Laboratory Analyst

About the role

Under limited supervision, performs a variety of complex chemical, biological, and physical tests of water and wastewater, including samples for process control and compliance, as necessary for research, method development, and quality control. Compiles data for reports and assists in special studies in the laboratory and in the field, meeting scheduled reporting deadlines to support operational decision-making. Serves as a technical resource within the laboratory and to the operating business units and may serve as a lead resource on special projects. Supports peer-to-peer learning, including assistance with “on the job” training and cross-training to ensure business demands of the laboratory are met.

Responsibilities

• Performs contaminant analysis using laboratory instrumentation, including manual methods.
• Assists or performs investigative analysis such as instrument troubleshooting, jar testing, or break point determinations.
• Records and computes results from test data and maintains quality control records and charts as outlined by the Quality Assurance Program.
• Assists with or performs complex quantitative and qualitative analyses to determine chemical and physical properties of experimental and developmental materials.
• Sets up equipment and instrumentation required for tests, research, or process control following Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures.
• Cleans and makes minor repairs on laboratory apparatus and equipment and ensures a high standard of housekeeping, quality control, and safety.
• Calibrates and performs maintenance on laboratory instrumentation as necessary to ensure QA/QC requirements and instrument performance are satisfactory.
• Prepares chemical solutions used in performing water analysis following standardized formulas or experimental procedures.
• Assists in maintaining an inventory of chemical stores and collects/logs Safety Data Sheet (SDS) documents for chemical stores, ensuring container labeling obligations are met.
• Assists with the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for new methods.
• Informs Laboratory Supervision immediately of any personnel, equipment, instrument, material problems, and SOP or methodology deviations, and documents necessary corrective action.
• Responds to customer inquiries and complaints, including analysis of water samples collected in the field for constituents such as turbidity, alkalinity, pH, and residual chlorine, and completes proper reports.
• Assists with the implementation of special studies in the laboratory and in the field designed to assess alternatives associated with the treatment of source water.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or related field, or a combination of education and laboratory experience equivalent to four (4) years.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability, statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to apply principles of logic or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems, including instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, method development, and continuous improvement projects.
• Ability to work with non-verbal symbolism (formulae, scientific equations, graphs, etc.) in complex phases.
• Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to work a variable schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays as part of an on-call rotation to support analytical obligations for operations.
• Must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license and the ability to drive utility vehicles.
• Ability to adhere to Company policies and procedures and quickly develop proficiency in the care and use of all site-specific, facility-required PPE (Personal Protection Equipment), including respirators, gas detectors, and confined space equipment.
• Must have a safe driving record with no history of serious traffic violations, accidents, suspensions/revocations, or DUI/DWI convictions within the last three years.

Preferred Skills

• Ability to perform accurate, repeatable work, correlate data, make logical analyses, and interpret quality control parameters.
• Proficiency with computerized lab equipment, data management, and related systems.
• Ability to read and understand operating procedures and instrument manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and tactfully respond to questions from internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a team environment and willingness to assume new responsibilities.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match
• Short Term Incentive Pay (STIP) Plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Wellness Program
• Adoption and tuition assistance
• Employee Credit Union
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays

Pay

Minimum salary: $60,900 (Grade 7)