Sr. Environmental Chemist/Microbiologist - Water/Wastewater

The Sr. Environmental Chemist/Microbiologist uses technologically advanced lab instrumentation and procedures to analyze chemical and microbiological contaminants in various environmental samples. This position also oversees the work of technical staff in specific areas, provides technical support to lab administrators and cross laboratory staff.

Essential Functions

- Serves as a subject matter expert for other employees in the laboratory

- Provides cross training and guidance on advanced technologies, instrumentation, and procedures to laboratory personnel to ensure continuous quality data

- Monitors, reviews, evaluates, and validates data to detect or assess problems and to determine compliance with acceptable standards

- Uses advanced instrumentation and technologies such as gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers, spectrophotometers, auto-analyzers, microscopes, ion-chromatographs, or other advanced technical equipment to analyze samples for chemical, physical, metals, and microbiological constituent

- Performs a variety of complex analyses, reviews data produced, insures all quality control requirements are met, and uploads data to Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

- Monitors, reviews, evaluates, and validates data produced by analysts to detect or assess problems and to determine compliance with acceptable standards

- Provides cross-training and guidance on basic to advanced technologies, instrumentation, and procedures to laboratory personnel to ensure continual quality data

- Assists the Laboratory in complying with Federal and State regulations under the Safe Drinking Water and Clean Water Acts that may affect the Commission’s water and wastewater treatment facilities

- Prepares and maintains monthly reports to certify data satisfies EPA and the Maryland Department of the Environment requirements for environmental test procedures

- Researches new technological advancements for laboratory use. Based on the results of the research, determines appropriate instruments, methods, procedures, and quality control guidelines to use in the analysis of samples

- Troubleshoots issues and performs routine preventative maintenance on analytical instruments

- Conducts, organizes, and manages special projects, including documenting progress, monitoring workflows and milestones, data validations, and final reports

- Successfully analyzes quarterly and annual proficiency testing samples for assigned analyses

- Updates all required laboratory QA/QC and safety records at pre-scheduled intervals

- Maintains and updates all laboratory peer-review forms and documentation

- Prepares and maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

- Oversees work performed by Chemist/Microbiologists and Laboratory Analysts

- Assists Chemists/Microbiologists, Laboratory Analysts I and II when workloads demand

- Oversees sample workload and throughput to ensure holding times and turn-around times are met

- Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business

Other Functions

- Participates in interviewing and selection of laboratory staff

- Investigates customer concerns and questions; prepares responses as required

- Prepares data packages for clients when required

- Conducts visitor tours of laboratory facilities and capabilities

- Provides technical advice/assistance to the Laboratory Operations Section Manager and Laboratory Division Manager as necessary

- Fills in for Laboratory Operations Section Manager/Laboratory Division Manager as needed

- Participates in Stand-by and Call Back Program

- Performs related duties as assigned

Work Environment And Physical Demands

- Position requires long periods of standing and walking

- Requires periods of repetitive movements

- Requires the safe handling of hazardous material

- Manual dexterity and precision are also required in the use of laboratory equipment and tools

- May be required to move heavy objects up to 100 lbs

- Must wear protective clothing, gloves, mask, and work under a hood

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

- Thorough knowledge of theories and practices in the fields of chemistry, microbiology, or biology that are applied in analytical procedures in an environmental laboratory

- Thorough knowledge of and ability to operate advanced laboratory instrumentation

- Skill in the operation of basic to advanced analytical instruments including performing routine maintenance and minor repairs

- Skill in the use of various laboratory instrument software and LIMS

- Knowledge of environmental standard operating procedures, quality assurance manuals, quality control protocols, good laboratory practices (GLP), EPA approved methods, federal and state regulations, and all other applicable regulations and guidelines

- Knowledge of material data sheets, laboratory safety procedures, and personal protective equipment (PPE)

- Knowledge of principles, practices, methods, and techniques of sample collection and preparation per State and Federal guidelines

- Knowledge of drinking water and/or wastewater treatment processes

- Knowledge of EPA (Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act) and Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) applicable regulations and guidelines

- Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, and approaches to problems

- Skill in conducting tests and inspections of processes to evaluate quality of performance and accuracy of results

- Ability to prepare comprehensive analytical reports and interpret test results

- Ability to expand knowledge base to gain efficiency in new procedures

- Ability to accurately perform chemical, bacteriological, or biological tests with acceptable required quality control

- Ability to effectively prioritize work and manage time to meet tight deadlines and constant rush orders

- Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing

- Ability to interact with internal and external customers effectively and professionally

- Ability to guide and oversee the work of junior staff

Minimum Education, Experience Requirements

- Bachelor’s degree

- 6+ years of laboratory experience that includes: - 4+ years conducting complex analyses of chemical and/or microbiological contaminants in various environmental samples using technologically advanced laboratory instrumentation - 3+ years overseeing the work of subordinate laboratory analysts