EPCOR Careers

Highlights of the job

We are hiring a Full-time Laboratory Supervisor position for our Taylor, Texas industrial water site.

The Lab Supervisor will oversee the Blue Sky WRF Laboratory to ensure laboratory compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Duties will include, but are not limited to, overall laboratory management, performing data validation, preparing sampling and analytical plans, budgets and reports, and maintaining the laboratory safety and quality programs.

What you’d be responsible for:

• Assumes ownership of the laboratory, including analytical equipment, policies, scheduling, quality, safety, training and budget
• Plans, assigns, and directs the work of operations staff engaged in performing a wide variety of chemical and microbiological analyses
• Trains and certifies lab techs and operations employees in standard methods of laboratory analyses and the use of analytical equipment
• Performs quality checks and verification of lab analyses by others to ensure compliance with SOPs, standard methods and regulatory permits.
• Prepares, and updates as needed, written documents such as standard operating procedures (SOPs), the Chemical Hygiene Plan, Quality Manual and monitoring plans for the lab
• Validates data quality and compiles water quality data to submit reports to clients and federal, state, and county regulatory agencies
• Installs, maintains, calibrates and troubleshoots laboratory analytical equipment
• Maintain lab equipment quality certifications/calibrations by vendors
• Data entry and review in a LIMS system, and maintain laboratory records
• Coordinates with accredited laboratories for compliance sampling and analysis
• Researches and adopts new and improved methods for the performance of chemical, microbiological, and physical analyses
• Designing and implementing bench-scale tests of process parameters
• Provides safety oversight and guidance to laboratory staff, while maintaining a rigorous safety program
• Prepares the annual laboratory budget, tracking the budget and purchasing supplies
• Controls sample inventory and manages laboratory waste in compliance with regulations
• Maintains a safe, clean and orderly work environment
• Directly managing 1-2 lab technicians, including approving timecards and performance reviews
• Available on-call for laboratory related issues or questions
• Perform other duties as required

What’s required to be successful:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in Water Quality, Environmental Quality, Industrial Pretreatment, Wastewater or in a general environmental laboratory
• Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience
• B.S. in Chemistry, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field
• Knowledge of Water/Wastewater operations, water quality standards and regulations (county, state and federal)
• Competent in field sampling procedures of wastewater and sludges
• Experience with a wide-variety of analytical method and performing probe measurements, including ISE, colorimetric kits, general chemistry methods, jar tests, XRF, TOC/TN analysis, bacterial counts and microscopic examinations to evaluate process performance
• Capable of designing bench-scale experiments to test process parameters
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation to conduct analyses
• Thorough knowledge of laboratory safety and ability to provide guidance to staff on safe-handling of hazardous chemicals
• Strong quantitative skills (analytical, technical, problem solving, attention to detail)
• Exceptional planning, organizational, analytical, and problem solving skills
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and prioritize tasks to complete work to meet deadlines
• Able to direct and support staff performing a variety of duties at a variety of skill levels
• Establish and maintain effective and courteous working relationships with a diverse group of co-workers, management, clients, contractors and the general public
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills (e.g., tact/diplomacy, listening, negotiation, consulting)
• Proficient in MS Office Suite and other software as needed
• Texas Driver’s License required

Other important facts about this job

As an EPCOR employee, you will enjoy a variety of benefits such as a competitive salary, an incentive award program, an excellent benefit package including medical, dental, vision and other insurance coverage, retirement plan with substantial company contribution, generous time-off schedules, training opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and certification support. We’ve been voted as a Best Places to Work employer and we value the safety of each of our team members through our robust safety training and celebration of safety milestones.

Headquartered in Phoenix, EPCOR USA owns, operates and builds water, wastewater and natural gas infrastructure and is among the largest private water utilities in the Southwest. EPCOR USA is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of EPCOR Utilities Inc. We invest in and look after our communities and the environment. We’re proud of the work we do and the people we hire to do it.

Please note the following information:

• A requirement of working for EPCOR is that you are at least 18 years of age and legally entitled to work in Canada. (A copy of a valid work permit may be required.)
• If you are considered for the position, clearance on all applicable background checks (which may include criminal, identity, educational, and/or credit) and professional reference checks is required. Some EPCOR positions require an enhanced level of background assessment, which is dictated by law. These positions require advanced criminal record checks that must also be conducted from time to time after commencement of employment.
• A technical/practical assessment may be administered during the selection process and this exercise will be used as a part of the selection criterion.
• To meet the physical demands required of some positions, candidates must be in good physical condition and willing to work in all weather conditions. Clearance on pre-placement medical and drug and alcohol testing may be required.

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