Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

Perform advanced level professional duties and responsibilities in support of water quality laboratory operations and activities; perform complex microbial and chemical analyses of drinking water for compliance, research and development, and overall safety; evaluate, verify, and report results to appropriate agency; and perform a variety of duties relative to assigned areas of responsibility.

JOB CLASSIFICATION

Non-Exempt, Safety Sensitive.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from the Laboratory Supervisor.

PRIMARY DUTIES--The following are examples of primary duties assigned to positions in this classification. Other related duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1.  Perform duties in support of the water quality laboratory operations and activities; perform microbial and chemical analysis of drinking water; recommend treatment in response to analysis results.

2.  Collect, label, preserve and prepare samples for analyses; maintain accurate sample logs and chains of custody; oversee the use, care and operation of laboratory equipment; troubleshoot equipment malfunctions; maintain and clean laboratory equipment; sterilize and calibrate laboratory equipment; maintain chemical inventory and supply levels; order and transport chemicals and supplies as necessary; research and recommend the purchase of new equipment and instruments.

3.  Perform advanced mathematical calculations and statistical analyses on data; monitor and produce quality, representative and accurate data meeting legally defensible criteria; perform extensive peer review of data; maintain records and logs of data; assist in preparing and completing reports relevant to regulatory monitoring and process control requirements.

4.  Serve as Quality Assurance coordinator for the lab; supervise data generated for accuracy, quality and compliance with quality assurance program; review, validate and update quality control manual, computer data records, bench sheets and control charts and limits; assist in performing laboratory certification audits.

5.  Monitor water plant performance for treatment, compliance, troubleshooting, research and development; provide evaluations, recommendations and technical assistance to water supply, water treatment, and water distribution personnel to ensure highest quality of water.

6.  Serve as Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) Officer; perform software audits; develop new data bases/menus/tests as needed; perform extensive data entry with speed and accuracy; validate and approve peer entered data.

7.  Research water regulations for laboratory and water treatment plant compliance; serve as a resource to management, staff, and the public concerning drinking water regulations; provide training and educational programs to staff and the general public; answer questions regarding federal and state drinking water regulations.

8.  Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Operations, services and activities of a water treatment laboratory testing program.

Chemical, biological, bacteriological and physical characteristics of drinking water, wastewater, and biosolids.

Analytical instrument theory and operational characteristics of modern laboratory instruments and equipment.

Laboratory quality assurance and quality control principles and practices.

Laboratory safety and chemical disposal techniques.

Advanced mathematical concepts, including statistical analysis and comparison.

Ability to:

Perform complex chemical, microbiological and physical analysis on water pretreatment samples.

Perform a variety of complex laboratory analyses and procedures, including ion chromatography.

Properly operate and maintain a variety of laboratory instruments and equipment.

Analyze, interpret, apply, and report results of laboratory data, analyses, and projects.

Interpret and explain laboratory policies and procedures.

Maintain accurate records and documentation.

Prepare clear and concise technical and administrative reports.

Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.

Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public and City employees.

Research, analyze, evaluate, and develop new testing methods and procedures.

Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations.

Operate and use modern office equipment including computer and various software applications.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Minimum Requirements:

 Experience:

 Minimum of one (1) year of increasingly responsible water laboratory analysis experience.

 Training:

 Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, biology or a science related field.

Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.

License or Certificate

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado driver’s license.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, Colorado “D” water or wastewater operator certification within 24 months.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a CPR/First Aid certification within 12 months.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions:

The job is performed in the following working environment:

Field and laboratory environment.

The following condition(s) may be present on a continuing basis:

Physical Conditions:

The job is characterized by:

The following physical activities are very or extremely important in accomplishing the job’s purpose and are performed on a daily basis:

Position requires hearing, talking, sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movement. The employee will be exposed to varying weather conditions that may be hot, cold, or wet. The employee is also required to perform occasional light lifting.