Laboratory Scientist I

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Laboratory Scientist IOpen Date: 07/30/25Close Date: 08/11/25Salary: $104,570.00 per yearJob Type: RegularLocation: River Mountains Water Treatment Facility, 1299 Burkholder Blvd., HendersonFor any questions regarding this announcement, please contact LVVWD Recruitment at recruitment@lvvwd.com.FILING DEADLINE: The first 75 applications submitted ON or BEFORE 11:59pm, Sunday, August 10th, 2025. WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.

Hours of Work: 4/10'S, 6am-4:30pm, Mon-Thurs.

The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated professional with a degree in Chemistry and a strong background in water quality analysis. Must have at least two years of progressively responsible experience conducting chemical or microbiological testing in a high-volume, production-based laboratory, preferably within a water treatment plant setting. The candidate should be well-versed in industry-standard analytical methods and demonstrate the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. A solid understanding of regulatory compliance, laboratory best practices, and quality control procedures is essential.

INTRODUCTION: Human Resources will screen applications and supplemental questionnaires. Candidates possessing the strongest skills and experience for this position will be forwarded to the hiring department for further evaluation

and to determine who will be invited to the formal interview process. The candidate hired will be required to pass a drug screening, background check and may be required to pass a job-related physical evaluation.

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under direction, performs a variety of compliance and noncompliance laboratory tests on raw, treated and other water samples to determine compliance with federal and state regulatory requirements; interprets and evaluates test results, enters data in LIMS and prepares reports, tables and charts; performs methods research, development, modification and optimization; participates in the laboratory's quality control program; and performs related duties as assigned.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Scientific theory, principles, practices, methods and agents used in the chemical or microbiological analysis and testing of raw, treated and potable water; standard EPA methodologies and laboratory protocols and procedures used in the testing and analysis of water samples; water sampling protocols, methods and techniques; methods and processes used in raw water treatment; federal and state law and regulations applicable to the work, including the Safe Drinking Water Act; the operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment standard to a chemical and microbiology laboratory; the use of standard laboratory glassware, beakers, flasks and pipettes; safe laboratory practices and procedures; accepted quality assurance/quality control techniques; methods and practices used in technical writing applicable to development of standard operating procedures.

Chemistry Discipline:

Theory, principles, practices, methods, chemicals, agents and instrumentation used in the chemical and physical testing of water.

Biology/Microbiology Disciplines:

Theory, principles, practices, methods, media, agents and laboratory equipment used in microbiological water quality analyses; principles, theories, practices, methods, media and agents used in macroinvertebrate, limnological and microbiological water quality assessments and analyses; microorganisms common to water in southern Nevada; dynamics of lake ecosystems.

Ability to:

Operate a computer and automated/programmable laboratory equipment used in the compliance and non-compliance testing of raw and potable water samples; apply principles and scientific methods to the interpretation of test results and development of new/revised production laboratory methods; calibrate, maintain and perform minor repairs on laboratory equipment; understand, interpret and modify/adjust standard methodologies and protocols to maintain the accuracy and reliability of testing results; prepare accurate reports and records of test results and special analyses; present scientific data clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; conduct and apply the results of literature reviews to assigned research and analysis projects; share expertise and mentor other staff in performing specialized testing and analyses; work independently or in a team fashion to support completion of laboratory goals and objectives; establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and others encountered in the course of work.

Training and Experience:

A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from a college or university with a major in either analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, or a closely related field -or- microbiology or a closely related field; and:

Laboratory Scientist I: Two years of increasingly responsible chemical or microbiology laboratory experience in the testing and analyses typically used in a water treatment plant laboratory; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Laboratory Scientist II: Six years of increasingly responsible chemical or microbiology laboratory experience in the testing and analyses typically used in a water treatment plant laboratory; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. A Master's degree in an applicable scientific discipline is highly desirable and may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for required experience.

A Laboratory Scientist I may be considered for advancement to Laboratory Scientist II after demonstrating proficiency to perform the full range of duties of the latter class. Proficiency criteria and the process for demonstrating performance at the levels established in the criteria are established jointly by hiring authorities and the Director, Human Resources and are described in a separate document.

Licenses; Certificates: Special Requirements:

A California/Nevada AWWA Water Quality Analyst I Certificate.

A California/Nevada AWWA Water Quality Analyst II Certificate must be obtained within one year from date of appointment into the Laboratory Scientist I class.

A valid State of Nevada driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District's Vehicle Insurance Policy.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

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

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to stand; talk; hear equipment sounds and conversations by telephone and in person; smell; use hands to finger, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands or arms. Employees are frequently required to sit, walk, bend and stoop and twist. Employees are occasionally required to climb, kneel and crouch.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, the ability to distinguish basic colors and shades, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Employees must frequently lift, move and/or carry up to 40 pounds and occasionally lift, push and/or pull up to 60 pounds.

Mental Demands:

While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use oral and written communications skills; read documents or instructions; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret data or information; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new information or skills; perform highly detailed and precise work; and meet time-sensitive deadlines; and interact with other management, laboratory staff, customers and others encountered in the course of work.