Laboratory Manager
: Job Details :

Salary : $14,153.96 - $17,204.23 MonthlyLocation : Antioch, CAJob Type: Full Time, RegularJob Number: 2024-013Department: Resource Recovery Services DepartmentDivision: LaboratoryOpening Date: 09/23/2024Closing Date: ContinuousMax Number of Applicants: 100The Position Under general administrative direction, plans, manages, organizes, and directs the activities of the District's Laboratory Division, provides technical direction for the operation and certification of a public laboratory, develops and manages division budget, and manages the District's pollution prevention and pretreatment programs, including annual recertification, data integrity, quality assurance, reporting, and regulatory compliance.Distinguishing CharacteristicsThis is a single-position, management-level classification that performs duties related to the administration of the Laboratory Division, including overall management of division functions, short- and long-range planning and implementation of the laboratory, pollution prevention, and pretreatment programs. The Laboratory Manager is distinguished from the Chemist Ill in that the former is responsible for the overall management of the District's laboratory services and activities. The Laboratory Manager is distinguished from the Resource Recovery Services Director in that the latter is responsible for the overall performance and operation of the Resource Recovery Services Department. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISEDUnder general administrative direction from the Resource Recovery Services Director and may receive direction from the General Manager or other department directors. This classification exercises supervision and direction over lower-level classifications within the Laboratory Division. May act as a leader for assigned District teams and projects, and as such, may coordinate or oversee the work of other District staff directly related to the assigned activity. Primary Job Duties Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plan, direct, organize, and oversee the day-to-day operations of a public laboratory and the Laboratory Division and related pollution prevention and pretreatment programs, the preparation, and implementation of operating procedures, and the allocation of divisional resources and functional responsibilities.
• Manage and participate in the development and implementation of short- and long-term goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned functions and programs; recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
• Develop and monitor a division budget and participate in the District's budget cycle and preparation.
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees on performance issues and make disciplinary recommendations.
• Ensure completion of division work activities in a manner consistent with District policies and procedures, and applicable laws, codes, statutes, and regulations; identify revised or new policies and procedures to address changes in work processes, legal requirements, and regulatory considerations.
• Stay abreast of regulatory, legislative, and industry changes that impact District operations and recommend approaches to address these changes, including advocacy, as needed.
• Supervise, participate in, and oversee staff providing services and administering programs of the Laboratory Division, pollution prevention, and pretreatment programs.
• Ensure regulatory compliance for all laboratory and environmental programs and laboratory operations including agreements for stormwater inspection, solid waste management, and waste diversion or reduction.
• Develop and draft specific language and detailed provisions of new or revised ordinances for inclusion in the district code related to laboratory operations and quality assurance, pollution preventions, discharge, and other water quality standards or requirements.
• Develop and administer laboratory related plans and programs mandated by the regional boards and other regulatory bodies.
• Perform periodic audits, proficiency testing, reporting, and data or process reviews as mandated for laboratory and pollution prevention and pretreatment program compliance.
• Develop pretreatment audit preparation plans for third-party auditors and write pretreatment audit responses, act as point of contact for laboratory and pretreatment program audits.
• Coordinate response to claims and litigation in cooperation with District Counsel and indemnity coverage providers as directed.
• Gather and accumulate information and data on developments and trends in applicable legislation, rules, regulations, and professional practices of related industries.
• Prepare a variety of analyses, reports, schedules, recommendations, and position papers work on programs and special projects of laboratory and pollution prevention programs.
• Coordinate division activities with other District departments and divisions during the course of business and as part of an emergency or disaster plan.
• Prepare recommendations, reports, and other materials; make presentations to management, the Board, other agencies, industry organizations, and the public; and represent the District at meetings, seminars, and conferences.
• Effectively perform other work duties and responsibilities consistent with the position on an as-needed and/or assigned basis.

General Organizational Duties

• Assist in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives related to the District's Strategic Plan.
• Oversee the development and implementation of activities related to key success indicators of the department and division.
• Identify and oversee the implementation of relevant, innovative processes, technologies, and approaches for implementation at the District.
• Actively promote the District's focus on effective and respectful communications to build better work relationships at all levels in the organization.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with other staff members, staff at other agencies, professional organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Participate in regional collaboration opportunities and learning from peer agencies to serve the District's needs.
• Participate and lead teams engaged in District projects and organizational activities.
• Provide appropriate, timely, and customer service focused responses to public inquiries.
• Understand and conform with the District's Policies and Procedures.
• Understand and conform with the District's Safety Program.
• Assume responsibility for covering a part of the work assignments of other staff during short absences.

