Laboratory Analyst

To perform chemical, microbiological, and physical tests on raw and potable water, wastewater, and stormwater to ensure compliance with all Federal, State and local guidelines; to perform process quality control checks; and to maintain laboratory and process control equipment. The Laboratory Analyst position will perform duties beyond the laboratory setting involving the collection, analysis, and submission of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater samples.Essential Functions: 

1.Perform chemical and biological quantitative and qualitative analysis on raw and potable water, domestic and non-domestic wastewater, and storm water. Perform quality control checks and ensure general laboratory maintenance; utilize lab software to enter and report results. Maintain records. 

2.Prepare microbiological media, method standards, and chemical reagents; clean glassware and calibrate meters; prepare and preserve bottle kits for customers; prepare samples for shipment to subcontract labs. 

3.Perform municipal and industrial wastewater analysis; perform chemical and microbiological tests of raw sewage discharge; perform chemical tests on industrial wastewater that flows into City sewers; log samples and calculate the results. 

4.Collect samples of raw and potable water, wastewater, and stormwater and prepare samples for laboratory analysis using appropriate chain of custody, containers, preservation techniques, and holding times. 

5.Perform onsite analysis of raw and potable water, wastewater, and stormwater samples using established standard operating procedures. Analysis includes a variety of chemical, physical, and microbiological tests. 

6.Generate reports of sampling activities and maintain sampling equipment. 

7.Collect, receive and login samples from internal and external customers. Use lab software to generate analysis bench sheets.. Receive, review and enter data from subcontract labs. 

8.Perform chemical and biological quantitative and qualitative analysis on raw and potable water, domestic and non-domestic wastewater, and storm water. Perform quality control checks and ensure general laboratory maintenance; utilize lab software to enter and report results. Maintain records. 

9.Perform quality assurance checks of media, glassware, lab pure water, buffers, reagents, and procedures used in above chemical, physical, and microbiological tests; record pH of buffer water and media; record temperatures of ovens; monitor performance of autoclave, UV sterilizer, incubators and lab pure water system; maintain records of all equipment, supplies, and processes; maintain maintenance and calibration schedule for lab instruments; analyze quality control samples. 

10. Maintain a variety of records and logs including water and wastewater analysis, quality assurance, control charts and logbooks; prepare a variety of reports to meet the project needs of the client; prepare invoice reports for administrative staff to invoice clients. 

11. Maintain legally defensible data and records. Prepare, preserve, and maintain chain of custody of samples; maintain sample tracking logs that meet regulatory requirements. 

12. Assist with maintaining lab equipment and chemical inventory. Procure lab supplies and equipment in accordance with City purchasing policy. Assist with troubleshooting instruments and analysis.

Marginal Functions: 

1.Answer questions from the public and media regarding water treatment and water quality in the absence of senior staff members; investigate customer complaints. 

2.Assist with tours of the water treatment plant. 

3.Perform analyses and laboratory work for other City departments, citizens, and small towns on an emergency basis. 

4.Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.Knowledge: Operations, services and activities of a water and wastewater testing program: Modern and complex principles and practices of chemistry, bacteriology, biology and physics; Chemical, biological, bacteriological and physical characteristics of drinking water, wastewater, and biosolids; Qualitative and quantitative analysis involving organic and inorganic physical chemistry; Laboratory procedures, techniques and equipment relating to water, wastewater, and industrial waste analysis; Occupational hazards and standard safety practices; Modern laboratory procedures, methods and computer equipment; Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.

Skills: Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities; Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions and demonstrating intellectual capabilities; Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.

Abilities: Perform a variety of physical, chemical, and microbiological tests; Properly operate a variety of laboratory instruments and equipment; Analyze, interpret, and apply the results of laboratory testing; Conduct chemical, biological and physical analysis of environmental samples; Prepare clear, concise and technical reports; Maintain valid Environmental Protection Agency, North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, and North Dakota Department of Health Laboratory Certification; Interpret and explain laboratory policies and procedures.Experience: Two to four years of experience conducting a variety of physical, chemical or biological tests in a research or analytical laboratory.

Training: Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry or a related physical sciences field.

License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.