LABORATORY ANALYST

Field Services - Collects, analyzes, and reports results on water samples throughout the potable water distribution system; Conducts field investigations of Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSO's), responds to water quality requests, and advises customers regarding methods for resolving water quality issues; works closely with other ECUA departments to identify problems and takes action to resolve those problems whether they are attributable to the potable water distribution system or the sanitary sewer collection system; Work is performed under the direction of the Water Quality Field Supervisor or other designated supervisor. Laboratory - Performs professional and technical level chemical, physical, and biological testing of water, wastewater, industrial waste, and by-products of the water and wastewater treatment process to determine their chemical components as prescribed by National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) certification; performs analyses, prepares results, and may discuss changes to plant operations with operations personnel. Work is performed under the direction of the Laboratory Supervisor or other designated supervisor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Field Services Reads and interprets federal, state, and local rules and regulations. Collects water samples at various places/stages of the water production and distribution system for bacteriological and chemical testing as needed. Collects environmental and industrial samples as needed. Performs a variety of routine physical, chemical and biological tests, both in the field and in the laboratory. Maintains detailed physical and electronic logs, prepares comprehensive reports of results, and maintains associated files. Investigates customer concerns related to water quality. Investigation includes collecting water samples, performing routine field tests, taking field notes, and advising customers of possible solutions to their concerns. Analyzes data and prepares reports of field and laboratory work performed. Operates a motor vehicle in connection with the essential functions of the position. Maintains inventory necessary to perform required work. Uses computer to maintain records of tests and test results obtained, producing maps through GIS and other applications. Requires standby weekly rotation. Works overtime after hours on weekdays, weekends, and holidays when scheduled. Undertakes special projects as assigned. All other duties as assigned. Laboratory Conducts regular and special chemical and biological testing and analysis of water, wastewater, industrial waste, and by-product of the treatment process samples to determine chemical composition. Analyzes test results, prepares report of findings, and routes appropriately. Communicates with operational personnel regarding matters of concern. Maintains detailed physical and electronic records and logs, prepares comprehensive reports of results, and maintains associated files. Uses the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to generate, track, and maintain records and reports. Accurately performs required calculations. Cleans, maintains, and calibrates equipment. Maintains inventory necessary to perform required work. Undertakes special projects as assigned. Develops and/or modifies test methods as needed to overcome matrix interference, improve detections limits, and increase precision. Works overtime on weekends and holidays when scheduled. All other duties as assigned. High school diploma or equivalent; Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university with major course work in biology, chemistry, environmental science or a related field; or completion of a specialized vocational/technical program in chemical analysis, environmental science, or related field preferred. (Educational documentation will be requested upon offer of employment.) Two (2) years of laboratory experience involving the chemical testing and analysis of materials or any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. The NELAC Institute (TNI) experience beneficial. Intermediate level of computer skills and knowledge and data entry skills required. Employee must be able to work overtime as described above.

Licenses and Certifications :

Possession of a valid Driver License. Employment offers to all new hires are contingent upon the job candidates successfully passing background, motor vehicle and reference checks, drug screening, and post job offer physicals (that may include pulmonary testing). All applicants are subject to physical assessments as required by job. Field Services Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including computers, telephones, facsimile machines, sampling and laboratory equipment, tools, etc. Must be able to occasionally exert 20 to 50 pounds of force, and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for prolonged periods of time. May be subject to a certain degree of risk when working with chemical/toxic agents and pathogenic substances. Employee is regularly required to perform work outside of regular business hours, and is exposed to outdoor weather conditions, fumes, noxious odors, dust, mists, gases, work near moving mechanical parts, and around toxic or caustic chemicals. As a disaster team member, the employee is required to be available to work before, during, and after any disaster as directed. Laboratory The employee is regularly required to sit, stand and walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, turn, reach with hands and arms, bend body downward and forward by bending legs and spine, and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee may be exposed to fumes and/or airborne particles, noxious odors, dust, mist, and/or gases; work near moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, and toxic, acidic, or caustic chemicals. As a disaster team member, the employee is required to be available to work before, during, and after any disaster as directed. The incumbent's working conditions are moderately quiet and occasionally loud.

MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT USED

Seal auto analyzer, gas chromatograph (GC), furnace, ovens, pH meter, dissolved oxygen meter, analytical balance, other various diagnostic equipment, hand and power tools, fire hydrant wrench, computer and peripheral equipment, various test equipment, water test kit, and light truck or other motor vehicle.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of :

Principles, practices, methods, and materials and theories of environmental water quality laboratory. Occupational hazards and safety precautions. Principles and methods used in environmental monitoring of qualitative and quantitative chemical and biological analysis of potable water and wastewater. Environmental regulations related to advanced wastewater plants, secondary wastewater plants, and potable water plants. Principles and operation of water/wastewater treatment facilities. Skill in : Use and care of analytical instruments and test equipment used in laboratory work. Examples include, but are not limited to, gas chromatograph (GC), gas chromatography/mass spectrometer (GC/MS), nutrient auto-analyzer, ion chromatography. Intermediate computer knowledge, data entry Ability to : Keep records and prepare reports. Communicate efficiently and effectively, both orally and in writing. Accurately performs required calculations. Work efficiently and effectively with co-workers, regulatory authorities, and the general public. Open and close fire hydrants.