Director - Environmental Laboratory Services

Job Description:

Director - Environmental Laboratory Services

Description

Competitive salary depends on qualifications with generous benefits package including pension, paid leave, and health benefits. Resume review will begin as soon as possible with scheduled interviews to follow.

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY
The Director - Environmental Laboratory Services is responsible for developing strategic policy and programs and leading all aspects of water laboratory quality programs related to the monitoring, testing and analytical assessment of potable water and wastewater systems. The Director is responsible for providing oversight and direction for Environmental Laboratory services associated with water and wastewater treatment operations, water recycling centers, stormwater and industrial pre-treatment programs. S/he interprets testing procedures and protocols and formulates recommendations to Executive Management and oversees the development and implementation of effective practices to ensure analytical water quality testing methods comply with local, federal, and state laws and water quality regulations to include maintaining NELAC certification. The Director - Environmental Laboratory Services reports to the Senior Vice President - Water Resources & Governmental Relations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops and executes short to long-term strategies and plans in a complex legal, financial, and economic environment.
• Creates and implements all strategies, policies, procedures and best practices needed to support the optimal performance of the laboratory.
• Interviews, contracts and manages consultants and contractors to design and build system improvements.
• Examines data and prepares reports for a variety of regulatory agencies; serves as SAWS representative with federal and state regulators.
• Applies and ensures quality assurance procedures applicable to laboratory, bacteriological principles, techniques and terminology are used in the examination of water samples.
• Evaluates complex data and prepares technical reports.
• Develops measures to analyze and improve department's overall efficiency.
• Applies and interprets local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Oversees administration of the Laboratory Information Management System.
• Understands and applies principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation. Ensures adequate staffing levels, staff competencies, and commitments to strategic goals.
• Communicates and maintains proper working relationships on pertinent issues with management, governmental agencies, and stakeholders.
• Identifies, develops, and monitors department metrics used to achieve corporate goals/objectives, drive continuous improvement, and complete workforce planning.
• Develops and monitors department budget to include forecasting, allocating, and tracking financial resources.
• Participates in long range planning and budgeting processes to include projecting personnel and equipment needs and approving the purchase of equipment and supplies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

DECISION MAKING

• Director receives limited supervision.
• Supervises 20-30 employees.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Masters Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Environmental Science or related discipline from an institution accredited by a recognized accredited agency.
• Eight years' experience performing environmental laboratory analysis and testing.
• Five years' experience in supervising personnel.
• Available and responsible for call out duty consistent with SAWS policy.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel/Access, Power Point).
• Valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified as a Registered Environmental Laboratory Technologist or Registered Environmental Manager.
• Certified as a Texas Water Utility Level A Laboratory Analyst.

JOB DIMENSIONS

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships.
• Manages operational budget of $1.5 - $2.0 million including the capital outlay budget.
• Infrequent travel may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical requirements include lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds occasionally. Requires visual acuity, speech and hearing. Sits frequently, stands, and walks in a laboratory environment. Occasional exposure to chemicals, waste materials and hazardous materials (to include noxious fumes, vapors and odors).

May be required to work hours other than regular schedule including weekends and holidays.

San Antonio Water System values the contributions of all its employees, providing them the best in compensation and benefits. The benefits package is designed to attract and retain a workforce of qualified employees who share a responsibility in providing quality water to 1 million consumers.
From an affordable medical and dental plan to life-sustaining retirement and insurance plans, we offer benefits that reward employees for their commitment to a challenging career at SAWS. Employee benefits include the following:

• Competitive, market-based salaries
• Performance-based incentives
• Medical benefits
• Dental benefits
• Life insurance
• Prescription drug program
• Vision care plan
• Two retirement plans
• Deferred compensation plans (457 plan)
• Disability income
• Paid leave (vacation, sick, personal)
• Education assistance program
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible, tax-deferred health and dependent care spending accounts
• Wellness programs
• On-Site Fitness Facilities
• Community service opportunities

Closing Date/Time: 10/19/2025 11:59 PM Central

Salary:

$129,251.00 - $231,379.00 Annually