging technologies, strengthen quality assurance programs, and provide technical guidance that supports reliable water production for the community. This position offers the opportunity to make a measurable impact on public health, environmental stewardship, and the Citys critical water infrastructure.

Workdays and Hours - Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

Bargaining Unit: Employee Council

Anticipated starting salary: $82,558 - $116,169 (based on experience and qualifications)

Posting may close at any time

Examples of Work Performed

• Maintains lab accreditations by KDHE and NELAC.
• Prepares budgets and controls expenditures of the water quality laboratory
• Assumes responsibilities of the Water Production and Supply Division Manager in their absence.
• Directs testing procedures to maintain approved water quality.
• Coordinates and trains water production, treatment, and maintenance staff regarding water quality.
• Trains and audits staff in other divisions regarding water quality.
• Directs, trains, and supervises Water Quality Specialists.
• Establishes performance measures and benchmarks of subordinates.
• Establishes procedures for laboratory activities.
• Determines most effective means to accomplish projects and tasks.
• Coordinates with Plant Management for water production quality assurance.
• Provides quality control and evaluation of all test procedures.
• Manages equipment maintenance, repairs, and replacement.
• Writes specifications and orders materials, supplies and equipment and ensures adequate inventories are maintained.
• Directs operation, quality control, and maintenance of sophisticated laboratory instruments such as, Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometer, Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectroscopy, Gas Chromatograph - Mass Spectrometer, Ion Chromatography, Total Organic Carbon Analyzer, and Mercury Analyzer.
• Uses sophisticated statistical techniques to evaluate laboratory testing methods, and quality.
• Interacts with local, state, and federal agencies and the local medical community related to the health of a population of 500,000.
• Interact with consultants, vendors, businesses, and private citizens
• Conducts research and provides consultative services as needed.
• Reviews and recommends additions or changes in personnel, facilities, equipment, and materials.
• Maintains reference and resource materials.
• Maintains records of laboratory operations and maintenance.
• Submits reports of water quality as required.
• Investigates, corrects, records, and reports on health impacts of water supply.
• Implements safety regulations and assures conformance.
• Assures compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements.
• Develops specifications for and is responsible for the procurement of treatment chemical supplies.
• Responds to water quality problems and coordinates appropriate corrective actions with the Water Plant Manager. Ultimately responsible for reporting problems and recommendations to the Senior Division Manager.
• Completion of work assignments may require the operation of a vehicle.
• These examples are not intended to be all-inclusive.
• The City of Wichita reserves the right to assign additional responsibilities as needed.

Requirements of Work

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of operating a sophisticated laboratory
• Must have access to, and use of, a communication device, such as a phone, capable of communicating by voice, text and e-mail. Device will also have internet access. The city will pay the employee a phone allowance.
• Thorough knowledge of water quality and environmental standards regulations
• Thorough knowledge of biology, bacteriology, and chemistry
• Thorough knowledge of laboratory methods, equipment, and supervision
• Extensive knowledge of statistical analysis
• Ability to use a computer to access, interpret and record information
• Ability to read and comprehend complex environmental regulations and scientific studies
• Ability to understand and interpret water quality and environmental data
• Ability to analyze impacts of regulatory requirements on the operation
• Ability to plan, organize and supervise the work of others performing detailed work
• Ability to distinguish colors accurately.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, employees of other Departments, and representatives of other organizations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• May require ability to acquire and maintain a valid Kansas drivers license.
• An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Experience and Training

Required Experience and Training

• Bachelors degree in chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Laboratory Science, Chemical Engineering, or Biological Engineering with five (5) years of supervisory experience in a laboratory or environment with responsibility for quality assurance and compliance. OR Masters degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Laboratory Science, Chemical Engineering, or Biological Engineering, with three (3) years of supervisory experience in a laboratory or environment with responsibility for quality assurance and compliance.
• A valid Driver's License.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of a sponsorship.

Preferred Experience and Training

• Doctorate degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Laboratory Science, Chemical Engineering, or Biological Engineering.
• Two (2) years' experience directing a drinking water laboratory accredited under state or federal laboratory standards.
• Kansas Class IV Surface Water Supply System Operator Certification.

Please note that this position is part of a random drug testing pool, and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.

Starting pay for current City employees will be determined by City of Wichita policy or applicable bargaining unit agreement.

Offers of employment are contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical, which includes drug screening, and upon satisfactory evaluation of the results of a criminal record check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. Please find more information under the following links:

https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/fmlaen.pdf

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/eppac.pdf

CITY OF WICHITA

FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

1. VACATION - Most employees with less than five years employment earn 10 days of vacation per year. After five years, accrual rates increase at varying rates to varying maximums, depending on work schedule and/or union representation. Employees can accumulate and carry forward up to 240 hours each year.

2. HOLIDAYS - There are eleven paid holidays. Employees also receive one Personal Holiday that is granted after the first six months of employment.

3. SICK LEAVE - Sick leave accrual begins at one-half day per month. After five years, sick leave accruals are one work day per month. Employees can accumulate and carry forward all unused sick leave each year. Employees who use 24 hours (3 days) or less of sick leave in a calendar year earn a "Well Day." An additional "Well Day" can be earned following a year of perfect attendance.

4. HEALTH INSURANCE - UMR / United Healthcare provides two levels of medical and prescription drug plans. Both medical plan are PPOs and do not require selecting a physician or referrals for specialty care. Both medical plans include Teladoc virtual care (primary care/mental health benefits at no charge), Dario healthy living programs, and VSP Vision benefits. Pre-tax premium deductions are offered. The City contributes 80% of the premium cost towards medical, prescription drug and vision insurance.

5. DENTAL INSURANCE - Two Delta Dental plans are offered - Preferred and Traditional. The Delta Preferred plan requires using a dentist from a smaller network for a lower premium. The Delta Traditional plan allows use of any dentist, although benefits are higher using a dentist from the large Delta network. Benefits under both plans are the same (with the exception of some Orthodontic benefits) Pre-tax premium deductions are offered.

6.LIFE INSURANCE - Low-cost voluntary term life insurance is available. Employees pay one-third of the cost. The amount of Basic Life coverage is two times annual pay up to a determined maximum amount. Dependent coverage is available at $20,000 spouse / $10,000 child(ren) for an additional $0.14 per pay period. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The plan is through MetLife.

7.SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE - Additional voluntary employee-paid term life insurance is available from MetLife at low group rates. Participation in Basic Life is required. The Life Insurance plans are portable.

8. LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE- The voluntary employee-paid group disability plan from MetLife provides 60% of pre-disability income for injury or health related disabilities. Premiums are determined by income and age.

9.VOLUNTARY ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT - Voluntary employee-paid AD&D from MetLife offers coverage for accidental death and dismemberment.

10.RETIREMENT - The City offers two retirement plans - Wichita Employees (WER) Plan 3, and Commissioned Police & Fire Plan C-79. The WER plan is a defined contribution plan; Police & Fire is a defined benefit plan. Both are contributory - employees and the City share the cost.

11.FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS - Employees may elect to make FSA pre-tax deductions for dependent care and/or unreimbursed medical expenses, reducing the cost of these expenses by eliminating taxes on the amount deducted.

12. LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE - This plan from UNUM offers facility and home care benefits for employees, spouses, and some other family members. Several options for benefit amount and duration, and specific plan features, are available.

13.MORE BENEFITS & SERVICES

Deferred Compensation Investment Program

Employee Discounts and Wichita Employee Association (WEA)

Bereavement Pay

Employee Emergency Assistance Fund

Voluntary Shared Leave Program

Training Programs

Longevity Pay

Credit Union

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Injury Leave (on-job injury)

Community Volunteer Events

01

The following validates my highest level of education...

• Some High School
• High School/GED
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctorate/JD

02

I have a bachelors degree or higher in the following field:

• Chemistry
• Biology
• Microbiology
• Environmental Science
• Laboratory Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Biology Engineering
• My bachelors degree or higher is not in any of the above fields.
• I do not have a Bachelors degree or higher.

03

Please identify your current status with Kansas Class IV Surface Water Supply Operator Certification.

• Yes, I have a valid Kansas Class IV Surface Water Supply Operator Certification.
• No, I do not have a valid Kansas Class IV Surface Water Supply Operator Certification.

04

I have following years of supervisory experience in a laboratory or environment with responsibility for quality assurance and compliance.

• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1 - 2 years of experience
• 3 - 4 years of experience
• 5 - 6 years of experience
• 7+ years experience
• I do not have any supervisory experience in a laboratory or environment with responsibility for quality assurance and compliance.

05

I have the following years of experience directing a drinking water laboratory accredited under state or federal laboratory standards.

• Less than 6 months experience
• 6 months - 1 year experience
• 2 - 3 year experience
• 4 - 5 years experience
• 6+ years experience
• I do not have any experience directing a drinking water laboratory accredited under state or federal laboratory standards.

06

I have a valid drivers license:

• Yes
• No

07

I am legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Wichita

Address 455 N. Main

Wichita, Kansas, 67202

Phone 316-268-4531

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wichita