THE POSITION The primary responsibility of Water Quality Chemists within Water Quality Laboratory and R&D section is the testing and analysis of City drinking water to ensure protection of public health. In addition, they perform mandated testing and analysis to demonstrate regulatory compliance to state and federal agencies. City Water Quality Chemists also investigate customer water quality complaints and provide operational support to Division Water Production, Water Distribution, and Utility Construction groups. City Water Quality Chemists enhance the efficiency and resilience of the City’s water system by participating in research on water treatment process optimization, climate change impacts on the water treatment process, and method development for contaminants of emerging concern.
IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT The ideal candidate has previous experience working in a drinking water or wastewater analytical laboratory setting, hands-on familiarity with water quality testing, and a background in laboratory quality control including data review and analysis. The ideal candidate works independently to review, research, and summarize complex data to provide recommendations to the laboratory director and Division staff. Knowledge of the requirements for laboratory certification under the California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) and The National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Council Institute (TNI), and of drinking water regulations under Title 22 and Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations is preferred.
Under general supervision, Water Quality Chemist perform analysis of physical, chemical, and bacteriological constituents present in a treated and untreated domestic water supply at a water treatment laboratory; maintains detailed records of analytical activities both manually and electronically; diagnosis, troubleshoots, and coordinates maintenance and repair of instruments and equipment.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED General supervision is provided by a Supervising Water Quality Chemist or by a higher-level administrator or manager. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Coordinate and perform chemical, physical and bacteriological analysis of water and wastewater on schedule using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Standard Methods methodology to determine regulatory compliance. • Interpret and evaluate analytical results; determine reasons for problems and recommend corrective measures; report findings as required. • Investigate and analyze customer water quality complaints; communicate and report findings. • Research and test new lab techniques and procedures and recommend changes in operating processes; prepare Standard Operating Procedures as required. • Assist in the development and implementation of the laboratory's Quality Assurance and Quality Control standards. • Prepare analytical and quality control reports as required. • Conduct performance testing on samples as required for maintaining the laboratory's certification. • Diagnose, troubleshoot, and coordinate maintenance and repair of a variety of complex instruments and equipment. • May provide lead direction and review work for laboratory technicians and less experienced staff. • Assist with the training of less experienced staff in developed methodology, instrumental analysis and related work procedures. • Assist Operations with troubleshooting of issues; special testing and methods/procedure development as required. • Maintain inventory and order supplies; research and recommend new equipment as required. • Provide exceptional customer service to those contacted in the course of work. • Other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual holding this classification. QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: • Principles of organic and inorganic chemistry, microbiology and related disciplines. • Operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment including specialized instrumentation. • Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) certification requirements and other quality assurance methodologies. • Parameters used to evaluate data for assessing data quality including statistical analysis. • Standard protocols and general safety for the laboratory. Skill in: • Applying laboratory techniques, quality assurance and quality control, wet chemistry, and instrumentation to verify the accuracy of analytical results. • Keeping records in accordance with California laws, regulations and codes. • Preparing calibration standards and media for sample analysis. • Applying laboratory safety techniques. • Communicating clearly and concisely verbally and in writing.
Ability to: • Conduct a variety of simple and complex samples of water and wastewater analyses. • Interpret analytical data. • Troubleshoot analytical and instrumentation issues. • Keep accurate and detailed records of analytical activities both manually and using computers including Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). • Plan test procedures, set priorities and organize work. • Train staff in developed methodology, instrumental analysis and related work procedures. • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others. Experience and Education
Experience: Three years of experience in an analytical laboratory using standard methods for chemical, physical or bacteriological analysis. -AND- Education: A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in chemistry, bacteriology, biology, microbiology, or closely related field.
PROOF OF EDUCATION
Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.
An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS Driver License: Possession of a valid California Class C driver license at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Physical Requirements: Making observations. Operating assigned equipment. Communicating with others. Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD Employees must complete twelve (12) months of probation at a satisfactory performance level prior to gaining permanent status.
|