INTERNAL ONLY: Senior Laboratory Specialist - WRRD Operations

The Laboratory Services program is seeking a Senior Laboratory Specialist focused on Water Resource Recovery Department (WRRD) operations. This position performs sampling, calibration, validation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for online analyzers. Maintains relevant documentation for online analyzers, using electronic Operations Manual, electronic Operations logbook, Lucity, SCADA and HachWims. Performs sampling and specialized chemical, physical, and biological testing on industrial, ambient, municipal wastewater, biosolids and soil samples. Works independently and coordinates technical and procedural decisions with stakeholders in the Water Resource Recovery Department (WRRD), the Natural Treatment System (NTS), and the Water Quality Laboratory. Schedules, coordinates, and assigns work involved in daily processes. Serves as a liaison to provide input during projects or daily work functions and exercises independent judgment to ensure analyzer tasks are coordinated and communicated effectively. Provides specialized laboratory support, including equipment oversight, repair and maintenance, and ordering laboratory supplies and equipment. Maintains safety standards for laboratory spaces located at treatment facilities.

Note: The following opportunity is open only to regular, probationary, and temporary employees who are currently employed by Clean Water Services.

(The essential functions listed below are not intended to reflect all duties that may be assigned to this classification. Clean Water Services (CWS) may augment duties and/or essential functions at its discretion. Additionally, some incumbents may not perform all Essential Functions.)

1. Works directly with the Laboratory Supervisor to coordinate goals and objectives. Coordinates with WRRD and NTS stakeholders to establish goals and objectives. Evaluates information and implements action to enhance efficiencies with tasks relevant to online analyzer operation and general laboratory workflows at the treatment facility laboratories. 
2. Analyzes samples for a variety of physical, chemical, and biological constituents and compliance with laboratory standards; assures data meets QA/QC standards.  
3. Plans, prioritizes, and coordinates multiple work activities, acting as liaison between the Laboratory, WRRD, and NTS stakeholders. Assists with managing department projects and coordinating and scheduling work.
4. Establishes workflow schedules to meet daily analytical and sampling needs and adjusts schedules in response to events to accomplish assigned tasks.
5. Performs routine validation sampling, calibration, and maintenance activities for online analyzers installed at CWS treatment facilities. Monitors instrument performance and completes troubleshooting efforts as needed. Performs tasks in coordination with other work groups where appropriate.
6. Maintains records for validation, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting efforts using CWS standard software packages as appropriate. Communicates the status of instruments to relevant stakeholders.
7. Assists with the implementation of new online instrumentation, including commissioning, initial training, creation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), validation protocols, and evaluation of instrument performance against specifications.
8. Plans, organizes, develops, and provides mentoring and training on laboratory processes, sampling, safety and data review. Provides technical guidance to laboratory staff and coordinates training of laboratory technicians and specialists.
9. Plans, organizes, and develops SOPs; investigates the need for SOPs and the methods used in carrying out SOPs; conducts Job Safety Analysis (JSA) for tasks and procedures related to SOPs; maintains and develops revisions.
10. Assists and coordinates sampling and analytical scheduling with process analysts, operations staff, and instrument technicians. Monitors and evaluates data and trends in HachWims and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA). Adjusts monitoring requirements and scheduling in response to the data and trend evaluations
11. Drives a CWS or personal vehicle for work-related purposes

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Operating parameters of complex laboratory equipment and online analyzers 
• Laboratory procedures, methods, and techniques used in standardized sampling, examination, testing, and analysis of water and wastewater samples 
• Laboratory safety procedures including management of chemical and biological hazards 
• Mathematics and statistical analysis 
• Standard procedures, methods, and techniques used in the sampling, examination, and testing of water, wastewater, environmental and industrial samples 
• Quality assurance and quality control principles and practices
• Laboratory equipment, operation, and capabilities 
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, regulations, standards, and requirements 

• Operation of complex analytical laboratory and field-deployed instrumentation
• Performing complex and precise physical, chemical, and biological analytical procedures
• Interpreting and explaining laboratory methods, processes, and procedures 
• Use of computers and software for word processing, spreadsheets, data collection, and database management.
• Analyzing problems, projecting consequences, and recommending courses of action
• Understanding and interpreting regulatory requirements 
• Identifying opportunities for efficiency and implementing process improvements

• Recognize deviations from normal sampling and analysis conditions 
• Understand, apply and interpret pertinent policies, procedures, laws, and regulations pertaining to the program area 
• Develop new laboratory techniques and procedures 
• Diagnose and correct problems with laboratory equipment and procedures
• Research environmental and analytical problems 
• Take initiative and respond to out-of-character/anomalous events or observations
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including a variety of CWS staff and other government officials, community groups, and the general public
• Operate effectively in a team environment
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR LICENSES

The following are the minimum qualifications for this position. 

6 months experience as a lead worker, project leader or team leader; 

3 years of experience in a Clean Water Services regulatory laboratory or environmental setting in areas such as microbiology, biology, and chemistry; 

College-level coursework in chemistry, biology, microbiology, or a closely related science. 

Reasonable Accommodation:

Applicants who require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any phase of the application process should contact Human Resources at 503.681.3600 or TDD 503.681.3601.
 
Equal Employment Opportunity: