WPCC- Lab Supervisor

JOB TITLE: LAB SUPERVISOR DEPARTMENT : PUBLIC WORKS

CLASS NUMBER: 5471 DIVISION: WP CC

REVISION DATE: 6/4/2026

____ ____ DEFINITIOIM/DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF JOB: Must collect, analyze, and monitor the water quality during the treatment process and the distribution system to ensure it meets all rules, regulations, and guidelines set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of H ealth (LDH). This position works under the direct supervisor of the Water Pollution Control Center Superintendent and is responsible for performing critical work required by both state and federal agencies. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervises and train staff in sampling techniques, lab methods, and safety procedures
• Schedule shifts and ensure proper staffing coverage
• Manage lab budget, including chemicals, reagents, and equipment
• Manage all daily lab activities related to wastewater and sludge testing
• Ensure accurate testing of parameters like pH, BOD, COD, TSS, nutrients and pathogens
• Maintain and update standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Ensure regulatory compliance
• Make sure the plant meets environmental regulations from agencies like EPA and state/local authorities
• Prepare reports required for discharge permits
• Maintain documentation for audits and inspections
• Ensure all necessary equipment, materials, instruments, and chemicals needed to operate the laboratory are in place.
• Review and validate lab results before submission
• Oversee calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of lab instruments (spectrophotometers, incubators, probs, etc.)
• Evaluate and recommend new lab technologies
• Implement QA/QC programs to ensure data reliability
• Conduct internal audits and proficiency testing
• Investigate anomalies or test failures
• Work closely with plant operators to optimize treatment processes
• Provide data that informs adjustments in chemical dosing, aeration or filtration
• Responsible for Laboratory Field Technician duties in the absence of Laboratory Field Technician.
• On-Call twenty -four (24) hours per day.
• Requires working nights, holidays, and weekends.
• Travel out of town if needed for training , education, and conferences.

PERFORMS ROUTINE FIELD SAMPLING and ANALYSIS OF WASTEWATER:

• Collects samples of wastewater, sludge, receiving water and industrial waste in accordance with established lab procedures.
• Performs laboratory testing according to the approved Standard Methods Guidebook
• Prepares, sorts, washes, decontaminates, sterilizes and stores lab glassware
• Prepares routine quality control checks for all reagents, media and data
• Special project sample collection.
• Maintaining and assuring field and laboratory records are accurate, legible, and on time MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and Experience:

• High School Diploma or a valid General Equivalent Diploma issued by the State Department of Education
• Four (4) or more years of wastewater lab experience
• Level three (3) certification in wastewater treatment

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Good knowledge of computers and software programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel
• Self -discipline with the ability to make responsible decisions and follow all instructions
• A working knowledge of Mathematics and Chemical formulas
• Knowledge of handling dangerous chemicals required
• Ability to communicate effectively with the EPA, LDH, and the public

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

• Possess a valid State of Louisiana Drivers License
• Required to have wastewater certifications