Laboratory Analyst

SUMMARY: Responsible for conducting tests, which demand a consistent level of proficiency without direct supervision. Maintains records, which are submitted to EPD on a regular basis. Collects samples of water, wastewater or sludge and runs various tests. Records the results on bench sheets and report forms and enters various data into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Examples of the tests performed are pH, biochemical oxygen demand, TKN, solids analysis, volatile acids, chlorine residual, turbidity, alkalinity, hardness, total and fecal coliform, oil and grease, sludge digestions, industrial, groundwater and soils analyses. Maintains the functions of the laboratory and runs in-house and state quality control samples along with validations for analyses and samples. Work is performed under the supervision of a Lead Laboratory Analyst and the Assistant Manager of Lab Services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

The employee in this position must exercise considerable accuracy and precision in the laboratory procedures performed. The employee is responsible for conducting tests, which demand a consistent level of proficiency and must be able to perform the tests without direct supervision. He/she may be responsible for performing the workload for the various benches independently and will maintain all functions of that bench. He/she collects samples, performs tests, records results on bench sheets and report forms, enters data into LIMS, and maintains the laboratory equipment. He/she maintains records, which are submitted to EPD on a regular basis. May be assigned to the drinking water lab or the wastewater lab. Collects samples of water, wastewater or sludge and runs various tests. Records the results on bench sheets and report forms and enters various data into the LIMS. Examples of the tests performed are pH, biochemical oxygen demand, solids analysis, volatile acids, chlorine residual, turbidity, alkalinity, TKN, hardness, total and fecal coliform, oil and grease, sludge digestions, industrial, groundwater and soils analyses. Maintains the functions of the laboratory and runs in-house and state quality control samples. Prepares reports and conducts validations for analyses and samples for the lab. Work is performed under the supervision of the Lead Laboratory Analyst. Employee will be required to perform on-call duties for weekend sampling and/or testing for CSO events on a rotating schedule.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Good knowledge of chemical principles, terminology, techniques, equipment, and laboratory tests pertaining to the analysis of water and wastewater; good knowledge of the processes and treatment stages involved in water purification and wastewater treatment; good math skills and ability to compute and record test results; ability to maintain an effective working relationship with other employees; be in good physical condition.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma or GED required; completion of two years of college with an emphasis on science preferred. Minimum of 6 months of laboratory experience required, preferably in some area of water or wastewater treatment. Must have the ability to obtain a GA Wastewater Laboratory Analyst Certificate within one year of employment and a GA Water Laboratory Analyst Certificate within 2-3 years of employment. Ability to operate general office equipment, to include copy machine, fax machine, typewriter, calculator, and computer required. Working experience and knowledge of PowerPoint, Excel, Microsoft Word, and database systems required. Good math skills and ability to compute and record test results required. Good oral and written communication skills required. Must possess a valid drivers' license and good driving record.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical documents such as procedure manuals, operating and maintenance instructions, financial reports, and legal documents; ability to write detailed reports and correspondence; must have outstanding communication skills and the ability to describe complex technical concepts; ability to communicate effectively, both verbal and written, with members of the Board, managers, employees, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and 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. Understands basic units of measurements.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables; ability to make recommendations for the solution of practical problems based on facts.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

Must possess a valid drivers' license and good driving record. State of Georgia Water and Wastewater Analysts License as outlined above.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Ability to operate general office equipment, to include copy machine, fax machine, typewriter, calculator, and computer. Working experience and knowledge of PowerPoint, Excel, Microsoft Word, and database systems. Ability to establish and manage multiple projects and set priorities. Good knowledge of general office operations. Must learn to use LabWorks for data entry and report generation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or equipment, stoop, kneel, crouch; talk and hear.

The employee must occasionally lift and be able to move objects of up to ten pounds; specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a laboratory environment. Employee may be required to regularly collect samples in the field.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: 25-41

PAY GRADE: 9