3G31
PAY RANGE: N15
SCIENCE TECHNICIAN SUPERVISOR
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is supervisory technical laboratory work directing and participating in the performance of standardized analyses of wastewater and wastewater byproducts, and/or water samples to ensure conformance to water quality and environmental regulatory standards. Employees in this class monitor and evaluate the technical quality of test results and the quality of testing and sample collection procedures and make recommendations for methods improvement. The employees may work with hazardous acids or substances. Positions in the Water Sampling assignment are also responsible for coordinating the City's water sampling program and laboratory responses to customer complaints on water quality.
Providing technical support to subordinate technicians and assistants, ensuring that the operation of the laboratory is in accordance with departmental standard operating procedures and state regulations, and preparing reports for supervisory review are significant aspects of the work. Work is performed under the direction of a laboratory, engineering, or administrative superior.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)
1. Positions in this class must supervise lower-level technicians in the performance of standardized tests on water and/or wastewater and related matrices
2. Positions in this class must be located in the Water Department.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
ALL ASSIGNMENTS
Plans, schedules, assigns and evaluates the work of subordinate technicians and assistants; evaluates the technical quality of subordinates' work through application of quality control program; provides technical support to subordinates; trains technical personnel in Standardized Operating Procedures (SOPs) required for unit’s operation, quality control procedures and the operation of new testing equipment; instructs subordinates in the use of new and proper test methods and special assignments; presents training programs on testing methodology and safety procedures; reviews test results; supervises the maintenance of records of tests performed and general laboratory activities; reviews and approves data; compiles statistical reporting data for superiors; estimates personnel needs to ensure optimal staffing of laboratory.
Prepares written reports for laboratory supervisor; participates in the performance of standardized chemical or biological tests on water, wastewater, and related matrices; recommends improvements to testing or sample collection procedures; maintains inventory of laboratory supplies; prepares budget for unit for laboratory supplies; may recommend purchase of new equipment; ensures that the operation of the laboratory is in accordance with departmental standard operating procedures and state regulations; may recommend improvements to laboratory processes in compliance with regulations;
Performs related work as required.
CENTRAL RECEIVING ASSIGNMENT
Supervises the performance of proper acceptance of samples in conformance with the Bureau of Laboratory Services’ Sample Acceptance Policy; supervises the cleansing of sample containers; supervises preparation of sample containers for sample collection in accordance with published collection protocols and schedules; directs complete and accurate sample log-in into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS); conducts simple laboratory tests; maintains complete records in accordance with Bureau of Laboratory Services’ Quality Manual and state regulatory requirements; maintains equipment and documentation in accordance with Bureau of Laboratory Services’ Quality Manual and state regulatory requirements; accepts deliveries of laboratory supplies and gases.
Prepares working documents used to direct work in the Central Receiving Unit; interacts with and accounts for laboratory operations and records in audits by state environmental agency.
LABORATORY ASSIGNMENT
Performs laboratory work in either the Bureau of Laboratory Services at its central laboratory facility or at one of its water pollution control plant laboratories, or in one of water treatment’s plant laboratories. Supervises the performance of standardized chemical and physical analyses of source water, drinking water at different treatment stages, finished drinking water, water treatment chemicals and special samples, wastewater and wastewater byproducts; enforces minimum number of tests per unit; supervises laboratory helpers in the proper cleansing of laboratory glass and plastic-ware and in conducting simple laboratory tests; makes chemical calculations during testing process; prepares check standard solutions according to standardized procedures to test source water and drinking water for routine water quality parameters, wastewater and related matrices for total and suspended solids, pH levels, volatile acids, dissolved oxygen content and other similar physical and chemical properties; maintains testing equipment and instruments and troubleshoots malfunctioning equipment for quality assurance; cleans test equipment and assigned work area; approves data of sample analyses that directly correlate to operations of plant; verifies the bench sheets for completion and accuracy at the end of the work shift / day, enters and approves analytical data into the laboratory’s information management system (LIMS) software, prepares simple custom reports and retrieves analytical data using computer terminal and appropriate software.
