Laboratory Manager
Upper Occoquan Service Authority - Centreville, VA
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DescriptionReady to advance the future of water!Laboratory ManagerGrade 15 $108,235 - $173,177*Open: February 19, 2026 ? Close: Open Until FilledOne position available; to be filled based on the candidate's qualifications. Starting salary will be between minimum and midpoint in the range. Until renovations are complete you will need to be comfortable traveling between our headquarters and our temporary off-site lab in Manassas, VA.ABOUT USAre you passionate about making a difference and being a trusted steward of our most precious resource? UOSA is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team!The Upper Occoquan Service Authority (UOSA) is a cutting-edge water recycling facility transforming the way the world thinks about sustainable water solutions. Established in 1978, UOSA serves Fairfax County, Prince William County, and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park and is the first and longest-operated indirect potable reuse project in the United States. UOSA has been treating and reclaiming water for use as drinking water for nearly 50 years. From being recognized as a Utility of the Future to pioneering advanced research and technology in the industry, our facility now recycles up to 54 million gallons of water per day. UOSA's efforts ensure a reliable supply of high-quality recycled water, contributing to the overall drinking water strategy for the Northern Virginia area.If you are ready to lead and be a member of a high performing team, then take the next step in your career and apply today to be part of our dedicated team!WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING As the Laboratory Manager, you will be responsible for the overall management and operation of the UOSA Laboratory, directing laboratory activities to ensure the timely production of accurate and defensible analytical data for regulatory compliance, process control, and operational decision-making. The position provides testing data required for DEQ and other compliance reporting and treatment process optimization, is accountable for maintaining the Laboratory's state VELAP certification and associated quality assurance and quality control programs and ensures compliance with applicable safety and regulatory standards. The Laboratory Manager supervises laboratory staff, manages laboratory workload and scheduling, oversees the laboratory budget and procurement of supplies and equipment, coordinates the use of contract laboratories as needed, and supports special studies, research initiatives, and emergency response activities, performing related work as required. The Laboratory Manager also leads the analysis, interpretation, and communication of laboratory data trends; develops and tracks laboratory performance metrics; and prepares technical, operational, and management-level reports that support regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and strategic decision-making across the Authority. Your work will be a critical component of UOSA's Vision to be globally recognized for its leadership in protecting the region's water resources. WHO YOU AREStrategic Laboratory Leader: You bring a forward-thinking approach to laboratory management, ensuring that analytical programs, quality systems, and operational priorities align with organizational goals. You understand how laboratory performance drives regulatory compliance, treatment optimization, and strategic decision-making across the Authority.Quality & Compliance Champion: You are deeply committed to maintaining rigorous QA/QC standards and sustaining VELAP certification. You stay current with evolving federal, state, and accreditation requirements, translating them into clear procedures, training, and operational practices that protect data integrity and regulatory defensibility.Operational Excellence Driver: You excel at orchestrating complex laboratory operations-from workload planning and resource allocation to instrumentation oversight and LIMS governance. You ensure that laboratory processes are efficient, reliable, and continuously improving to meet the demands of compliance reporting, process control, and special studies.RequirementsREQUIREMENTS• An Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, or other physical science related field is required; a Master's degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, or Environmental Science is preferred. However, any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be acceptable.• Must have extensive experience in laboratory management that demonstrates in-depth knowledge of analytical, organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, analytical microbiology, and principles of water and wastewater treatment processes. • Must have a minimum of 5 years of responsible experience in management capacity in a water treatment laboratory in a Supervisor Chemist or equivalent position. • Must have a thorough knowledge of laboratory quality assurance and quality control systems, approved analytical methods, and laboratory certification requirements, including VELAP, and the ability to interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local statutes, permits, and certification standards.• Must have demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to exercise sound professional judgment in reviewing and approving analytical data, regulatory reports, and quality system documentation; planning and directing the work of professional and technical staff; managing laboratory resources and information systems; and interpreting and explaining UOSA and laboratory policies and procedures.• Must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to deal with employees, coworkers, and the public with tact and courtesy.• Must also possess the depth of technical experience necessary to evaluate analytical method performance, instrumentation capabilities and limitations, data validity trends, and complex quality control issues, and to guide continuous technical improvement of laboratory programs.• Must be able to able to lift and carry 30 pounds and safely move, connect, and disconnect compressed gas cylinders using the appropriate tools and equipment. They must be able to move and carry heavy packages of liquid and dry chemicals and other laboratory supplies.• Possession of a vehicle operator's license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia is required.
Created: 2026-04-02