Director Laboratory Operations Jobs in Washington

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties, locations, and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this job. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description, and incumbent(s) may be required to perform work-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description. This job description is not a "contract" between the employee and the Authority. The job duties and essential functions may be changed at the discretion of the General Manager.

GeneralJob Title:Manager, LaboratoryJob Code:OA0494Supervises Directly:YesNew or Revised:RevisedRegular or At-Will:At-WillDate Last Revised:05/1/2026Exempt or Non-Exempt:ExemptCompensation Approval Signature: Union/ Non-Union:Non-UnionDepartment Name and Division: Clean Water & Technology-Central Administration, OperationsSalary Schedule: Non-Union Salary RangeCost Center Code:   810600Grade:NU18Essential Position:YesReports To:Director, Clean Water & TechnologyEEO Code:Officials and AdministratorsWork FormatIn-PersonWho We Are & What We Do:

At DC Water, we provide more than 700,000 District of Columbia residents and 24.6 million annual visitors with essential water, wastewater, and stormwater services. DC Water also provides wholesale wastewater treatment services for 1.8 million people in Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland, and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia. We aspire to be known for superior service, ingenuity, and stewardship to advance the health and well-being of our diverse workforce and communities. To achieve this vision, we commit to our shared mission every day-exceeding expectations by providing high quality water services in a safe, environmentally friendly, and efficient manner.

Role Description:

The Manager, Laboratory manages the laboratory program, by providing independent high-quality analyses for three important functions: permit compliance, plant operations, and capital improvement program. Responsible for overseeing all aspects of daily operations, ensuring strict compliance with regulatory standards and quality assurance protocols. This role includes supervising laboratory staff, managing schedules and workflow, and maintaining accreditation requirements through meticulous documentation and data integrity. The manager coordinates sampling and testing activities across microbiological, chemical, and physical parameters, often serving as the liaison between regulatory agencies, plant operations, and laboratory staff. Strong leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential to uphold the lab's NELAP certification and performance standards.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Oversees and manages (also assist when needed) in all laboratory operations, including sampling, analysis, reporting, and quality assurance activities for wastewater, industrial waste, biosolids, and related materials.

  • Reviews and approves sampling plans, field documentation, and analytical results to ensure consistency with regulatory standards and internal objectives.

• Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of laboratory staff, providing guidance, technical support, and performance feedback.

• Coordinates laboratory schedules to ensure timely and accurate completion of routine and special project testing, including regulatory and compliance-driven sampling programs.

• Ensures that all laboratory analyses meet or exceed NELAP and other regulatory requirements and leads the laboratory in maintaining accreditation and audit readiness.

• Oversees the implementation and continuous improvement of QA/QC procedures; reviews quality control data, investigates anomalies, and approves corrective actions.

• Manages procurement, maintenance, calibration, and replacement of laboratory instruments, supplies, and safety equipment to ensure operational readiness and efficiency.

• Develops, implements, and updates standard operating procedures (SOPs) and laboratory policies in alignment with regulatory updates and industry best practices.

• Identifies training needs and provides or coordinates technical and safety training for laboratory staff to support professional development and regulatory compliance.

• Oversees data management systems, including LIMS, ensuring accurate data entry, review, reporting, and archiving of laboratory results.

• Prepares and submits internal and external reports, including regulatory compliance documents, performance summaries, and operational metrics.

• Serves as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies, internal departments, consultants, and contractors on matters related to laboratory operations and compliance.

• Manages laboratory budget, including forecasting, expense tracking, and justifying equipment purchases or operational changes.

• Ensures a safe, clean, and organized laboratory environment, enforcing compliance with applicable health, safety, and environmental regulations.

• Leads continuous improvement initiatives and identifies opportunities for operational efficiency, cost reduction, and innovation.

• Promotes teamwork, a culture of accountability, and a high standard of professionalism among laboratory staff.

• Performs other duties and projects as assigned at the discretion of the Director, Clean Water and Technology.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Provides daily planning and administration in the selection, supervision, promotion, discipline, and training of personnel within the unit. Supervises laboratory staff and schedules work assignments on a 7 day a week, 365 day a year basis; participates in the selection, evaluation, and promotion of employees; reinforces appropriate behavior and recommends disciplinary action in accordance with DC Water policies and procedures.

Key Working Relationships: Interacts with subordinate employees, co-workers throughout the Authority, and consultants and contractors.