Supervises the performance of water and wastewater sampling and water quality investigations for the City's water process plants and water distribution network; evaluates water and wastewater sampling procedures and schedules and implements changes; coordinates response to customer complaints of water quality problems; evaluates complaints and determines appropriate response; determines sample type and sampling techniques and dispatches staff to secure sample when appropriate; develops and maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) detailing sampling techniques and chain-of-custody procedures in accordance with federal and state regulations; interacts with customers, explaining departmental response and results; communicates sample results to appropriate personnel for corrective action; supervises the collection of water samples; schedules sanitary release sampling and communicates sampling results to construction inspector; maintains sanitary release records; ensures the laboratory's potable water sampling program is in compliance with federal and state safe drinking water regulations.
Interacts with and accounts for laboratory operations and records in audits by state environmental agency; ensures continuous testing and analysis; evaluates route scheduling and makes adjustments to increase efficiency; reviews sanitary surveys and orders follow-up sampling.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
• the principles and techniques used in setting up and operating standard laboratory instrumentation and equipment
• the nomenclature, technical symbols, equipment and materials used in the chemical and biological testing of water and wastewater
• laboratory management, to include operation of equipment, assignment of personnel and determination of work priorities
• laboratory safety practices and procedures
• operation and maintenance of complex instrumentation
• the techniques used in conducting basic chemical and biological tests
• supervisory methods and techniques
• the principles of chemistry in relation to basic chemical tests
• mathematical applications to standard chemical tests
• analytical techniques as they apply to standard chemical testing
• the equipment, methods, procedures and practices used in sampling water, wastewater and related matrices
• the fundamental causes and effects of water quality degradation and improvement
• the established principles and methods used in water sample collection, handling and transport
SKILL IN:
• performing standardized tests and making repetitive chemical analysis quickly and accurately
• organization of records and thorough attention to detail
• the use and care of laboratory equipment, instruments and materials
ABILITY TO:
• supervise a small group of technicians performing standard chemical tests and sample collection for a laboratory facility
• prepare, review and maintain reports and logs showing test results and daily laboratory activities
• coordinate testing activities to obtain accurate test results
• maintain an inventory of laboratory materials, supplies and equipment necessary for daily operations
• evaluate the technical quality of subordinates' work and provide the necessary technical support
• review standard testing and sample collection procedures and make recommendations for improvement
• train subordinates in testing methodology, sample collection and safety procedures
• implement standard operating procedures and quality assurance measures in accordance with federal and state environmental regulations
• use a computerized information systems to enter or retrieve, review and approve data
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with laboratory personnel and other department units and the general public
• prepare, read and interpret technical plans, layouts, charts, diagrams, schematics, maps, estimates, specifications and test reports
• install and operate water sampling equipment
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 9/19.)
EDUCATION:
Completion of 60 college credits at a technical institute or an accredited college or university with major coursework in biology, microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, physical sciences, environmental sciences and engineering.
NOTE: In accordance with PA Department of Environmental Protection Chapter
252.302 requirements, specific positions in the Bureau of Laboratory
Services must complete sixteen credits in chemistry at an accredited college
or university.
AND
EXPERIENCE:
Two years of experience as a Science Technician in the Water Department performing standardized routine tests in a water or wastewater laboratory for regulatory compliance or performing sampling of water or wastewater for compliance with environmental regulations.
NOTE: In accordance with PA Department of Environmental Protection Chapter
252.302 requirements, specific positions in the Bureau of Laboratory Services
must have completed at least one year of the required specific experience in
a laboratory performing analyses in a field of accreditation.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of appointment as a Science Technician Supervisor, Water Sampling assignment.
CSC - 8/91
Ad. Board - 10/91
Spec. Revision:
CSC - 12/11
Ad. Board – 1/12
Latest Spec Revision:
CSC – 07/19
Ad. Board – 09/19
Change in pay rate:
CSC – 12/22
Ad. Board – 1/23
SA