Laboratory Specialist I

Performs professional chemist work involving the chemical physical and bacteriological analysis of water, wastewater, industrial wastes, and by-products of the wastewater treatment process. Demonstrates a commitment and supports a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Routinely analyze wastewater samples for process control and regulatory compliance.
• Routinely analyze potable water samples in the distribution system following regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrate proficiency with equipment or techniques that may include:
  1. Flow Injection Analysis (FIA)
  2. Bacteriological Procedures
  3. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)
  4. Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
  5. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)
  6. Gas Chromatography with Electron Capture Detector (GC/ECD)
  7. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS)
  8. Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) with
     • Graphite Furnace
     • Flame
     • Flow Injection Mercury System (FIMS)
• Ensure all laboratory equipment is working properly through routine preventative maintenance and thorough troubleshooting.
• Review daily bench sheets and generated reports for accuracy and completeness.
• Assist customers with sample check-in procedures.
• Perform visual checks of sample quality i.e. excessive solids and abnormality of the sample, appropriate labeling, chain of custody requirement, and time constraints. Prepares samples through chemical observation, appropriate pH, chlorine, and dissolved oxygen adjustments if necessary. Mixes, filters, splits, and preserves samples as required. Prepares reagents, standards, and quality control samples per method requirements.
• Participate in internal and external laboratory inspections.
• Participate in special projects as directed. Alert Lab Management or Operations staff directly when process control parameters are outside of process control target ranges.
• Assist with the implementation of new equipment, instrumentation, and procedures. Assists in the preparation and reviewing of standard operating procedures.
• Responsible for entering and verifying data in the laboratory information management system (LIMS) for quality control (QC) and reporting purposes.
• May be deemed essential at any time.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Essential Competencies:

• Knowledge of the principles of organic and inorganic chemistry including qualitative and quantitative analysis; modern chemical laboratory procedures, techniques, and equipment and skill in their use; elementary physics, physical chemistry, and biochemistry; Federal drinking water regulations; complex record keeping; appropriate safety precautions, procedures, practices, and regulations; computer equipment and software applications related to assignment; English usage, spelling and grammar.
• Ability to perform technical laboratory work involving the chemical, physical, and bacteriological analysis of water, sewage, industrial wastes, and by-products of the sewage treatment process; prepare clear and accurate scientific reports including suitable graphic representations; perform work following safety regulations, guidelines, and practices; work cooperatively with others; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; communicate effectively orally and in writing; operate computer equipment and software applications related to assignment.

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or biology, or a closely related field.
• At least two years of laboratory experience.
• Or a combination of education and experience as described above.

• Required to work on-call on a rotating basis to include weekends, holidays and during inclement weather.

• None

The physical demands of this position are available upon request. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications do not express absolute employment or promotional standards. They are general guidelines that should be considered along with the job-related selection or promotional criteria.