lab analyst

LAB ANALYST

POSITION OBJECTIVES

Administrative and technical work involved in collection and analysis of water, wastewater, and industrial samples to maintain efficient plant operations, ensure the quality of the water and wastewater treatment, and determine compliance with regulatory standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Those functions actually required to perform this position, the removal of which would fundamentally change the job. These are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Collects and properly documents samples for various in house and externally contracted samples.
• Performs field testing for various sampling and analytical projects
• Receives and properly documents samples collected and delivered to the lab
• Performs and properly documents chemical and bacteriological analyses on the samples collected and/or delivered. Monitors analytical results daily in order to determine plant compliance with regulatory permits and reports daily to plant operators
• Assists with all facets of the City's Industrial Pretreatment Program to maintain compliance with governmental regulations
• Performs and properly documents all necessary quality control measures required for individual analytical processes as well as laboratory certification
• Prepares media and reagents for laboratory and/or field use
• Obtains all necessary pricing, certification, and operational information required for laboratory supplies and maintenance. Performs preventive maintenance on laboratory instruments and communicates any repair needs to management
• Keeps inventory of all laboratory supplies and equipment and communicates replacement needs to management
• Assists with the preparation of various required reports for the appropriate governmental regulatory agencies
• Assists treatment processes and may help determine treatment measures necessary to comply with regulatory parameters and/or to address quality complaints based on chemical and microbiological analytical results. Takes part in rotation of the on-call phone assignments
• Takes part in emergency sampling and testing that occur outside of normal operating hours
• Serves as a liaison between citizens and City utilities to address water quality concerns
• Maintains laboratory data written and/or electronic; and maintains an accurate record of all analytical, maintenance, and safety processes. Maintains a clean, neat, and organized work environment. Follows laboratory policies and procedures dealing with analytical work, safety, scheduling, etc.
  Performs related work as required. These additional duties may be representative of tasks typically performed by those in a lesser or more advanced job grade.

This position is part of the City's Emergency Management Team and, as such, shall be expected to perform all duties that are assigned during an emergency management operation. Any additional compensation, above the normal weekly salary shall be outlined by the City Manager in the City's Emergency Management Activation and Emergency Declaration. Failure to appear to perform emergency management assignment and to work assigned shifts as scheduled by the City's Emergency Management Director or individuals designated by the City Manager to assign such functions will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree required in relevant field (i.e, chemistry, biology, environmental science, microbiology) combined with one year of laboratory experience (environmental laboratory experience preferred), or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations

A valid Florida Driver License

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, governmental regulations, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedures manuals
• Ability to write technical reports, correspondence, and procedure manuals
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from employees, governmental agencies, and the general public
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instruction in mathematical or diagram form and deal with problems involving several abstract and concrete variables
• Ability to understand the water treatment process, the chemical/biological reactions that take place, and the final product objective.
• Knowledge of interventions necessary to maintain quality controls and/or troubleshoots adverse conditions in process.
• Knowledge of basic computer operation and software including Microsoft Excel.