Lab Analyst

Town of Holly Springs; Holly Springs (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Holly Springs is seeking a Lab Analyst in the Utilities & Infrastructure department to sample and analyze wastewater and drinking water in accordance with 40 CFR Part 136, ensuring public safety from harmful bacteria and chemicals. The starting salary is $59,289.31 (Grade H) and the position reports to the Utilities Manager-Environmental Compliance.

Work hours are business hours with occasional evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree plus 5 years of wastewater lab experience.
• Wastewater Lab Analyst Class 1 certification (or ability to obtain within 1 year).
• Wastewater Operator Grade 1 certification (or ability to obtain within 1 year).
• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Analyze wastewater and drinking water samples per 40 CFR Part 136.
• Sample pump stations, industries and collection systems per permit.
• Perform analysis of tests to determine constituents.
• Mix reagents and prepare materials for analysis.
• Maintain reports and records for compliance.
• Inform plant personnel of test results for process adjustments.
• Consult staff on findings affecting regulations.
• Perform microscopic examinations of activated sludge.
• Conduct quality control analyses to meet federal standards.
• Provide technical information and respond to complaints.
• Clean and maintain lab equipment; order supplies.
• Ensure health and safety practices in lab.
• Enter data into Wastewater Information Management System.
• Write/update SOPs and QA Manual per changes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Detail oriented

Time management

Teamwork

Problem solving

English communication

Education

Associate’s degree in environmental science

Wastewater Lab Analyst Class 1 certification

Wastewater Operator Grade 1 certification

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry/biology/environmental science

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Town of Holly Springs is searching for a Lab Analyst to serve in the Utilities & Infrastructure department. This position is responsible for sampling and analyzing wastewater and drinking water according to the 40 CFR Part 136 to ensure the public is safe from harmful bacteria and chemicals.

The starting salary is $59,289.31 (Grade H).

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to the Utilities Manager-Environmental Compliance. Work is completed under general supervision. Employee may need to occasionally choose from defined alternatives to resolve problems but consults with Manager on matters not covered by guidelines. Incumbent has no supervisory responsibilities.

The work schedule is business hours with occasional evenings and weekends.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• 1.Responsible for analyzing wastewater and drinking water samples according to the 40 CFR Part 136.
• 2.Samples pump stations, industries and collection systems according to sampling schedule specified in permit.
• 3.Performs analysis of sample tests of chemical and bacteriological media, reagents, and stains to determine presence of and quantify various constituents.
• 4.Mixes reagents and prepares materials for analysis or tests.
• 5.Maintains complete and accurate reports and records of analysis for compliance with local, state and federal requirements and regulations.
• 6.Informs water/wastewater treatment plant personnel of test results to make necessary adjustments to plant processes.
• 7.Confers with appropriate staff on laboratory findings that may affect compliance with State and Federal regulations.
• 8.Performs microscopic examinations and evaluations of activated sludge microorganisms.
• 9.Performs quality control analysis to ensure compliance with Federal standards.
• 10.Provides technical information and responds to complaints regarding water/wastewater treatment procedures to both Town officials and the public.
• 11.Cleans and maintains laboratory equipment and orders chemicals and supplies.
• 12.Ensures health and safety practices are being followed in the lab.
• 13.Enters data into Wastewater Information Management System; performs calculations to verify data meets the standards set in the Standard Operating Procedures.
• 14.Writes, reviews and updates Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Assurance Manual according to changes made in the 40 CRF Part 136.
• 15.Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of water plants systems.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, County, and Local regulations as they relate to water system; knowledge of the maintenance, repair and installation of equipment in water distribution system.
• Knowledge of the chemical and physical processes involved in the treatment of water.
• General knowledges of laboratory operations and water testing.
• Knowledge of how to read, interpret and calibrate gauges and other recording devices related to water treatment plant operations.
• Ability to take liquid and solid samples and perform routine laboratory tests.
• Knowledge of construction industry safety rules and ability to utilize all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) necessary.
• Knowledge of care and use of equipment and tools utilized in the performance of department functions.
• Working knowledge of occupational hazards (OSHA) and safe work practices.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
• Ability to understand and effectively carry out local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence, and Federal, State, and local regulations.
• Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports consistent with the position.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively in English with staff, administration, and the public in both written and verbal form.
• Ability to define problems, exercise sound judgment, and address a variety of situations.
• Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
• Ability to maintain professionalism at all times.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
• Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and ability to work flexible hours to include evenings, nights, weekends and holidays due to adverse weather conditions, construction projects, or other emergency service.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law. Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee’s supervisor.

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Requires use of fragile equipment and the handling of hazardous chemicals and materials.
• Work is performed in laboratory environment.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree from an accredited college in a related environmental science, and/or a combination of education and 5 years of direct wastewater laboratory experience
• Wastewater Laboratory Analyst Class 1 certification or the ability to get within one year.
• Wastewater Operator Grade 1 certification or the ability to get within one year.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biology, environmental science or related degree.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• NC valid drivers license