Director - Environmental Laboratory Services
- Salary: $129,251.00 - $231,379.00 Annually USD
- Full Time
- Administration and Management
- Environmental Services
- Sciences and Laboratory
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Job 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.
- 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 -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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San Antonio Water System
Show moreThe San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is a public utility owned by the City of San Antonio. SAWS serves 2 million people in Bexar County as well as parts of Medina and Atascosa counties. The population includes more than 511,300 water customers and 457,600 wastewater customers. SAWS actively seeks out public participation in its operations and planning, while SAWS volunteers strive to help their neighbors in need.
As an industry leader in conservation and water and wastewater management, SAWS provides sustainable, affordable water services. To deliver responsible water services, our investment in our employees – one of our greatest assets – ranks as a top priority.
San Antonio Water System's Board of Trustees has adopted mission, vision and values statements that serve as a foundation to move the utility forward through 2050 and reinforce San Antonio's much-deserved reputation as Waterful.
Our Mission: Sustainable, Affordable Water Services / Our Vision: To be leaders in delivering responsible water services for life. / Our Values: Excellence, Integrity, Respect and Safety.
SAWS is a values-based organization that believes in diversity in all aspects of our business. At SAWS, we attract and retain the finest individuals whose diverse talents drive innovation. We recognize that differences in race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, physical ability or any characteristic protected by law, enrich and empower our work environment. We respectfully infuse diversity in our daily work lives with the knowledge that people from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences make connections that make SAWS a success.
SAWS is committed to providing our employees with a healthy, safe, and rewarding work environment where all employees have an equal opportunity for professional and personal growth. SAWS employees go beyond what is expected – developing remarkable, award-winning programs in conservation, water resources, watershed protection and wastewater treatment.
Why Choose a Career at SAWS?
For Your Work-Life Balance: SAWS is proud to invest in its employees by offering a variety of paid time off to help meet the work-life balance goals of you and your family.
For Your Professional Growth: Professional growth is key to both our employees’ success as well as SAWS’. That’s why SAWS offers a number of professional development opportunities that achieve both personal and company goals.
For Your Future: Achieving your personal financial goals is an important part of your life. SAWS makes it easy for employees to save for retirement by providing several retirement plan options.
For Your Health: SAWS offers a range of health, dental and vision benefits, and Wellness Programs to help meet each employee’s needs.
For your Protection: SAWS offers life insurance and disability coverage to meet the need for protection against life’s unexpected events.
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