Analytical Operations Specialist Trainee

City of Aiken; Aiken (SC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Aiken is seeking an Analytical Operations Specialist Trainee to join the Engineering & Utilities Department in the Water Plant. You will perform technical work in water production, ensuring compliance with federal and state rules.

As a trainee, you will assist with sampling, lab testing (pH, chlorine, turbidity), data entry, and maintenance of lab records, while pursuing certification and gaining field experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Valid state driver’s license is required.
• Strong communication skills in verbal and written form.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in lab work and data entry.

Responsibilities

• Assist in collecting water samples and logging results.
• Perform tests for bacteria, pH, chlorine, turbidity, and hardness.
• Assist in calibrations and verifications of lab equipment.
• Maintain concise chain of custody and lab records.
• Enter data into the City of Aiken Laboratory Information System.

Skills

Oral & written communication

Attention to detail

Shift adaptability

Lab safety diligence

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Valid state driver’s license

Job description

The City of Aiken is accepting applications for an Analytical Operations Specialist Trainee to join our Engineering & Utilities Department in the Water Plant.

Performs technical work in the production of water for the City ensuring all federal and state rules and regulations are followed.

• Assist in the collection of daily, weekly, and monthly water samples; performs tests for bacteria sampling, pH, chlorine, turbidity, and alkalinity and hardness; records results in log. Assist the Analytical Operations Specialist 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 the Analytical Operations Specialist in preforming daily calibrations and verifications of equipment.
• Assist the Analytical Operations Specialist 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.
• Learns to maintain concise chain of custody records; ensures integrity of the sample preservation and recordation for all water quality samples, and any customer related sampling.
• Learns to 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.
• Learns to analyze, compiles, 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.
• Learns to performs maintenance, calibration, and repairs equipment, performs security checks of the buildings and grounds. Enter data into the City of Aiken’s Laboratory Information System.
• Learns to 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.
• Learns to maintains records, logs, and files for water production, power usage, chemical dosages, bacteria and turbidity reports, and filter washing.
• Learns to run tests for water purification testing including Ph, chlorine, fluoride, turbidity, bacteria, and confirmation of coliform and e-coli bacteria.
• Learns to inspect 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

• Learns to maintain pumps and motors; greases and oils; maintains and repairs equipment.
• Learns to respond to questions and resolve problems or complaints concerning the water.
• Learns to operate various types of Lab equipment as needed; ensures assigned lab equipment is properly maintain and reading are accurate.
• Learns to help maintain a good relationship with other City departments and the general public on a daily basis.
• Learns to perform 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
• Ability to run chemical tests and analyze results
• Interpersonal skills necessary to be courteous of fellow employees, citizens, and businesses while technical duties
• Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail for up to 60% of the work day
• Acquire a Level E, D, and C level Water Treatment Certification to become Analytical Operations Specialist, and maintain with CEUs
• Self-contained Breathing Apparatus Certification
• Incumbent is required to work varying shifts as needed

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.