Chemist 3 (Microbiologist Supervisor)

Step into a senior-level laboratory role where technical expertise meets leadership opportunity. As a Chemist 3, you'll oversee end-to-end testing programs, mentor team members, and help drive quality and compliance in a mission-critical environment. Ideal for professionals ready to expand their impact and serve as the first line of defense in protecting public health.

Perform advanced professional laboratory analysis in support of drinking water, environmental, and public health programs in a certified laboratory. This role serves as a senior technical expert responsible for end-to-end ownership of assigned testing programs, ensuring accuracy, regulatory compliance, and timely reporting of results that directly impact public safety.

This position supervises staff Chemists and drives operational excellence and continuous improvement. The candidate must meet education and experience requirements and demonstrate, strong technical expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to manage high-volume, time-sensitive workloads.

This Chemist 3 (Microbiologist Supervisor) position is located at: Logan Laboratory, 1620 Ridge Road, Building B, Largo, FL 33778.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Participate in weekend and holiday rotations.
• Work overtime or flexible hours as needed to support:
  • After-hours sampling
  • Emergency response events
  • Time-sensitive testing requirements

What Would You Do?

• Supervise microbiology and wet chemistry sections of the laboratory, exercise high level of independent judgment, responsible for daily operations, high-throughput testing and support a culture of accuracy and compliance.
• Collaborate in a team-oriented environment, partners with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth workflows and timely results.
• Perform complex chemical and microbiological analyses using wet chemistry and microbiological techniques.
• Interpret analytical data and validate results in accordance with regulatory standards.
• Maintain strict attention to detail in all testing, documentation, and reporting activities.
• Ensure adherence to The NELAC Institute (TNI) standards, Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and EPA-approved Standard Methods.
• Monitor regulatory updates and implement changes into laboratory processes.
• Serve as quality assurance backup, supporting audits, documentation, and compliance reviews.
• Provide clear, professional communication, including occasional public-facing presentations or outreach.
• Train staff in laboratory methods and procedures and provide technical guidance and mentorship.
• Conduct performance evaluations and proactively support employee development.
• Utilize and maintain laboratory data systems, including Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
• Ensure accurate data entry, tracking, and reporting.
• Maintain strict adherence to laboratory safety protocols.
• Performs related work as assigned or required.

What Do You Need

Experience: Drinking water and environmental laboratory analysis.

Degree: Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, Environmental Science, Physical Science, or Engineering or related discipline. Must include a minimum of 16 semester credit hours in microbiology and/or biological sciences.

• 8 years' experience as described above.
• Associate's degree and 6 years' experience as described above.
• Bachelors' degree and 4 years' experience as described above.
• Masters' degree and 2 years' experience as described above.
• Doctoral degree and some experience as described above.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid State of Florida Driver's License upon hire with eligibility based upon evaluation of a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) driving report.
• Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.

Highly Desirable

• Experience in a drinking water and/or environmental laboratory.
• Familiarity with TNI/NELAP accreditation requirements and Standard Methods for water/wastewater analysis.
• Experience using LIMS software.
• Demonstrated supervisory or lead experience.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Why Choose Pinellas County?

When you join Pinellas County, you're not just taking on a job-you're investing in your future. We believe in supporting our employees with exceptional benefits that help you thrive both professionally and personally. Here's why our benefits stand out as some of the best in the area:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Enjoy affordable medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and more that meet the needs of you and your family.
• Florida Retirement System (FRS): Secure your financial future with a robust retirement plan that gives you peace of mind as you plan for tomorrow.
• Generous leave time: Take advantage of time off to recharge and enjoy life outside of work.
• Wellness Program: Access to county gyms 24/7 and wellness programs as part of our commitment to employee wellness.
• Deferred compensation: Build your savings and plan for the future with flexible deferred compensation options tailored to your financial goals.
• To learn more, see What We Offer

Want to Learn More?

Please review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands and Working Conditions at the below link.

Chemist 3