Environmental Specialist (Quality Assurance/Sampling)

Orange County Sanitation District; Fountain Valley (CA); On-site; USD 111,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

Orange County Sanitation District is seeking an Environmental Specialist (Quality Assurance/Sampling) to support environmental protection, monitoring, and compliance programs. Under general supervision, you will perform routine analyses, collect wastewater and related samples, and assist in data generation and reporting in LIMS.

Responsibilities include field sampling, QA/QC work, equipment maintenance, coordinating lab shipments, and supporting audits and reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, microbiology, environmental science, or related field.
• Valid California Class C Driver’s License.
• Experience with QA/QC for sampling and testing of environmental samples preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine field sampling and lab analyses for QA/QC.
• Set up and maintain sampling equipment and logs.
• Assist with data entry, reporting, and LIMS documentation.
• Support contract lab shipping and internal audits.
• Maintain quality assurance records and logs.

Skills

QA/QC sampling

Field sampling

Data analysis

Laboratory equipment maintenance

LIMS data entry

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology/chemistry/environmental science

Tools

LIMS

Job description

What do you value in your next job?

At the Orange County Sanitation District our Core Values form the framework of our organization and reinforce our professional work ethic. If the following values ring true with you, we'd love to invite you to explore our career opportunities further.

Integrity, Inclusion, Honesty, and Respect

We aspire to the highest degree of integrity, inclusion, honesty, and respect in our interaction with each other, our suppliers, our customers, and our community. We strive to demonstrate these values in our actions, commitments, and service.

Leadership, Teamwork, and Problem Solving

We lead by example, acknowledging the value of our resources and using them wisely to achieve our mission. We strive to reach OC San goals through cooperative efforts and collaboration with each other and our constituencies. We work to solve problems in a creative, cost-effective, and safe manner, and we acknowledge team and individual efforts.

Customer Service, Transparency, and Accountability

We are committed to acting in a timely, accurate, accessible, and transparent manner through excellent customer service. We are committed to act in the best interest of our internal and external stakeholders.

Resiliency, Innovation, and Learning

We continuously develop ourselves, enhancing our talents, skills, and abilities. We recognize that only through personal growth and development will we progress as an agency and as individuals.

Safety

We are committed to providing a safe work environment. We will demonstrate leadership, promote individual accountability, and participate actively in the advancement of our health and safety practices.

OC San is currently looking to fill the role of an Environmental Specialist (Quality Assurance/Sampling).

Under general supervision, performs a variety of professional, technical, and analytical duties and responsibilities in support of OC San’s environmental protection, monitoring, and compliance programs such as conducting routine to moderately complex environmental analyses and studies, collecting and analyzing wastewater, marine, air, ocean sediment, fish tissue, and industrial waste samples, and conducting field work; troubleshoots and repairs equipment and instrumentation; assists in preparing, compiling, and analyzing data for the generation, submission, and distribution of reports and related documentation; and performs duties as assigned.

Job duties for the Environmental Specialist with the Quality Assurance/Sampling group may include, but not limited to:

Performs routine and moderately complex fieldwork for sampling efforts; learns to set up, operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot sampling and monitoring equipment and instrumentation; collects, organizes, prepares, and analyzes a wide variety of samples for operational process control, permit compliance, pretreatment program support, and regional or special projects and studies; receives and/or preserves samples and documents in sample preservation log and in Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) database. Performs regular and preventative maintenance on basic equipment and instruments; cleans and prepares glassware; maintains quality assurance logs for equipment; performs sampling and sampler support and other lab support duties as needed.

Perform routine and moderately complex QA/QC work. Supports and coordinates contract lab shipping, ordering, and initial data review for routine testing and special projects. Supports document control, management of training records. Participates in LIMS support work. Performs various support equipment QA work, including high purity water and deionized water system. Supports implementation of Proficiency Evaluation (PE) and Proficiency Testing (PT) work, internal and external audits. Participates in QA consultation to lab bench groups. Support client services such as sample receiving and sampling kits preparation for internal clients. Learns to analyze and provide data for the preparation and review of designated sections of the annual report to ensure accuracy. Performs other QA, LIMS, and client service duties as needed.

Required:

1. Bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, with major coursework in biology, chemistry, microbiology, environmental science, marine biology, statistics, and/or quality assurance, or a related field.
2. Must possess a valid California Class C Driver’s License.

Desired:

• Previous experience with Laboratory Management Systems (LIMS).
• Previous experience performing sampling of wastewater, digester gas, potable water, ocean water, and other environmental samples.
• Previous experience performing quality assurance work related to sampling and testing of wastewater, wastewater sludge, ocean water, ocean sediment, fish tissue, digester gas, and industrial waste samples.
• Previous experience working in an accredited laboratory.

Vacancies: 1

(an eligible list may be established for future vacancies)

Hiring Salary Range: $110,718.40 - $122,137.60/Year

(starting salary will be within this range based upon qualifications)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a laboratory and standard office setting and use laboratory and standard office equipment, including a computer; standing in work areas and walking between work areas is required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.
• Mobility to work in the field and to take samples and conduct inspections at various OC San sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary access points; ability to operate a motor vehicle to travel to various OC San sites, projects and/or meetings.
• When assigned to work on OC San’s marine vessel, must be capable of working in wet, unstable conditions, at times while the vessel is under way to the next sampling location.
• Perform medium to heavy physical work; standing in work areas and walking between work areas, within treatment plants, and in the field and to conduct inspections and take samples is required.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 51 pounds.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 200 pounds, or heavier weights up to 300 pounds on an occasional basis, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; color vision to identify chemical and biological solvents and substances.
• Vision to inspect and operate equipment.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate laboratory and standard office equipment.
• Finger dexterity to operate and repair tools and equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• May be required to work extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays when necessary.
• Probationary Period: All OC San employees, except classifications considered “at-will”, are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, policies, and/or resolutions. Employees who have not yet successfully completed their initial probationary period serve “at-will” and may be released from employment without cause or recourse to any appeal or grievance procedures.
• Pre-Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of OC San’s pre employment process, which includes a background investigation, a physical examination, and a drug screen.
• Work Location Assignment: Employees will be assigned to a work location based on business needs which may be located at any/all of OC San locations; this work location may be changed at any time.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All Orange County Sanitation District employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the Orange County Sanitation District requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

OTHER INFORMATION

For the full range of duties, responsibilities, and essential job functions please review the Classification Specification for this position found on our website.
Applicants must clearly demonstrate, through their application materials, that they meet the minimum requirements as outlined in the job announcement and class specification to receive further consideration. However, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process.

False statements may be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or discharge from employment. All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.

To ensure your application is accurate and complete, please review the Job Application Guide.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of OC San’s pre-employment process, which includes a background investigation and a physical examination. For some positions, this may include a drug screen. False statements may be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or discharge from employment. All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.

Reference Checkswill be conducted by OC San to verify employment related information for all potential employees once a contingent job offer is made during the background investigation process. This is done to ensure that individuals who join OC San are well qualified and have a strong potential to be successful in their employment. The extent of the inquiry will depend on the position being applied for, but will at least include:

• Verification/Reference from current and past employers
• Confirmation of necessary licenses, certificates, and degrees.

Please have all necessary documentation ready. Additional inquiries may be necessary depending on the position for which you are applying. Human Resources will also schedule a post-offer physical examination once a job offer has been made.

OC San only accepts applications submitted via our online application system. Applications submitted via mail, fax or email will not be accepted.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.