This is advanced professional scientific work with supervisory responsibility in a water quality laboratory for the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department.

Employees in this class are responsible for supervising and participating in the qualitative and quantitative analyses of water treatment plant source water, treatment chemicals and treated drinking water. Responsibilities include supervising the conduct of chemical tests and analyses, training subordinates in analytical procedures and methodologies, reviewing and participating in chemical, physical and biological studies, preparing detailed reports of laboratory activities, conducting independent research experiments and evaluation studies, developing new and improved laboratory procedures, and investigating the causes of quality control problems within the laboratory. Incumbents exercise considerable independent judgment and technical scientific expertise in supervising and participating in laboratory chemical analyses to assure compliance with local, state and federal requirements. Supervision is exercised over professional and technical subordinates engaged in various aspects of laboratory operations. General supervision is received from a professional superior who reviews work through personal conferences and written reports quality of results and achievement of established goals and objectives.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Supervises the conduct of chemical tests and analyses of known and unknown substances through the use of certified procedures and chromatographic, spectrophotometric, colorimetric, titrimetric, gravimetric and other instrumental laboratory techniques.

Trains and supervises professional chemists and laboratory technicians in analytical procedures and methodologies related to drinking water testing and sample collection; develops and establishes quality control protocol and performs necessary analytical and statistical analyses to establish compliance with quality control criteria.

Reviews and participates in chemical, physical and biological studies of plant influent, in-plant and treated drinking water samples, to determine compliance with local, state and federal drinking water standards and regulations.

Prepares and submits detailed reports of laboratory activities including standardized format reports for regulatory submittal; requisitions materials, supplies and equipment; recommends new procedures to improve efficiency.

Conducts independent research experiments and evaluation studies to determine the immediate and long-range effects of modifications in treatment processes and new treatment techniques.

Develops and implements new and improved laboratory procedures to maintain quality control of in-plant processes, comply with drinking water regulations and maintain State certification of the laboratory.

Performs or supervises the performance of special investigations to resolve customer complaints, and makes recommendations for the resolution of customer complaints.

Investigates and determines the causes of laboratory problems including quality control out of range, unacceptable analytical results, inoperable instruments, and other problems.

Organizes and schedules the collection of samples from treatment plants for testing including sample collection protocol, sample preservation criteria, holding times, and chain-of-custody procedures.

Makes recommendations regarding hiring, discipline and promotion of subordinates; authorizes leave and overtime; evaluates and rates employee performance.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Considerable knowledge of water treatment processes and the water distribution system.

Considerable knowledge of the science of Chemistry including methods, principles and procedures of laboratory chemical analysis.

Considerable knowledge of basic scientific principles and theories of physics, biology, mathematics and related physical sciences.

Considerable knowledge of local, state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to drinking water.

Considerable knowledge of modern equipment and scientific instruments used in determining drinking water quality.

Considerable knowledge of the organization and operation of a large and complex water quality laboratory.

Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.

Ability to professionally apply scientific and technical knowledge in the conduct of laboratory analyses of drinking water.

Ability to supervise subordinates in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.

Ability to analyze and interpret the results of complex experiments and make effective recommendations to correct abnormal water quality conditions.

Ability to prepare and submit detailed reports of laboratory tests and examinations.

Ability to conduct independent research experiments and evaluation studies.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, superiors and the public.

NEW 10-95