Lab Analyst

DeKalb County; Decatur (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

DeKalb County is seeking a Laboratory Supervisor to oversee a team of lab technicians and conduct standard and specialized chemical and physical tests to ensure water quality. The role includes coordinating daily activities, reviewing analyses, and reporting results to required forms and databases.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Biology and at least two years of experience in testing drinking water or wastewater; licensure in Georgia is required within one year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, or related science field
• Two years of experience in testing drinking water or wastewater
• Or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

Responsibilities

• Leads and coordinates daily work activities of lab technicians and supervises staff
• Analyzes drinking water and wastewater analyses for accuracy and compliance
• Reports results to forms/databases and maintains records
• Trains new and existing employees on instruments and lab procedures
• Prepares and analyzes samples and handles instrument troubleshooting
• Maintains lab documentation and state/private lab run data

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, or related science field

Job description

Salary Range: $52,266 - $84,148 Salary Grade: 17 FLSA: Exempt

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to supervise, coordinate and conduct a variety of standard and specialized chemical and physical tests to determine the quality of potable water, surface waters, wastewater, treatment processes and procedures.

Essential Functions:

Leads and coordinates daily work activities of assigned lab technicians; confers with supervisor to obtain direction regarding work assignments and priorities; organizes tasks to complete assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; confers with co-workers, assists with complex/problem situations, and provides technical expertise; assists with training and instructing co-workers regarding operational procedures and proper use of equipment; and assists with supervision of co-workers by reporting employee problems and providing input on disciplinary action and employee performance evaluations.

Analyzes documents prepared by lab technicians and reviews drinking water analyses for accuracy, precision, and compliance; evaluates analyzes completed by lab technicians; remakes standards for questionable results and re-analyzes samples and/or troubleshoots instrument to investigate inaccurate results; and examines S.O.P.s and bench sheets amended by lab analysts for accuracy.

Reports results from lab and operations to in-house, EPD, and EPA forms and databases; reviews and inputs in-house lab and operations results in spreadsheets; reviews and inputs EPD-required results; and files all results properly.

Trains new and existing employees on instruments needed for chemical analyses on drinking water; instructs new lab analysts or current employees on AA, TOC, GC/MS, and all components of lab work, including but not limited to proper collection and preparation of samples, proper preparation of standards, proper use of PPE, proper procedure to change out gas cylinders, proper procedure to wash lab glassware and plastic bottles, ways of troubleshooting instruments and preparing/reviewing JSAs; and helps new lab analysts prepare for state exams.

Prepares, and/or analyzes samples and provides instruction for collection of samples if there is a major mishap within the system.

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures; receives and reviews various documentation, including runs of chemical analyses, monthly, quarterly, and annually state/private lab run tests, lab and operations data, and vehicle maintenance reports and uniform requests; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including consumable order requisitions, service requisitions on instruments/equipment in the laboratory, and performance appraisals; and compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, or related science field required; two years of experience in testing drinking water or wastewater; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required:

Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license; must obtain a valid Georgia Water or Wastewater Lab Analyst license within one year of employment and maintain such license during employment in this classification.