Laboratory Analyst II (Organics)

About the role

This position, within the Organics Section, analyzes drinking water, wastewater, industrial discharges, surface water, and storm water samples in accordance with state and federal safe drinking water laws, the clean water act, NPDES and laboratory protocols, regulations and standards for a large municipal utility. These efforts are to support the public health, environmental protection, and economic vitality of the region.

Responsibilities

• Performs sample preparation and analysis, which may include, but is not limited to, EPA 1664, EPA 524.2, EPA 624.1, EPA 625, EPA 608.3, EPA 608, EPA 8260, EPA 8270, EPA 533, EPA 537.1, and EPA 1633 according to approved methods, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Quality Assurance (QA) procedures; maintains sample integrity and chain of custody.
• Schedules analyses to adhere to policies of the lab regarding method hold times and turnaround times.
• Prepares standards and reagents, calibrates, operates, maintains preventative and corrective maintenance for a variety of analytical instruments. Instrumentation may include, but is not limited to, GC/MS, GC-ECD, LC-MS/MS.
• Evaluates data for compliance with permit requirements, water quality standards; interprets and reviews laboratory data and reports for clarity and accuracy; identifies anomalies and unusual trends; and notifies supervisors of corrective actions or deficiencies in frequency of monitoring, QA requirements, etc.
• Maintains documentation, including case narratives and supporting data.
• Reviews data and procedures to verify that requirements in the methods, SOPs, QA procedures, and Chemical Hygiene Plan are met.
• Record observations, calculations and results, accurately and neatly.
• Assists in implementation of new methods and new equipment; assures that the requirements of the methods, SOPs, required quality control, and safety considerations are met.
• Assists in providing training of co-workers in analytical procedures and associated duties.
• Participates in audits and inspections; assures corrective actions are taken.
• Safely handles potentially hazardous chemical and biological solutions/samples.
• Complies with centralized ordering and inventory procedures.
• Follows safety protocol and conducts safety checks per schedule.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in chemistry or a scientific field from an accredited school.
• Two (2) years of related work experience, preferably in a certified environmental laboratory.
• Licenses, Certifications or Registrations:
• Certifications: FEMA NIMS/ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800, or obtain within 6 months of hire
• Requires the NC Wastewater Analyst Certification I, II, and III (or obtain within five years of hire date).
• NC Waterworks Operators Association Certification for Total Coliforms and E. coli
• Additional certifications based upon area of work

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Software.
• Knowledge of common office software and other pertinent computer programs.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to services provided by a laboratory.
• Knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, environmental engineering, and statistics.
• Knowledge of sampling and laboratory protocols.
• Skill in operation, extraction, calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting of specialized laboratory equipment and instrumentation used on the job.
• Skill in communication, both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in using spreadsheets, charts, and graphs.
• Skill in analytical thinking, strict attention to details, methodical and systematic approach.
• Skill in time management, ability to set priorities and exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to follow SOPs, reference methods and instructions.
• Ability to analyze and interpret analytical data.

Physical Demands

• The work is medium, which requires applying 30 pounds of force frequently and exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally to move objects.
• Prolonged standing and/or sitting, walking, balancing, climbing, stooping, crouching, kneeling, grasping, handling, lifting, manual dexterity, feeling, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, distinguishing among sounds, mental acuity, visual acuity in data/color/observations/instrumentation, and walking.

Conditions of Employment

• The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.
• Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

Benefits

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.