IS Project Leader, Laboratory Services

POSITION: IS Project Leader, Laboratory Services

DIVISION: Operations

DEPARTMENT: Laboratory Services

UNION/GRADE: Unit 6/Grade 10

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BASIC PURPOSE:

Provides technical expertise and project leadership for the Information Technology Systems of the Laboratory Services department. Responsible for developing, implementing, coordinating and administering information services (IS) products. Provides expert technical support for the diagnosis and resolution of problems for the installed base of products. Ensures that the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) conforms to good laboratory practices for assuring the reliability of laboratory data, conforms to the MWRA's Information Systems requirements and meets both the laboratory's operational objectives and the needs of the clients that it serves.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general supervision of a Laboratory Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

None.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintains a level of technical knowledge of systems design methodology, design tools, standard languages and operating requirements and technical proficiency commensurate with installed base and uses that proficiency to diagnose and resolve software, hardware and network problems.
• Oversees the development and implementation of assigned applications. Oversees the evaluation, testing and installation of various software, hardware and network products. Ensures that data management practices promote information sharing and data quality are consistent with MWRA procedures, data quality recommendations and are integrated into MWRA information systems.
• Prioritizes and analyzes business request(s), performs feasibility studies as appropriate, and recommends IS solutions consistent with the Laboratory's strategic plans, using standard systems development methodologies and cost-benefit analysis techniques.
• Develops multiple project plans, including time, cost and resource estimates and prepares periodic status reports to management.
• Manages the programming development for new systems as well as modifications to existing systems. Directs technical project staff and consultant resources as assigned.
• Provides technical guidance and information to departmental staff and division/department liaisons on IS related matters and communicates trends, changes and new user requirements to appropriate department staff for consideration in planning and development activities.
• Coordinates with technical project staff in developing software and report configurations, and in installing, testing and debugging software for the implementation of instruments within various laboratory functions.
• Coordinates with database administrators for laboratory databases responsible for environmental data sets and by developing computing procedures to ease data entry, checking, and editing.
• Develops and implements automated procedures for downloading and formatting data from the Oracle database for routine and ad-hoc reports and graphics production, using MWRA standard suite of products.
• Educates laboratory staff on the LIMS and coordinates the delivery of training to laboratory users. Trains staff to use ORACLE and other MWRA standard suite products to access databases and process lab data.
• Works with MIS Department and Plant Systems Groups to ensure the proper functioning of instruments and instrument data systems. Functions as the laboratory liaison between each group.
• Ensures that the laboratory information systems conform to good laboratory practices for assuring the reliability of laboratory data.

SECONDARY DUTIES:

• Perform related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience

• A Bachelor's degree in engineering, chemistry, biology, environmental science, information technology or related field. Advanced degree preferred; and
• Four (4) to six (6) years of experience in developing and using relational databases including at least one (1) year of project management experience; or
• Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated expertise with project management, installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of various PC hardware, software, peripherals and network products.
• Knowledge and understanding of database administration and electronic transfer of information.
• Demonstrated ability in programming and troubleshooting in a variety of computing environments, particularly Windows, UNIX, DOS and Macintosh. Experience with client-server computing environments and with distributed computing.
• Working knowledge and ability to develop and modify complex queries using SQL (Structure Query Language).
• Proficiency with the standard suite of products employed by the MWRA including: Operating System/Environments, current Microsoft Windows Desktop and Mac OS X, current Microsoft Office Suite, Groupware/Messaging Software: Microsoft Outlook, Graphics /Presentation Software: Crystal Reports, Corel Draw, PowerPoint, Visio, Adobe Suite, AutoCAD, Fast Stone and Arc Info Suite, Hardware: desktops, mobile devices, multifunctional devices, audio-visual equipment and various peripherals.
• Working knowledge of sampling and laboratory methodologies for wastewater and receiving water data collection.
• Demonstrated ability to use statistical principles to analyze and present environmental data.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and management skills required to coordinate work among several departments.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively in a team of scientists, engineers, and computer professionals.
• Excellent technical project management, oral and written communication skills.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

A valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Laboratory equipment and instruments, telephone, personal computer including word processing and other software, copy machine.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in various field settings and in an office environment. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is a moderately loud office setting.

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.