Austin Water - Water Quality Scientist Assistant

City of Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Great retirement plan

Training opportunities

Job summary

City of Austin’s Austin Water department seeks an Analyst to perform chemical, physical, and microbiological analyses of water, wastewater, and environmental samples using EPA-approved qualitative and quantitative techniques. The role involves collecting samples across sites and maintaining strict QA/QC documentation to ensure data integrity.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in chemical, environmental, or biological sciences, a valid Texas Class C Driver License, and adherence to all

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Environmental, or Biological Sciences.
• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
• Experience with EPA standards or QA/QC preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drives to various sites to collect samples.
• Prepares and analyzes water, wastewater, or environmental samples.
• Follows established protocols and QA/QC procedures.
• Maintains Chain of Custody and data documentation.
• Operates and calibrates analytical instrumentation.
• Performs proficiency tests and quality assurance tasks.
• Assists with administrative duties as required.

Skills

Water quality testing

EPA-approved standards

Data analysis

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical/Environmental/Biological sciences

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

About This Position

ABOUT AUSTIN WATER:
For more than 100 years, Austin Water has provided safe, reliable, high-quality and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve more than 1 million people across 544 square miles in the Austin metropolitan area.

Austin Water consistently ranks among the best in the country when it comes to water quality. We also treat, return, and recycle wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources. Austin Water exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance at our water and wastewater treatment plants.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Using academic knowledge to assist other staff, perform chemical, physical, and microbiological analyses, using EPA approved qualitative and quantitative techniques in one or more of the following areas: water, wastewater, and environmental samples.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Drives to various sites throughout the City including schools, wastewater plants, and area water ways to collect samples.

• Prepares and analyzes water, wastewater, or environmental samples.

• Performs appropriate analysis per established protocols.

• Follows strict analytical and documentation protocols.

• Maintains Chain of Custody process.

• Evaluates ane verifies data.

• Notifies appropriate staff of non-compliant or out of spec results.

• Adheres to QA/QC and standard operating procedures.

• Operates, maintains, and calibrates analytical/miscellaneous instrumentation.

• Performs proficiency tests and other quality assurance procedures.

• Prepares reagents and/or media.

• Assists with administrative duties as required.

• Testifies, as necessary, regarding analyses performed.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of Water Quality testing.

• Knowledge of EPA-approved standards.

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.

• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.

• Skill in interpreting and analyzing data.

• Skill in problem solving.

• Skill in prioritizing critical tasks.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.

• Skill in using computers and related software.

• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.

• Skill in planning and organizing.

• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Chemical, Environmental, or Biological Sciences.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Valid Texas Class “C” Driver License.

• For Analysts in the Water Quality Laboratory: must obtain a Class D Water Operator License TCEQ within six (6) months.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience performing lab analysis related to water and wastewater quality testing using analytical techniques and methods (i.e., EPA, Standard Methods, etc.).

• Experience operating and maintaining laboratory equipment and instrumentation.

• Experience working in an accredited or certified laboratory (i.e., TNI, EPA Drinking Water Certification, ISO 17025, etc.)

• Possess organizational, problem solving, and cultural competence skills.

Notes to Candidate:

Benefits:

Working with Austin Water provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more – click HERE for more information. Additionally, this position