Environmental Lab - Admin - Division Manager - Environmental Lab

General Description

Under the direction of the Director of Water Utilities, directs, manages, and oversees the operations and activities of the Environmental Laboratory Division for the City of Abilene, providing strategic leadership, administrative oversight, and technical direction to ensure the delivery of accurate, reliable, and timely laboratory services in support of water treatment, wastewater treatment, distribution and collection systems, watershed monitoring, and industrial pretreatment programs.

Develops and implements division goals, objectives, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, accreditation requirements, and industry standards, safeguarding public health and environmental quality. Serves as the City’s primary technical authority and advisor on environmental laboratory compliance and analytical interpretation, providing expert guidance to departmental leadership while final utility‑wide policy determinations and regulatory decisions remain under the authority of the Director of Water Utilities.

Direct and indirect supervision over technical, maintenance, and administrative staff.

• Develops and executes short and long‑term strategic plans for Environmental Laboratory Services aligned with Water Utilities Department goals.
• Establishes division policies, procedures, quality assurance protocols, and best practices to ensure analytical accuracy, data integrity, and regulatory compliance.
• Provides leadership oversight of laboratory accreditation programs and ensures continued compliance with NELAP, TCEQ, EPA, and other governing agencies.
• Serves as the primary liaison with state and federal regulatory agencies on laboratory matters; prepares and reviews technical reports and represents the division during audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews.
• Oversees the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and ensures proper data governance, security, traceability, and reporting accuracy.
• Develops, monitors, and reports division performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and service excellence.
• Prepares, administers, and monitors the division’s annual operating and capital budgets, including forecasting personnel, equipment, and infrastructure needs.
• Evaluates emerging regulatory requirements, analytical technologies, and industry trends; recommends strategic improvements and modernization initiatives.
• Ensures appropriate quality control monitoring of potable water, wastewater, distribution, collection systems, and related environmental programs.
• Provides executive‑level analysis and interpretation of complex analytical data and advises department leadership regarding operational impacts and regulatory risk.
• Leads safety initiatives and ensures compliance with all applicable occupational health and safety standards within laboratory operations.
• Coordinates with other divisions and departments to support operational troubleshooting, customer concerns, watershed protection, and system performance initiatives.
• Oversees consultant and contractor engagements related to laboratory systems, equipment procurement, and facility improvements.
• Fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, professional development, and continuous improvement.
• Operate a personal or City vehicle to conduct city business.

Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Federal, state, and local regulations governing environmental laboratory operations, water quality monitoring, and wastewater compliance.
• Principles of laboratory accreditation, quality assurance, quality control, and proficiency testing programs.
• Strategic planning, organizational leadership, and performance management principles.
• Public sector budgeting, financial forecasting, and capital planning.
• Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and data governance best practices.
• Modern analytical instrumentation and laboratory methodologies.
• Occupational hazards and safety standards applicable to laboratory…