Manager, Laboratory - (26-CW&T-810600-024)

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.

 

General

 

Job 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-Person

 

Who 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 la