Qualifications A combination of training and experience that demonstrates that an individual has obtained the required knowledge and is able to perform the required work (with reasonable accommodation if needed). A person with the following combined training and experience would most likely qualify to compete in a selection process:Education:A Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a closely related field is required.Experience:Seven (7) years of experience in water quality control laboratory operations and compliance work and at least two (2) years of which was in a water or wastewater treatment plant facility.ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Expected to respond or report to duty in emergency situations, which may occur after hours, on weekends, and/or holidays.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESKnowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and functions of laboratory operations in public utility water and wastewater quality control.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations related to the work.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards applicable to the National Pollution Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) permitting requirements.
• Legal and regulatory requirements applicable to water and wastewater treatment, water quality laboratory analysis, continuous industrial waste monitoring and reporting.
• Chemical laboratory and water quality control principles, standards, practices, and technical support functions.
• Sampling methodology under EPA protocols.
• Wastewater pretreatment technologies and applications.
• Techniques for preparing long and short-term departmental service projections, budget requests, and supportive justification.
• Techniques used in estimating time, material, and supply cost estimates.
• Principles of supervision, techniques for training, motivating, and developing employee skills and conducting formal performance evaluations.
• Methods and techniques of data analysis and reporting, creating accurate documentation, and effective presentation techniques.
• Organization and functions of an elected board of directors, the Brown Act and other laws and regulations governing the conduct of public meetings.
• Principles and practices of research analysis and management.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation, implementation, and monitoring.
• Practices of coordinating operations with outside agencies.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.

Skills and Abilities to:

• Interpret and apply the specific provisions of regulations, legislation, policies, agreements, and procedures to conditions.
• Organize, implement, and direct department operations and activities, develop, implement, interpret, explain, and enforce effective operating standards, and district and department policies, and procedures.
• Exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
• Perform mathematical, statistical, geometric and algebraic calculations common to water quality control laboratory analysis and public agency budget work.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, and procedures, work standards and internal controls in support of department activities.
• Prepare, administer, adhere to, and monitor department and program budgets.
• Evaluate, plan and establish a sequence of actions for multiple organizational segments to accomplish specific objectives.
• Maintain awareness of the District's strategic plan and ensure performance and behavior is consistent with and in support of the District's strategic goals.
• Supervise, direct, mentor, coach, develop, and correct division staff; interpret and enforce administrative/operational policies, practices, and procedures.
• Analyze complex administrative and program information and problems, evaluate alternative solutions and recommend or adopt effective courses of action.
• Operate laboratory equipment, devices, and tools safely and effectively in normal and hazardous environments.
• Effectively define and deliver optimum customer service at the most competitive cost and effort; work collaboratively and cooperatively in a team environment; develop and nurture self-directed work teams; seek out and encourage innovation and initiative from front line employees.
• Exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex and confidential personnel and employee issues, sensitive situations, and concerned people and customers, both internal and external.
• Prepare clear, concise and effective reports, presentations, correspondence, and other related documents communicating clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing.
• Assure the provision of proper training and instruction to all employees to work safely and effectively.
• Effectively utilize a variety of software and database programs to enter and track data, develop meaningful reports and schedules, and perform essential functions of the position.
• Evaluate, plan and establish a sequence of action for work projects to progress; organize multiple work tasks data and records, maintain steady progress on various projects under pressure of varying deadlines.
• Exercise initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.

Selection Procedures Fair Labor Standards Act Classification: Exempt - Administrative ExemptionCollective Bargaining Representation Unit: Management AssociationPay Level: M 180Job Specifications Approved by: Board of DirectorsApproval Date: 9/12/2002Appointment and Removal Authority: General ManagerRevision Approval Authority: General ManagerRevision Date 3/12/2009, 10/19/2021, 8/30/2024BENEFITS OF EMPLOYMENT In addition to providing challenging and interesting career positions, the District offers a comprehensive benefit package, which includes: Healthcare Insurance: The District contracts with CalPERS to provide medical coverage to qualified employees, their eligible spouse/registered domestic partner, and/or dependent children through the Public Employees' Medical and Hospital Care Act (PEMHCA) and pays the monthly premium up to 100% of the Kaiser rate for each respective coverage category (employee only, employee + 1, or employee + family). Employees will be required to pay, via pretax payroll deductions, the excess premium amount when electing a healthcare provider whose premium exceeds the Kaiser rate. All employees must enroll in the District's dental plan.Dental and Vision Insurance: The District provides vision and dental coverage for qualified employees, their eligible spouse/registered domestic partner, and/or dependent children, and pays 100% of the premium.SS and SDI: The District participates in the federal Social Security (6.2% - FICA and 1.45% - Medicare) and State Disability Insurance (SDI) programs.Life Insurance: The District provides fully paid basic life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance equal to the employee's salary as of January 1 of each year. The District also provides Long Term Disability coverage and an Employee Assistance Program.Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts: Employees may contribute to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or a Dependent Care Spending Plan (DCSP) on a pre-tax basis to assist with the cost of eligible expenses.Retirement: The District participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) as follows:

• Employees hired after June 30, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013, with reciprocity recognized under CalPERS are provided a retirement benefit of 2% at age 55 formula with the three-year final average compensation period, as defined by CalPERS in Government Code Section 20037. These employees shall pay 100% of their seven percent (7%) employee member contribution on a pre-tax basis.

