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Title

Laboratory Supervisor 

Description

Job Purpose

Responsible for overseeing the essential laboratory operations at the generation site. Key involvement surrounds ensuring the lab’s efficient functioning, adherence to safety standards, and timely delivery of accurate analysis results to support operational decision making. Supervision of the lab operations and staff, ensuring compliance with regulations, while also providing technical support to plant personnel.

Specific Responsibilities

  1. Responsible for overseeing the operations of a laboratory within the generation site. Ensures that the lab functions efficiently, adheres to safety standards, and provides accurate and timely analysis results for operational decision-making:
    1. Maintain compliance with safety protocols, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements and proper handling of chemicals.
    2. Ensure accurate laboratory analyses of coal, boiler water, FGD process materials, bottom ash, fly ash, and wastewater samples. This includes coal fineness testing and sieve analyses for pulverizers.
    3. Oversee proper and efficient operation of the wastewater treatment facility.
    4. Supervise the troubleshooting, operation, and routine maintenance on laboratory equipment, including Unit 9 demineralizer, reverse osmosis system, chlorinators, chemical transfer pumps, sample analysis panels, and analytical instruments.
    5. Maintain accurate records of analysis results, equipment maintenance, and inventory of chemicals and supplies.
    6. Ensure compliance with State and Federal agency permits.
    7. Development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for laboratory processes.
    8. Recommend purchases of chemicals, equipment, services, and supplies for laboratory operations. Collaborate with vendors as needed.
    9. Stay current with industry advancements, regulations, and best practices related to laboratory operations.
  2. Supervise the activities of generation laboratory personnel, including the following::
    1. Schedule and conduct laboratory department meetings, including daily tailgate meetings.
    2. Provide technical support to plant personnel, including troubleshooting and recommending corrective actions based on laboratory analysis.
    3. Conduct regular performance reviews for the laboratory technicians, providing feedback and guidance for their professional development and future growth within the Utility.
    4. Mentor and facilitate training on laboratory skills and plant operations and develop programs for laboratory technicians to ensure compliance with safe laboratory operations, MPW policies and procedures, compliance tasks, and appropriate sampling and reporting as needed. Establish a Laboratory Technician apprenticeship program.
    5. Develop/maintain a culture of safety within the department. Support the Utility’s safety programs, ensure adequate training, and provide safe working conditions and practices.
    6. Develop/maintain a culture of continuous improvement within the department. Utilize lean principles and other continuous improvement tools to maximize the efficiency of the department.
    7. Make recommendations for hiring, promotion, evaluation, discharge, or other disciplinary action.
  3. Collaborate with other departments and external stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and support plant optimization initiatives:
    1. Coordinate activities related to EPA’s Risk Management Program (RMP) related to extremely hazardous substances like gaseous chlorine and sulfur dioxide:
      1. Develop and manage Laboratory Management of Change (MOC) process, assessing the potential impact of changes in laboratory procedures, equipment, or chemicals, and implementing appropriate safety measures.
      1. Initiate and track training and perform on-the-job assessments of Laboratory Technicians.
    1. Coordinate activities related to OSHA’s Process Safety Management (PSM) related to gaseous chlorine and sulfur dioxide systems. Participate in safety audits and inspections, ensuring adherence to PSM standards.
    2. Ensure sample collection and analyses are completed to comply with MPW’s air quality construction and NPDES permits. Coordinate third-party laboratory analyses as needed. Prepare and submit monthly wastewater reports to comply with MPW’s NPDES permit.

 

Other Responsibilities

  1. Assist the Chief Plant Engineer as needed.
  2. Prepare 10-year capital and expense budgets and annual operating budget for the laboratory.
  3. Other duties as assigned.
 
Position Requirements

Qualifications

Knowledge

  1. Bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, a related field, or equivalent work experience.
  2. Prior experience in a laboratory setting, preferably in a power plant or industrial environment.
  3. Previous supervisory experience preferred.
  4. Proficient knowledge in math and applied science as well as data analysis.
  5. Strong knowledge of analytical techniques and instrumentation, with experience with coal analysis preferred.
  6. Familiarity with environmental regulations related to wastewater treatment, emissions monitoring, and waste management.
  7. Excellent organizational and leadership skills to manage a team and prioritize tasks effectively.
  8. Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
  9. Knowledge of safety protocols and practices in a laboratory setting.
  10. Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with plant personnel and external stakeholders.
  11. Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work under tight deadlines.

Skills

  1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with all audiences.
  2. Excellent interpersonal and listening skills, with ability to build productive professional relationships and promote a team atmosphere.
  3. Proficiency with use of computers and mobile devices, including email, calendar, Internet browsers, and the Microsoft Office suite of products at a basic level.
  4. Good problem identification, analysis, and solving skills.
  5. Mechanical aptitude with good fine motor skills.

 

Abilities

  1. Ability to work as part of a team, either as team leader or a member of a team.
  2. Ability to drive results and ensure work is accomplished properly, safely, and in a timely manner.
  3. Ability to work independently, effectively prioritize work, manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adjust work priorities as needed to meet department/organizational objectives.
  4. Ability to develop, read, and interpret drawings, schematics, specifications, and technical manuals.
  5. Ability to distinguish colors.

Other Position Requirements

  1. Must possess a valid driver’s license.
  2. Must be able to participate in the Respiratory Protection Program.
  3. Must be able to successfully complete all required annual training.
  4. Must be able to adapt to and accept changes in the work schedule.
  5. Must be able to attend work on a regular basis and work overtime as needed.
  6. Must maintain a method of communication to be contacted by MPW outside normal work hours.

 

Work Environment

  1. The work environment is primarily in a laboratory environment at an industrial coal-fired power plant. Frequent work within the plant and on the Generation site grounds is required. Work is performed in all weather conditions.
  2. Must be able to climb ladders and work from elevated platforms for extended periods under various types of weather/seasonal conditions.
  3. Must comply with all safety and site rules at all locations.

 

 
Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time  
Salary $75,000 - $94,000  
Number of Openings 1  
Location Generation (Power Plant)  
EOE Statement Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that diverse candidates are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Muscatine Power and Water, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

MPW is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Utility does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion, national origin, ancestry, nationality, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or on any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law (except where an attribute is a bona fide occupational qualification). EOE M/F/D/V  

This position is currently accepting applications.

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