Austin Water - Water Quality Scientist Senior

IMDiversity; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin Water seeks a Senior Water Quality Scientist to perform chemical, physical, and microbiological analyses of water, wastewater, and environmental samples, using EPA-approved methods. Travel to city sites for training and sample collection is involved.

This role requires a strong background in analytical chemistry, data interpretation, and leadership to guide laboratory staff, develop SOPs, and ensure regulatory compliance; a related degree and several years of experience are essential,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Environmental, or Biological Sciences with four years of related water quality testing experience.
• Master's or Doctoral degree may substitute for one year of experience.
• For Organics/Metals: 24 semester hours of Chemistry; For Microbiology: 16 hours Biology + Microbiology and 16 Chemistry.
• For Wet Chemistry: coursework meeting the above specialties.

Responsibilities

• Train staff in sample collection protocols at multiple sites.
• Review and approve work of analysts and maintain QA/QC.
• Develop and maintain QA/QC procedures and SOPs.
• Prepare, analyze, and report on water, wastewater, or environmental samples.
• Coordinate proficiency testing and participate in engineering studies.
• May testify regarding analyses performed.

Skills

Lead and train others

Data interpretation

Problem solving

Communication skills

Planning and organizing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Environmental, or Biological Sciences

Master's or Doctoral degree substitution for experience

Tools

Gas Chromatography

Mass Spectrometry

Ultraviolet analysis

LIMS / Horizon

Job description

Austin Water - Water Quality Scientist Senior

Location: Austin Water

Time type: Full time

Job requisition id: JR105018

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 comprehensive knowledge, 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

• Drive to various sites throughout the city including schools, wastewater plants and area water ways to train staff in sample collection protocol
• Develop and conduct technical training for division staff and other laboratory customer
• Review and approve work of other analysts.
• Research, develop, implement, and maintain QA/QC and standard operating procedures.
• Prepare and analyze water, wastewater or environmental samples.
• Evaluate samples to determine appropriate methodology for analysis.
• Maintain Chain of Custody process.
• Follow strict analytical and documentation protocols.
• Evaluate, verify, interpret, and prepare detailed reports, verbally and in writing. Notify appropriate staff of non-compliant or out of spec results.
• Perform trend analyses and notify appropriate staff in the case of unusual changes.
• Operate, maintain, calibrate and troubleshoot analytical/miscellaneous instrumentation. Research and develop specifications for technical instrumentation.
• Perform proficiency tests and other quality assurance procedures.
• Coordinate and ensure the performance of proficiency testing and QA procedures by staff.
• Prepare reagents and/or media.
• Assist in evaluating bid proposals.
• Conduct Corrective Action investigations for PT and QA/QC failures/lapses.
• Develop and implement new analytical methods.
• Assist in development and participate in engineering studies and/or research projects.
• May be required to testify regarding analyses performed.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised

Provides leadership on work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others. Function as technical lead and/or coordinator of activities to meet project guidelines.

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 the theory and application of organic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry and instrumental analyses including Gas Chromatography, Mass/Emission Spectrometry, Ultraviolet analysis and other instrument analyses.
• Knowledge of water quality analyses.
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory mandates.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and local laws.
• Knowledge of city practices, policy and procedures.
• Skill in interpreting and analyzing data.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in communicating verbally and in writing.
• Ability to lead others.
• Ability to deliver training.
• Skill in planning and organizing
• Ability to establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other agencies and City departments.

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, plus four (4) years of progressive experience in a field related to water quality testing.

A master’s or doctoral degree in one of the above disciplines may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

For Organics and Metals Testing Specialty: Major coursework must include 24 semester hours of Chemistry.

For Microbiology Testing Specialty: Major coursework must include 16 semester hours of Biology and Microbiology combined with a minimum of one hour of each to fulfill the combination and 16 semester hours of Chemistry.

For Wet Chemistry Testing Specialty:Major coursework must include the educational requirements stated in either one of the above specialties.

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 in a laboratory setting including troubleshooting laboratory equipment, preventative maintenance, method development, and analytical training of lab personnel.
• Knowledge and experience of regulations as they pertain to the drinking water/wastewater/biosolids industry.
• Experience reviewing quality assurance / quality control requirements in a TNI accredited laboratory.
• Experience working with laboratory databases such as Horizon or another LIMS database.
• Prior experience working in an Austin Water laboratory or other water /wastewater / biosolids utility laboratory.