Job Description
Date Opened:
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 12:00 AM Close Date:
Tuesday, June 09, 2026 12:00 AM Department:
Charlotte Water Department Salary:
$24.00 - $28.39 Commensurate with Experience Welcome to the City of Charlotte Charlotte is America's Queen City, opening her arms to a diverse and inclusive community of residents, businesses and visitors alike. Here you will find a safe, family-oriented city where people work together to help everyone thrive. The mission of the City of Charlotte is to deliver quality public services and promote the safety, health, and quality of life for all residents. Our guiding principles include:
Attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce Valuing teamwork, openness, accountability, productivity, and employee development Providing all customers with courteous, responsive, accessible, and seamless quality services Taking initiative to identify, analyze, and solve problems Collaborating with stakeholders to make informed decisions SUMMARY This position ensures drinking water, wastewater, surface water, storm water and industrial discharge samples follow chain of custody protocols in accordance with state and federal safe drinking water laws, the clean water act, and laboratory protocols. Work involves assuring that equipment is properly calibrated and sampling procedures follow protocols; recording observations; and informing personnel of any deviations from procedure. This position maintains an inventory of supplies in the immediate work area and maintains a clean and safe work area. The pay rate for this position is $25.55 - $28.38/hr. commensurate with experience. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Logs in and checks in samples in the laboratory; subcontracts samples as needed; validates and maintains legal chain of custody; and records deviation from protocols. Performs sample preparation and analysis according to approved methods and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)s. Reviews data and procedures; verifies that procedural requirements are met and comply with the Laboratory's Quality Assurance (QA)Program. Performs maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment and instrumentation. Maintains inventory of supplies. Records observations, calculations and results, accurately. Handles laboratory chemicals, samples, equipment and instrumentation according to specific sample requirements, approved methods, SOPs, QA procedures, and CHP. Informs appropriate personnel immediately of any problems associated with instrumentation, equipment, and materials as well as any deviations from schedules, methods, sample anomalies, and SOPs. Maintains cleanliness and organization of work area. Greets clients; received deliveries; and answers phone calls. Follows safety protocol and conducts safety checks per schedule. Performs other related job duties as assigned. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK
Bachelor's degree, preferably in chemistry, environmental science or related scientific discipline from an accredited school. No experience required; prefer work experience in a certified environmental laboratory. Licenses, Certifications or Registrations:
Requires completion of FEMA NIMS/ICS
100, 200, 700, and 800, (or obtain within 6 months of hire). Requires a NC Wastewater Analyst Certification I (or obtain within 18 months of hire). Desires NC Bacteriological certification for Total Coliforms and E.coli. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Software. Knowledge of common office software and other pertinent computer software. Knowledge of sampling and laboratory protocols. Skill in calibrating equipment. Skill in communicating, both verbally and in writing. Skill in analytical thinking, methodical and systematic approach. Ability to follow SOPs, reference methods and instructions. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is medium, which requires applying 30 pounds of force frequently and exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: prolonged standing and/or sitting, walking, balancing, climbing, stooping, crouching, kneeling, grasping, handling, lifting, manual dexterity, feeling, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, distinguishing among sounds, mental acuity, visual acuity in data/color/observations/ instrumentation, and walking. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The City's Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check. Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate's written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports. Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments. The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior. Our culture is to serve the community honorably. HOW TO APPLY
Apply online. Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job. You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby, where self-service application kiosks are available. They are located in our office at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. We are open Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays. For questions about your application or the hiring process, please email Careers@ci.charlotte.nc.us The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120. BENEEFITS
The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.
