Temporary Laboratory Scientist

Irvine Ranch Water District; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

Irvine Ranch Water District is seeking a Temporary Laboratory Scientist (Microbiology) in the Water Quality Department in Irvine, CA. The position is part-time for six months, up to 30 hours per week, with a Wednesday, Friday through Monday schedule including weekends.

Under supervision, the candidate will perform routine microbiological and chemical analyses on environmental samples, maintain data in LIMS, and support ELAP and QA/QC programs while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Two years of professional laboratory experience including basic and/or routine analyses of water, biosolids, sludges, solids, air, and other environmental samples.
• Bachelor's degree in a related science field.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboratory tests and analyses on environmental samples such as potable water, non-potable water, biosolids, sludges, solids, air, and others.
• Set up, calibrate, and operate laboratory instrumentation.
• Maintain and record data in LIMS and prepare data packages for review.
• Assist in quality assurance/quality control programs and SOP compliance.
• Coordinate with contract laboratories for sample pick-up/drop-off and data transfer.
• Contribute to ELAP and QA/QC activities and maintain safe laboratory practices.

Skills

Laboratory testing

LIMS data entry

Quality control

Regulatory compliance

Safety procedures

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biological sciences, microbiology, molecular biology, or related field

Tools

LIMS

Job description

Irvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for a Temporary Laboratory Scientist (Microbiology) in the Water Quality Department.

The position is part-time and is limited to a duration of (6) months, up to 30 hours a week.

Work Schedule: The regular work schedule for this position is Wednesdays and Fridays through Mondays, including weekends. This position is regularly scheduled to work Saturdays and Sundays.

The District

Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Values

Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

Employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

The Position:

Under general supervision, performs various routine laboratory tests and analyses in environmental matrices including, but not limited to potable water, non-potable water, biosolids, sludges, solids, air and other environmental samples according to established laboratory procedures and regulatory requirements; analyzes and reviews internal data packages for accuracy and completeness; records data in the laboratory information management System (LIMS); performs routine maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory methods and instrumentation.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel.

Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This classification is the first of two levels in the Laboratory Scientist series. Positions at this level exercise limited discretion and independent judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence. This class is distinguished from the Senior Laboratory Scientist in that the latter performs the more complex laboratory tests and analyses, uses advanced instrumentation and methodologies, develops and validates new test methods and techniques, and reviews the work of lower-level laboratory staff to ensure testing quality and validity.

Performs a variety of routine chemical, biochemical, physical, and microbiological tests and analyses on environmental sample matrices such as, but not limited to, water, potable and non-potable water, biosolids, solids, sludges, air, and/or other environmental samples.

Sets up, calibrates, and operates a variety of laboratory instrumentation and equipment; assists Senior Laboratory Scientist in operating advanced instrumentation and equipment.

Prepares and mixes reagents, titrants, solutions, and samples used in testing and analyses following established procedures; performs quality assurance and control checks; ensures testing and equipment meet performance specifications.

Participates in and contributes to the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP), as well as the Laboratory’s Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program to ensure the methods, techniques, and equipment used to analyze samples produce accurate, reliable results; develops, reviews, and revises standard operating procedures (SOPS) and protocols as assigned.

Enters and maintains laboratory records and data using LIMS; recognizes unusual laboratory results or data and informs appropriate staff and stakeholders.

Facilitates communication for sample pick-up/drop off with contract laboratories, enters/exports contract laboratory reported data into LIMS, and coordinates sampling schedules with field staff when assigned to sample receiving.

Prepares and compiles and/or reviews analytical data packages and/or daily process control data sheets as assigned.

Maintains laboratory instrumentation and equipment; performs required safety and quality control checks of instruments and equipment; coordinates repairs with vendors; maintains the laboratory in a safe and clean condition.

Comply with safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training. Adheres to and complies with the Laboratory and District’s Safety Policies and Procedures and completes mandatory safety trainings.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Disaster Service Worker

In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

Education and Experience

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biochemistry, biological sciences, microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field.

Experience

Two (2) years of professional level laboratory experience including conducting basic and/or routine analyses of water, non-potable water, biosolids, sludges, solids, air, and/or other environmental samples. Professional internship experience at a water or sanitation district may be considered.

Knowledge of

• Principles, practices, techniques, equipment, and materials required for routine laboratory analyses of water, potable and non-potable water, biosolids, sludges, solids, air and/or other environmental samples related to process control and regulatory compliance.
• Basic principles and processes of water treatment and distribution and wastewater collection and treatment.
• Operational characteristics, use of, and maintenance/calibration requirements of laboratory and sampling equipment.
• Units of measurement and concentration used in a laboratory.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures related to laboratory and sampling work.
• Advanced mathematic and statistical techniques.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping, report writing, and preparation of correspondence.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and programs, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to

• Perform a variety of routine laboratory analyses of water, potable and non-potable water, biosolids, sludges, solids, air, and/or other environmental samples.
• Exercise discretion and judgment utilizing less advanced technologies, methodologies, equipment, and instrumentation; and under close oversight from a Senior Laboratory Scientist and/or Laboratory Supervisor, exercise limited discretion and judgment on more advanced analytical technologies, methodologies, equipment, and instrumentation.
• Adhere to sampling, quality assurance/quality control, and laboratory safety programs.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Make accurate advanced mathematical and statistical computations.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a laboratory and standard office setting and use laboratory instruments and standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials, laboratory instruments, and a computer screen; color vision to read and interpret laboratory results; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas is required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate laboratory instruments and standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work primarily in a laboratory environment with moderate to excessive noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and exposure to dust, fumes and/or allergens, biologic/infectious agents, hazardous chemicals, and unpleasant odors. Employees also work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.