Job Link

General Statement/ Organizational Responsibilities

Plans, supervises, and performs the daily activities of the Environmental Sampling Team (EST) staff conducting sampling in support of Metro’s regulatory and Annual Charge programs and compliance-related special projects. Supervises the Environmental Sampling Field Technicians, Field Specialists, and the Environmental Sampling Lead positions, and other staff as assigned. Reports to the Senior Regulatory Affairs Manager.

1. Directly performs work and supervises EST staff activities in support of Metro’s regulatory, annual charge and special project sampling programs. Ensure that samples are collected and handled in accordance with all federal state regulations along with Metro sampling protocols.
2. For compliance sampling at Metro facilities, in coordination with the Compliance Sampling and Data Quality Coordinator (CSDQC), and other Regulatory Affairs (RA) staff as assigned, develop sampling protocols and standard operating procedures to ensure that samples are collected, handled and preserved in accordance with all federal and state regulations along with Metro sampling protocols.
3. For compliance sampling at regulated industrial users (IUs), ensures that samples are collected, handled and preserved in accordance with the sampling protocol for each site and timely coordinates and communicates with the Senior Industrial Pretreatment Program Manager (SIPPM), other Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) staff and the CSDQC as needed regarding issues and changes.
4. Ensures that sampling events are started and completed in accordance with the sampling schedules set and managed by the CSDQC and the SIPPM (or other IPP designee).  Set and adjust as necessary EST work schedules to provide adequate coverage for both onsite and off-site sampling work, including 24-hour and weekend events.
5. Ensures that Annual Charge sampling equipment maintenance and flow verification work is conducted in accordance with Metro schedules and procedures. 
6. Develops and implements procedures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of all sampling event documentation completed by the EST.  
7. Develops training programs and trains staff to properly adhere to sampling protocols, reporting requirements and safety standards. Assures staff have adequately completed Metro training pertinent to work responsibilities. Evaluates performance and skill levels of employees; supports employee development, provides training, coaching, counseling, and performance correction as needed.  Participate in the selection process for new personnel as assigned
8. Reviews and develops schedules of corrective and preventive maintenance for sampling flow monitoring and other field equipment.
9. Ensures sampling team coverage during an emergency event. Maybe required to respond to emergency events during working hours and off-hours. Rotates through the on-call coverage of off-hours with EST staff as required. Investigates the emergency or alarm and coordinates corrective action by making or recommending the necessary repairs.
10. Serves as a subject matter expert for sampling equipment used at Metro’s facilities. As assigned, research and prepare specifications for new equipment or modifications of existing equipment; confers with manufacturers' representatives on new developments in equipment.  Prepares purchase requisitions for materials and supplies.
11. Coordinates work with engineers, mechanical/electrical maintenance crews, laboratory, and other Metro personnel. Provides expertise in the troubleshooting of equipment and facility problems.  Reviews and provides technical comments on new and modified facilities.
12. Maintains good public relations and working contacts as necessary, with the public, contractors and other public works agencies.
13. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate’s degree in a directly related scientific or engineering field. Minimum of four (4) years of experience collecting environmental samples for compliance under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Experience with operating, maintaining and installing automatic sampling equipment. Experience with open channel and closed pipe flow meters and recording devices. Strong knowledge of 40 CFR 136 and 40 CFR 403 sample collection, handling and preservation requirements. The ability to plan and coordinate work, and to write complete and accurate reports. Proficiency with Microsoft Office software. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with people of varying backgrounds, knowledge, and experience. Demonstrated team collaboration in a field work setting. Must be available to respond by email, phone and/or in-person to support regulatory needs of Metro outside of normal business hours and workdays and participate in on-call rotation. Valid Driver’s License. 

Equivalency

Equivalency equals two years of directly related professional experience for every year of education not completed. The stated experience requirement is in addition to any experience used to meet the education equivalency.  

Desired Qualifications

Previous supervisory experience that included responsibility for managing and planning the work being performed by others. A working knowledge of NPDES direct discharge and/or Industrial Pretreatment Program regulations. Bachelor’s degree directly related scientific or engineering field. Experience working in a laboratory setting.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is exposed to work near moving mechanical parts, wet or humid conditions (non-weather), fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and outdoor weather conditions less than 1/3 of the time.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to talk or hear more than 2/3 of the time. The employee is required to stand, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl 1/3 to 2/3 of the time; and to walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and taste or smell less than 1/3 of the time. The employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds less than 1/3 of the time. Specific vision requirements of this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.