Laboratory Quality Assurance Coordinator

San Antonio Water System; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

San Antonio Water System seeks a Laboratory Quality Assurance Coordinator to lead the QA program across inorganic, organic, and microbiological analyses. You will collaborate with chemists to implement corrective actions and oversee QC data and audits, ensuring compliance with quality systems.

The role requires a BS in a related field and 5 years of environmental lab experience; NELAC training within a year is expected. Master’s degree and experience with LabWorks ES or QA Analyst are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or related discipline.
• Five years’ experience in environmental laboratory analysis.
• NELAC training within one year of appointment.

Responsibilities

• Provide QA/QC guidance for inorganic, organic chemistry and microbiological analyses; support corrective actions.
• Perform statistical QC data analysis; review QC charts and ensure data usability or re-analysis as needed.
• Write and revise quality assurance plans, SOPs, and maintain document control.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate staff; develop, train and assess personnel.
• Schedule QA procedures and regulatory compliance activities including proficiency testing and method verification.
• Plan internal audits of laboratories and external audits to verify compliance with quality systems.
• Train analysts on laboratory quality systems and present developments to staff.
• Research and recommend new methodologies and equipment to improve quality and efficiency.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Presentations

Data integrity

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology/chemistry/environmental science

Master’s degree in biology/chemistry/environmental science

Tools

PerkinElmer LabWorks ES LIMS

Northwest Analytical Quality Analyst

Job description

Grade 22: Salary Starts at $89,669.00 annually. Rate of pay depends on qualifications.

JOB SUMMARY

The Laboratory Quality Assurance Coordinator is responsible for leading, developing, maintaining and monitoring implementation of the laboratory quality assurance (QA) program. Notifies laboratory management of deficiencies in the design and/or execution of the QA program. Collaborates with chemists and analysts to initiate and verify the effectiveness of corrective actions needed to improve the quality system. Oversees review of all quality control (QC) data generated by the laboratory. Arranges for or conducts internal audits of each laboratory section at least annually and external audits by TCEQ on the biennial cycle.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Uses knowledge of test methods and equipment to provide quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) guidance for inorganic and organic chemistry and microbiological analyses; participates in the design and implementation of corrective actions needed to remedy systemic defects in analytical processes.
• Performs statistical analysis of QC data to establish control limits and reviews for compliance with the limits on an ongoing basis; if a QC parameter fails to meet method-specified or laboratory-generated acceptance criteria, ensures that the sample is re-analyzed or that documentation is provided to the client as to limitations on data usability. Records analytical data in LIMS and reviews quality control (QC) charts to verify that it is within limits.
• Writes and revises quality assurance plan, standard operating procedures and other quality system documentation and approves all such documents written by other laboratory staff; maintains document control system.
• Supervises, recommends staff selections, develops, trains, and evaluates personnel.
• Schedules and keeps records of QA procedures required by laboratory quality assurance program and regulatory requirements, including but not limited to, proficiency testing, initial and ongoing demonstrations of capability, method detection limit studies and verification of quantitation limits.
• Plans and/or performs an internal laboratory audit and an audit of the primary contract laboratory at least annually, to verify that their operations comply with the quality system.
• Trains analysts and technicians on the laboratory quality system and other relevant quality assurance topics under the direction of management and/or SAWS’ Training Department; provides oral and written presentations to SAWS' staff on developments in laboratory quality assurance that may impact operations.
• Researches, evaluates and recommends new methodology, equipment and instrumentation that will improve the quality and/or efficiency of analytical operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

DECISION MAKING

• Reports to Laboratory Director and works under limited supervision.
• Functions as a team leader over assigned staff.
• Plans work as far as months in advance, based on goals and objectives stated by laboratory management.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or related discipline from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
• Five years’ experience in environmental laboratory analysis, general knowledge of microbiological, inorganic, and organic methods used in the lab, including quality control/assurance procedures.
• Must have or obtain documented training in quality assurance/quality control and quality system requirements as defined by the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) within one year of appointment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or related discipline from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
• Experience using PerkinElmer LabWorks ES Laboratory Information Management System and/or Northwest Analytical Quality Analyst.

JOB DIMENSIONS

• Intermediate level skills in word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
• As a subject matter expert, ability to guide laboratory personnel on matters of quality, ethics, data integrity, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to manage quality assurance budget and contracts for proficiency testing and calibration services.
• Ability to supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing with frequent contact with internal and external customers, outside agencies and regulatory agencies, and occasional contact with SAWS management.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and public relations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical requirements include lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds occasionally. Requires visual acuity and hand-eye coordination. Working conditions are in a laboratory environment with frequent sitting and occasion walking and standing. Occasional exposure to chemicals, waste materials, hazardous materials, noxious fumes, vapors, and odors.

May be required to work hours other than regular schedule including weekends and holidays. Infrequent travel may be required.