This is administrative and technical work, planning, directing and coordinating the operations of the activities of water and wastewater laboratories through subordinate supervisors. The employee in this class directs a technical staff engaged in surveillance of water supplies, determining the quality of drinking water, researching treatment processes and analyzing water, wastewater, sludge and industrial wastes. Directing the provision of technical support to other units and services to the public and maintaining administrative control over the budget and expenditures are important aspects of the work. The employee has extensive contact with external government agencies. The employee works under the direction of the Water Laboratory Services Director.

• Plans, directs and coordinates, through subordinate supervisors, a staff of chemists, biologists, technical and other support personnel engaged in sampling, monitoring, testing and evaluating the chemical, microbiological and organoleptic quality of drinking water in the water distribution system, water from rivers, processed wastewater, and researching new and improved water and wastewater treatment processes; develops objectives and assigns work tasks, programs, projects and studies to subordinate laboratory supervisors; directs and coordinates the development and revision of laboratory techniques and quality assurance procedures; reviews reports submitted by subordinate supervisors on laboratory activities; reviews data produced during testing; tours laboratories to inspect operations; provides technical guidance during complex testing.
• Evaluates the laboratory services requirements of the operating division of the department; reviews effectiveness of laboratory operations to insure the provision of supporting laboratory services for the department; confers with representatives of government regulatory agencies and public health agencies to discuss water, wastewater and quality regulations. Directs the preparation of operating budget proposals for the unit; determines staffing level and equipment needs; determines which laboratory services can be performed more efficiently by contracted, private laboratories; evaluates the qualifications of, and work performed by contracted laboratories.
• Testifies in court as expert witness to explain laboratory findings and results.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• laboratory management, including determination of work priorities, assignment of personnel and selection of equipment.
• the theories, principles, methods and practices of chemistry and biology as applied to the analysis and treatment of water and wastewater.
• research methods and techniques applicable to water and wastewater analysis.
• mathematics and statistics as applied in a water and wastewater laboratory.
• current federal and state rules, regulations and standards applicable to the analysis and treatment of water and wastewater.
• administrative methods and techniques required in the direction of water and wastewater laboratories.
• supervisory methods and techniques.
• the principles and practices of budget and personnel administration pertaining to a water utility.
• the rules of evidence, and the method for presenting evidence in court.

• direct professional, technical and operational personnel.
• prepare comprehensive administrative and operational oral and written reports.
• express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, vendors, manufacturers, federal and state government officials and departmental officials.

EDUCATION:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, chemical engineering or biology.

• Five years of chemical, biological or engineering experience in a laboratory conducting scientific evaluation of water and/or wastewater, two years of which has been at the supervisory level.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

• 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 employment as a Water and Wastewater Laboratory Chief.

PAY RANGE: EP26
Class Established: 10/1982

Latest Spec. Revision: 4/1986

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