Senior Water Quality Scientist & Lab Leader

Careers In Government; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 69,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid leave

Career progression

Job summary

City of Austin seeks a Water Quality Scientist Senior to lead analytical testing of water, wastewater, and environmental samples in a TNI-accredited lab. You will train staff, coordinate sample collection, review data, and develop QA/QC procedures and new analytical methods.

The role requires strong knowledge of chemistry, instrumentation, regulatory compliance, and the ability to testify on analyses. Multiple Austin locations offer a centralized future lab consolidation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related science and 4+ years in water quality testing.
• Master’s/PhD may substitute for 1 year of experience.
• Specialties: Organics, Metals, Microbiology or Wet Chemistry require specific coursework.

Responsibilities

• Lead and train staff; coordinate sample collection and testing.
• Review and validate data; troubleshoot instrumentation.
• Develop and implement QA/QC procedures and new methods.

Skills

Chemistry knowledge

Data interpretation

Problem solving

Communication skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Laboratory proficiency

Analytical instrumentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical/Environmental/Biological sciences

4+ years in water quality testing

Advanced degree substitutions allowed for experience

Tools

Gas Chromatography

Mass Spectrometry

Ultraviolet spectroscopy

Laboratory information systems (LIMS)

Job description

City of Austin seeks a Water Quality Scientist Senior to lead analytical testing of water, wastewater, and environmental samples in a TNI-accredited lab. You will train staff, coordinate sample collection, review data, and develop QA/QC procedures and new analytical methods.

The role requires strong knowledge of chemistry, instrumentation, regulatory compliance, and the ability to testify on analyses. Multiple Austin locations offer a centralized future lab consolidation.