• Employees (PEPRA) hired after December 31, 2012, without reciprocity recognized under CalPERS are provided a retirement benefit of 2% at age 62 formula with the three-year final average compensation period, as defined by CalPERS in Government Code Section 20037. These employees shall pay 50% of the total normal cost (PEPRA Member Contribution Rate) as determined annually by CalPERS on a pre-tax basis.

Retiree Medical*: Under the terms of the MOU, the District contracts with CalPERS to provide post-employment medical coverage to qualified employees, their eligible spouse/registered domestic partner, and/or dependent children in accordance with the requirements of CA Government Code Section 22893 as follows:Employees hired after October 15, 2022

• The Medical Benefit will be equal to the Minimum Employer Contribution (MEC) established annually by CalPERS.

* Retirees must enroll in a Medicare supplemental insurance plan through CalPERS when they become eligible. CalPERS requires that employees pay their Social Security premium for Medical Part B coverage to remain enrolled in a CalPERS Medicare health plan.Retiree Health Savings Account: The District provides employees a MissionSquare retiree health savings account (a health reimbursement arrangement as described in Internal Revenue Service Notice 2002-45). Employees may withdraw benefits from the plan upon separation from District employment per the requirements of the plan. The Union may set or adjust the employee contribution amount annually.The District shall make contributions to a MissionSquare account in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100.00) per pay period for employees hired after October 15, 2022.Deferred Compensation: Eligible employees may participate in the District's 401(a) and 457(b) programs. Employees who participate in the program are eligible to receive a matching contribution up to 4% into their 401(a).Leave Allowance: Vacation accrual begins with 10 days and increases to a maximum of 25 days annually; 96 hours of sick leave annually; and 11 paid holidays annually. 24 hours of Floating Holiday and 40 hours of Administrative Leave is credited to employees on July 1 annually (prorated for new hires) and is forfeited if unused by the end of the fiscal year.Sick Leave Sell Back: Employees may sell back sick leave hours exceeding 40 hours in the year that it was accrued up to a maximum sell back of 40 hours of sick leave per year. Sick leave sell back will be paid out in the final paycheck of the calendar year.Vacation Maximum Accrual: The maximum annual carryover is 400 hours. Any hours earned in excess will be paid out in the final paycheck of the calendar year.Other Health and Wellness: The District participates in a variety health and wellness activities throughout the year, which includes but is not limited to blood pressure checks, flu vaccinations, fitness/wellness competitions, wellness information sessions, etc. The District also reimburses staff up to $81 quarterly for gym memberships and/or weight loss programs.**Information concerning additional benefits, such as tuition reimbursement, catastrophic leave, etc. can be found in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Delta Diablo and the Management Association Bargaining Unit.Disaster Service Worker: Employees of Delta Diablo are, by State and Federal law, Disaster Service Workers. In the event of a declaration of emergency, any employee may be assigned activities that promote protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property, either at the District or within the local or their own community pursuant to State Government Code Sections 3100-3109. Other Important Employment Information: Employees of Delta Diablo are required to maintain a valid California State Class C license. Continued maintenance of valid driver's license, and the ability to be insured for the operation of a vehicle/District vehicle in accordance with the terms and conditions of the District's insurance program are conditions of continued employment. Equal Opportunity: All aspects of employment and promotion shall be without regards to sex, physical handicap, race, religious creed, color, national origin or age. The District encourages applications from qualified minorities and women interested in employment with the District. Reasonable accommodations are accessible to all individuals as part of the recruitment process. Applicants requesting an accommodation should submit their requests to Human Resources. All final candidates for employment with the District are subject to a background check. Acceptance of an employment offer is contingent upon successfully passing a District pre-employment physical examination and drug screen.01 Please provide in detail your laboratory experience, including applying relevant State and Federal laws and guidelines, agency policies, procedures, and rules to ensure regulatory compliance in an accredited laboratory. 02 Not a requirement for this position, but please describe any experience you might have with pollution prevention and pretreatment programs. 03 Plese provide in detail your experience overseeing the laboratory recertification process, including QA/QC and laboratory test reporting requirements. 04 Please provide in detail your knowledge and experience with sampling methodology under EPA protocols, wastewater treatment technologies, and applications. Required Question