Quality Assurance Officer (Water Lab)

Performs responsible oversight and review of the quality assurance for all activities at the Water Plant Laboratory. Ensures that the Laboratory maintains Florida Department of Health (FDOH) accreditation for the test methods performed in the laboratory. Ensures compliance with the most recent FDOH adopted Nelac Institute (TNI) Standards. The Quality Control Officer is expected to use independent judgment in conducting their job functions.  Work is accomplished under the general direction of the Environmental Compliance Superintendent and is reviewed through consultation, written reports, and an evaluation of the laboratory's performance and conformance with regulatory requirements.

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Responsible for Quality Control and Quality Assurance of all testing activities at the Water Plant Laboratory.

• Ensures all testing methods and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) used comply with FDOH methodology and TNI approved Standards.

• Ensures the Quality Management System is implemented and adhered to at all times by all laboratory staff.

• Ensures that the Laboratory maintains FDOH accreditation for the test methods performed in the laboratory.

• Ensures the Quality Manual is revised as per the most recent FDOH adopted TNI Standard and requirements.

• Performs audits on Quality Control of data produced in the laboratory.

• Performs root cause analysis as part of Corrective Action process.

• Monitors Corrective Actions.

• Performs quality control QA/QC samples monthly and annually.

• Performs analyses on Proficiency Testing studies as required to maintain lab certification.

• Plans sampling activities to ensure all required analyses are done on time and all samples are completed on time.

• Plans QA/QC and method validations before samples testing is done to ensure that defensible and good quality data is produced in the lab.

• Plans and participates in Ethics and Data Integrity Training

• Collects water samples from residential sites, water plants, wells, and standardizes equipment as scheduled or needed.

• Provide input for procedures used for laboratory analyses and tasks.

• Performs bacteriological analysis in the lab.

• Performs controlled planned distribution flushing.

• Monitors chloride level at City production and monitoring wells.

• Helps with monitoring remote disinfection points daily.

• Performs monthly water level measurements and quarterly conductivity measurements on monitoring wells

• Performs chloride analyses at production and monitoring wells.

• Performs field sampling and testing activities at the Deep Injection Well site in accordance with the permit requirements.

• Helps prepare chemical solutions and reagents and maintains and inventory of laboratory supplies.

• Calibrates instruments following established procedures.

• Handles customer and residential water related complaints.

• Helps prepare monthly reports for submission to regulatory agencies.

• Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology or related field and at least three (3) years of experience in Environmental Microbiology laboratory analysis.

• Two or more years of Quality Assurance in a FDOH accredited laboratory or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of 2016 TNI Standards and Standards Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (20th Edition).

• Knowledge of water treatment plant operations and distribution system.

• Knowledge of methods and principles of field and laboratory sampling and analysis.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)

• Skill in the operation of laboratory and field equipment

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and co-workers.

• Ability to use small office equipment and computers.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs medium work that involves walking, standing, stooping, jumping, lifting, digging, pushing and raising objects and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:

• Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.

• Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.

• Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.

• Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.

• Traffic; Moving machinery.

• Electrical shock; Heights.

• Radiation; Disease/pathogens.

WORK HOURS

• Monday-Friday 8am-5pm (May be required to work nights, weekends and holidays to meet the business needs of the City.)

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

The City of Deerfield Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Note: During emergency conditions, all City employees are automatically considered emergency service workers.  City employees are subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as hurricane, or other emergency situations and are expected to perform emergency service duties as assigned.

The City of Deerfield Beach values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and supports the hiring of returning service members and military spouses.