Salary: $82,558.00 - $149,780.00 Annually
Location : Wichita Water Distribution, KS
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: Program Mgr -Water Quality mgr
Department: Public Works and Utilities
Division: PWU Production and Pumping
Opening Date: 07/13/2026
Closing Date: 7/27/2026 11:59 PM Central
Bargaining Unit: 1000

Distinguishing Features of Work
Safe drinking water starts long before it reaches the tap. As the Water Treatment Lab Director, you will provide strategic leadership for the City's water treatment laboratory and oversee the scientific, operational, and regulatory functions that protect public health every day. This highly visible leadership role directs laboratory operations, water quality programs, regulatory compliance, and technical staff while serving as the subject matter expert for water treatment processes and laboratory testing. You will use scientific expertise, data analysis, and operational leadership to ensure Wichita's drinking water consistently meets or exceeds federal and state standards. Working closely with treatment plant operations, maintenance, engineering, and distribution teams, you will drive continuous improvement, implement emerging technologies, strengthen quality assurance programs, and provide technical guidance that supports reliable water production for the community. This position offers the opportunity to make a measurable impact on public health, environmental stewardship, and the City's critical water infrastructure.
Workdays and Hours - Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

Bargaining Unit: Employee Council
Anticipated starting salary: $82,558 - $116,169 (based on experience and qualifications)

**Posting may close at any time **
Examples of Work Performed

• Maintains lab accreditations by KDHE and NELAC.
• Prepares budgets and controls expenditures of the water quality laboratory

• Assumes responsibilities of the Water Production and Supply Division Manager in their absence.

• Directs testing procedures to maintain approved water quality.
• Coordinates and trains water production, treatment, and maintenance staff regarding water quality.
• Trains and audits staff in other divisions regarding water quality.
• Directs, trains, and supervises Water Quality Specialists.
• Establishes performance measures and benchmarks of subordinates.
• Establishes procedures for laboratory activities.
• Determines most effective means to accomplish projects and tasks.
• Coordinates with Plant Management for water production quality assurance.
• Provides quality control and evaluation of all test procedures.
• Manages equipment maintenance, repairs, and replacement.
• Writes specifications and orders materials, supplies and equipment and ensures adequate inventories are maintained.
• Directs operation, quality control, and maintenance of sophisticated laboratory instruments such as, Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometer, Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectroscopy, Gas Chromatograph - Mass Spectrometer, Ion Chromatography, Total Organic Carbon Analyzer, and Mercury Analyzer.
• Uses sophisticated statistical techniques to evaluate laboratory testing methods, and quality.
• Interacts with local, state, and federal agencies and the local medical community related to the health of a population of 500,000.
• Interact with consultants, vendors, businesses, and private citizens
• Conducts research and provides consultative services as needed.
• Reviews and recommends additions or changes in personnel, facilities, equipment, and materials.
• Maintains reference and resource materials.
• Maintains records of laboratory operations and maintenance.
• Submits reports of water quality as required.
• Investigates, corrects, records, and reports on health impacts of water supply.
• Implements safety regulations and assures conformance.
• Assures compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements.
• Develops specifications for and is responsible for the procurement of treatment chemical supplies.
• Responds to water quality problems and coordinates appropriate corrective actions with the Water Plant Manager. Ultimately responsible for reporting problems and recommendations to the Senior Division Manager.
• Completion of work assignments may require the operation of a vehicle.
• These examples are not intended to be all-inclusive.
• The City of Wichita reserves the right to assign additional responsibilities as needed.

Requirements of Work

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of operating a sophisticated laboratory
• Must have access to, and use of, a communication device, such as a phone, capable of communicating by voice, text and e-mail. Device will also have internet access. The city will pay the employee a phone allowance.
• Thorough knowledge of water quality and environmental standards regulations
• Thorough knowledge of biology, bacteriology, and chemistry
• Thorough knowledge of laboratory methods, equipment, and supervision
• Extensive knowledge of statistical analysis
• Ability to use a computer to access, interpret and record information
• Ability to read and comprehend complex environmental regulations and scientific studies
• Ability to understand and interpret water quality and environmental data
• Ability to analyze impacts of regulatory requirements on the operation
• Ability to plan, organize and supervise the work of others performing detailed work
• Ability to distinguish colors accurately.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, employees of other Departments, and representatives of other organizations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• May require ability to acquire and maintain a valid Kansas driver's license.
• An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Experience and Training

Required Experience and Training

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Laboratory Science, Chemical Engineering, or Biological Engineering with five (5) years of supervisory experience in a laboratory or environment with responsibility for quality assurance and compliance. OR Master's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Laboratory Science, Chemical Engineering, or Biological Engineering, with three (3) years of supervisory experience in a laboratory or environment with responsibility for quality assurance and compliance.
• A valid Driver's License.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of a sponsorship.

Preferred Experience and Training

• Doctorate degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Laboratory Science, Chemical Engineering, or Biological Engineering.
• Two (2) years' experience directing a drinking water laboratory accredited under state or federal laboratory standards.
• Kansas Class IV Surface Water Supply System Operator Certification.

Please note that this position is part of a random drug testing pool, and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.
Starting pay for current City employees will be determined by City of Wichita policy or applicable bargaining unit agreement.