Salary : $80,682.00 - $120,918.00 Annually
Location : Carrboro, NC, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 233
Department: Wastewater Management
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: 8/30/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Description
Seeking a skilled and motivated Laboratory Supervisor to foster a culture of excellence and lead our Wastewater Management Laboratory programs and team. OWASA is a leader in the utility industry; our Wastewater Treatment Plant is a Grade IV facility with a reclaimed water distribution system.

Examples of Duties
Key Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring all laboratory procedures and programs are compliant with all laws, policies, and regulations.
• Performing and overseeing analytical testing; maintaining an inventory of supplies and determining proper equipment to purchase.
• Supervising, developing, and coaching a staff of two employees and one summer intern; ensuring performance expectations are met.
• Communicating with customers, the public, and vendors.
• Creating and updating documents such as: Standard Operating Procedures, Quality Control/Quality Assurance manuals, Chemical Hygiene Plans, Safety Data Sheets, Chain of Custody forms, Discharge Monitoring Report and monthly reports.

Typical Qualifications
Successful candidates should have:

• At least four years' experience in wastewater laboratory and one year performing in a supervisory role; bachelor's degree in related field of study such as physical science or environmental studies or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience analyzing inorganic and bacteriological wastewater parameters using certified wastewater methods (ex: cBOD, TSS, Fecal Coliform, etc.).
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills.
• Service-oriented attitude, professionalism, and a passion to foster a diverse and inclusive work environment are necessary.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina.
• Ability to meet and maintain requirements for a safety sensitive position; physical requirements include the ability to frequently exert 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds.

Supplemental Information

• Membership in the NC Local Government Employee Retirement System
• 5% Employer 457 Deferred Compensation contribution; Retirement Health Savings account
• Employer paid Health, Dental, Vision, Life insurance, Dependent Life, Long-term Disability
• Vacation, Sick, Personal, Bereavement and Parental Leave
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Educational Reimbursement: Bonus Pay for Additional Certifications and/or Education
• Cell Phone Stipend
• Ability to transfer unused sick leave from preceding NC Local Government or State agency employer
• Much, much more!

Please click to find a summary of OWASA's employee benefits.
01

Please indicate the highest level of education you have completed, including your major or field(s) of study. Additionally, list any relevant training, certifications, or professional credentials that support your qualifications for this position.
02

This role oversees the wastewater treatment laboratory program and supervises two laboratory analysts. Describe your related experience, including the number of years you have worked in laboratory operations, wastewater treatment, or similar environments.
03

Describe your experience performing and supervising analytical testing for both process control and regulatory compliance. Include details about reporting results to internal departments and regulatory agencies.
04

What leadership methods or strategies do you use to enhance laboratory efficiency, improve productivity, and support effective team development?
05

Explain how you stay informed about state and federal regulatory updates and industry changes that may impact laboratory operations or compliance requirements.
06

Describe any experience you have in promoting team cohesion in the workplace.
Required Question