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Job Description
The County of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department is offering a career opportunity for a Water Laboratory Manager. This is a single-position management has overall responsibility for the administration, regulatory compliance, operational oversight, quality assurance, and supervision of the County's Water Quality Laboratory (WQL). The position includes overseeing Senior Chemists that supervise technical staff, provide laboratory services, and water quality management for all the Public Works operated water, wastewater and recycled water systems and those of several other communities. The WQL is certified by the State of California's Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP). The WQL also provides sampling, compliance reporting, watershed monitoring and technical support services for all of the County-led systems, and supports compliance for the County stormwater program and a closed landfill. It includes working with the other managers in the Department at a leadership level to ensure the effective operation of all systems and programs that need water quality laboratory services.
TYPICAL TASKS AND REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
Plans, organizes, directs, and oversees all activities and operations of the Water Quality Laboratory to ensure efficient, effective, and compliant laboratory services. Supervises, mentors, and evaluates the performance of assigned staff; interviews and selects employees; recommends appointments, reassignments, and disciplinary actions; assigns and reviews work for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with policies and performance standards. Develops and administers laboratory budgets, including forecasting operational needs, monitoring expenditures, evaluating resource allocation, and approving procurement of equipment, materials, supplies, and services. Develops, implements, evaluates, and updates laboratory policies, procedures, and quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) protocols. Oversees and maintains compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, permits, accreditation requirements, and reporting obligations related to laboratory operations, including Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) standards. Monitors changes in legislation, regulations, industry standards, and emerging technologies related to water quality, laboratory operations, and treatment processes; evaluates operational and regulatory impacts and recommends appropriate actions to maintain compliance and improve effectiveness. Coordinates with Department management, engineers, operations personnel, regulatory agencies, contractors, consultants, and other stakeholders regarding water quality issues, treatment operations, compliance initiatives, and laboratory services. Directs and participates in the preparation, review, and submission of technical reports, compliance documentation, operational data, and regulatory reports to local, state, and federal agencies in accordance with established requirements and deadlines. Oversees staff responsible for the laboratory quality assurance program to ensure analytical methods, instrumentation, testing procedures, and laboratory practices produce accurate, reliable, and defensible results. Oversees staff responsible for laboratory instrumentation maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and quality control activities to ensure proper operating parameters and compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards. Evaluates laboratory operations and implements improvements to service delivery methods, procedures, technologies, and operational efficiencies. Coordinates with water and wastewater treatment operations personnel regarding laboratory testing requirements and training necessary to support compliant and efficient plant operations. Responds to inquiries, complaints, and technical questions from regulatory agencies, outside organizations, County staff, and the public regarding water quality and laboratory-related matters. Supports stormwater compliance activities in accordance with the County's Stormwater Management Program (SWMP), National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), and related regulatory requirements. Develops and administers grants, contracts, consultant agreements, and related funding or procurement activities. Performs other related duties as assigned Please note this recruitment is contingent upon Board of Supervisors approval of the classification and salary, scheduled for July 7, 2026.
The ideal candidate will:
a) be service and action oriented; b) understand the technical methodologies associated with water quality data collection, testing and analysis; c) have experience with supporting water and wastewater systems; and d) understand the institutional, regulatory and financial considerations associated with successful water quality management and laboratory services.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of organic and inorganic chemistry, microbiology, and laboratory science as related to water and wastewater analysis Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, standards, and accreditation requirements governing water quality laboratory operations, including Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) requirements Methods, standards, regulations, and reporting requirements established by the Environmental Protection Agency, California State Water Resources Control Board, California Department of Public Health, and other regulatory agencies related to drinking water, wastewater, surface water, groundwater, recycled water, biosolids, stormwater, and related functions Principles and practices of laboratory quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) programs and procedures Laboratory instrumentation, analytical methods, calibration procedures, maintenance practices, and troubleshooting techniques Principles and practices of public agency budgeting, procurement, contract administration, and financial planning Principles and practices of operational planning, program evaluation, and continuous organizational improvement Safe work practices and procedures applicable to laboratory and water quality operations Effective verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills Principles, practices, and procedures of supervision, leadership, mentoring, training, team dynamics, team building, and performance evaluation Ability to : Plan, organize, direct, and oversee laboratory operations and staff in an effective and efficient manner Analyze and interpret laboratory, operational, and regulatory data and make sound recommendations and decisions Understand, evaluate, and apply laws, codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures Develop, implement, and maintain laboratory quality assurance and quality control programs and procedures Prepare, administer, and monitor laboratory budgets, contracts, grants, and procurement activities Prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, technical reports, regulatory documentation, and other written materials Evaluate operational needs and implement improvements to laboratory services, systems, procedures, and processes Effectively represent the County in interactions with regulatory agencies, contractors, consultants, outside organizations, and the public Utilize software including those applications specific to the laboratory Promote an organized, professional, and safety-conscious work environment Communicate effectively verbally and in writing to a diverse population of individuals and groups Foster effective and positive working relationships with individuals from diverse perspectives by demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, including active listening, effective communication, advisory expertise, mediation, conflict resolution, and consensus building Education & Experience A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes: Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental science, or a closely related field. In addition, six years of progressively responsible experience in water or wastewater laboratory testing, including at least two years of supervisory, lead, or administrative responsibility in a laboratory setting. Licenses and Certificates Possession of a valid State of California Department of Public Health Water Treatment Operator Grade 2 (T2) certification or higher within 6 months of appointment. The 6-month requirement to obtain a T2 certification may be extended up to 12 months by the appointing authority. Sustained certification including any required continuing education units is mandatory for continued employment. Failure to obtain and maintain the required certifications within the time stated will result in removal from the position unless a time extension is approved by the appointing authority. A valid California driver's license will be required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment. Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca . Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application. An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews. Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process. If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us . Confidential inquiries are welcomed. For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov . Your attached resume will not substitute for the completion of the application. Please complete all required fields and supplemental questions. Be advised that while use of AI is common practice, we want to see your individual style and critical thinking skills in your answers to the supplemental questions.
