Analytical Operations Specialist I

City of Aiken; Aiken (SC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Aiken Engineering & Utilities Department is seeking an Analytical Operations Specialist to join our team and help produce water that meets all federal and state regulations. You will collect samples, perform tests, and assist in maintaining the city’s lab operations to ensure public health and regulatory compliance.

You will calibrate equipment, visit sampling points across the county, document results, and support data management while upholding safety and accuracy in all analyses.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Valid state driver's license and a satisfactory motor vehicle record.
• Oral and written communication ability equivalent to that normally acquired through a high school education is required.
• Two to three years experience is necessary to gain knowledge of equipment operation and maintenance requirements, state and federal regulations, and plant processes and procedures.
• Must have a Valid D, C Water Treatment Certification.
• Self-contained Breathing Apparatus Certification.
• Requires basic computer skills in Excel, Word, and other software used by the City of Aiken's Lab.
• Ability to work varying shifts as required.

Responsibilities

• Collects daily, weekly, and monthly water samples and performs tests for bacteria, pH, chlorine, turbidity, alkalinity, and hardness.
• Assist Lab Supervisor in operation of the City’s Lab to maintain regulations and safeguard public health.
• Calibrations and verifications of equipment.
• Drive to source water locations for sampling and maintain records.
• Prepare lab standards and label reagents; stay updated with water quality standards.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Word

Job description

The City of Aiken Engineering & Utilities Department is accepting applications for an Analytical Operations Specialist to join our team.

The Analytical Operations Specialist performs technical work in the production of water for the City, ensuring all federal and state rules and regulations are followed.

• Collects daily, weekly, and monthly water samples; performs tests for bacteria sampling, ph, chlorine, turbidity, and alkalinity and hardness; records results in log. Assist the Lab Supervisor in operation of the City’s Lab to maintain state and federal regulations in accordance with water quality monitoring programs, and ensure regulatory compliance and safeguard public health.
• Assist in performing daily calibrations and verifications of equipment.
• Assist on a regular, pre-scheduled basis to drive to source water locations and sampling points, around the county, collect and preserve water samples for analysis; maintain associated records; maintains safety and security of sampling sites.
• Maintains concise chain of custody records; ensures integrity of the sample preservation and recordation for all water quality samples, and any customer related sampling.
• Prepare lab standards which may include; identifying and labeling of standards. Ensure that all lab reagents and samples are properly labeled. Stay updated with water quality standards, regulations, and operating permit; communicates results to Lab Supervisor.
• Analyzes, complies, and imports data provided by contract laboratories into a computerized data base; maintains accuracy and integrity of database records; assist in compiling quality information and reports.
• Performs maintenance, calibration, and repairs equipment, performs security checks of the buildings and grounds. Enter data into the City’s Laboratory Information System.
• Assist Lab Supervisor in responding to customer water quality complaints or concerns; explains water quality monitoring program; makes home visits to collect water samples for analysis.
• Adheres to all laboratory safety precautions in the lab and field while collecting samples.
• Maintains records, logs, and files for water production, power usage, chemical dosages, bacteria and turbidity reports, and filter washing.
• Runs tests for water purification testing including Ph, chlorine, fluoride, turbidity, bacteria, and confirmation of coliform and e-coli bacteria.
• Inspects main plant, Shiloh Springs, Pine Log, Town Creek, Silver Bluff, and The Vale to ensures proper pressure, flows, Ph, chlorine, and fluoride; ensures proper pump maintenance is performed and recorded.

Other Responsibilities

• Maintains pumps and motors; greases and oils; maintains and repairs equipment.
• Responds to questions and resolve problems or complaints concerning the water.
• Operates various types of Lab equipment as needed; ensures assigned lab equipment is properly maintained and reading are accurate.
• Helps to maintain a good relationship with other City departments and the general public on a daily basis.
• Performs Quality Control Checks as well as bacteriologically. Follows all company policies and procedures to ensure integrity of the water system is maintained.

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Valid state driver's license and a satisfactory motor vehicle record
• Oral and written communication ability equivalent to that normally acquired through a high school education is required
• Two to three years experience is necessary to gain knowledge of equipment operation and maintenance requirements, state and federal regulations, and plant processes and procedures
• Ability to run chemical tests and analyze results
• Interpersonal skills necessary to be courteous of fellow employees, citizens, and businesses while performing technical duties
• Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail for up to 60% of the work day
• Must have a Valid D, C Water Treatment Certification
• Requires basic computer skills in Excel, Word, and other software used by the City of Aiken's Lab
• Self-contained Breathing Apparatus Certification
• Interpersonal skills necessary to be courteous to fellow employees, citizens, and businesses.
• Ability to work varying shifts as required

This position is subject to a criminal background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate. The City of Aiken is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug-free workplace.