Skills & Qualifications:

The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability necessary for an individual to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable amounts of training are provided.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Required Experience:Seven (7) years of progressive experience preferably in a modern laboratory in a wastewater treatment or similar facility of which minimum two (2) years of experience working in an accredited laboratory, and two (2) years of experience in supervisory or management role.Knowledge of NPDES permit requirements.

Demonstrated experience leading teams, managing budgets, and interacting with regulatory agencies.

Minimum Education Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in chemical, environmental, biological sciences or engineering or related environmental field from an accredited college or university.

Required Skills:Extensive knowledge of laboratory and sampling procedures and protocols; skilled in the use of analytical instruments and laboratory equipment. Extensive knowledge of microbiology, chemistry, and ability to apply knowledge to procedures. Process knowledge, including how each unit process fits into overall wastewater treatment process and ability to recommend and implement strategies to enhance quality, productivity, and cost-effectiveness. Extensive experience in quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), regulatory compliance (e.g., NELAP), and audit preparation, with a proven track record of maintaining certification standards.In-depth knowledge of the NELAP certification process, including implementation and maintenance of systems to ensure ongoing compliance.Demonstrated ability to manage and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation, including Gas Chromatography (GC), Ion Chromatography (IC), and automated colorimetric systems, ensuring proper maintenance and calibration.Proficient in coordinating method development and ensuring adherence to EPA-approved procedures and internal SOPsAdept at interpreting complex laboratory data and using results to drive data-informed decisions, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.Capable of training and mentoring technical staff, overseeing performance, and implementing cross-functional workflows to optimize lab efficiency.Familiar with the configuration and operation of field sampling equipment, including automatic samplers, pH/DO probes, and peristaltic pumps.Proficient in using data management systems and general office software (e.g., Excel, Word, LIMS) for reporting, record-keeping, and regulatory submissions.Excellent human relations and communication skills, including listening, reading, oral and written communication skills.Utilizes personal computer and maintains a working knowledge of applicable software programs (i.e., word processing, spreadsheets, e-mails, etc.).Required Licenses & Certifications:Must possess and maintain a current valid Class IV (ABC or equivalent) Laboratory Analyst Certification or acquire within 36 months of employment and maintain current a class IV (ABC or equivalent) Laboratory Analyst Certification.Required Languages:N/APhysical Requirements: Subject to indoor and/or outdoors environmental conditions that include extreme cold and/or hot temperatures.

Requires moderate physical activities, such as occasionally performing the following:

• Lifting, pushing, or pulling light or moderately heavy objects/materials (up to 50 lbs.) 
• Climbing up and down ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, etc.
• Balancing (to prevent falling) when standing or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. 
• Bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, etc.
• Crawling or moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet.
• Standing or walking for long periods

The physical requirements varies with task assignments and location.The incumbent is subject to being placed on call during weekends or holidays to ensure 7-day operation of the laboratory.Subject to hazards from a variety of physical conditions such as working close to moving mechanical parts or electric current, working on scaffolding or in high places, or exposure to high heat or chemicals.Subject to atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system and general health or skin such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, toxic and carcinogenic liquids, vapors and gases or poor ventilation, or to exposure to oils or other solvents, raw sewage, activated sludge and lubricants.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

Preferred Experience:Four (4) years of experience working in an accredited laboratory, preferentially a NELAP accredited wastewater laboratory or equivalent to NELAP accreditation.Four (4) years of experience in supervisory or management role.Preferred Education Requirements:Master`s degree from an accredited college with courses in chemistry, biology, or a related field in environmental sciences.Preferred Skills:Effective troubleshooting and problem-solving skills; understanding of how adjustments in process variables impact efficiency and effectiveness of individual unit processes and overall plant performance.

*The work environment characteristics described in the physical requirements section of the required skills & qualifications table are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities. 

 

Your Experience at DC Water:

At DC Water, our people make us an industry leader. Join a group of thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers focused on protecting life's most precious resource in the nation's capital.

• Take pride in your work. We provide an essential service and do work that matters. A career at DC Water is an exciting opportunity to help improve the environment and make a lasting difference for the community.

• Connect to a strong culture. Everything we do is grounded in our shared values-accountability, trust, teamwork, customer focus, safety, and wellbeing.

• Be your true self. We are an inclusive organization that embraces diversity, and we recognize and celebrate employees' individuality and unique contributions.

• Build your skills and career path. We are committed to developing a future-ready workforce by helping our employees develop skills for the jobs of tomorrow.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V.

We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against "qualified individuals with disabilities."

If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to

perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please

email complianceada@dcwater.com.