Water Quality Analyst

City of Corvallis; Corvallis (OR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Corvallis Public Works seeks a Water Quality Analyst to ensure drinking water and wastewater testing meets state and federal requirements. This is a full-time position with responsibility for testing, QA/QC, and regulatory reporting.

The role supports environmental health programs, coordinates sampling and testing, and may require after-hours on-call with a focus on accuracy and safety. Strong communication and laboratory skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and required chemistry/biology coursework per NELAC accreditation
• Five years of laboratory experience including two years in environmental laboratory work.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing and analysis of water, wastewater, and storm water to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Develop and maintain QA/QC programs in line with TNI/USEPA/ORELAP/NELAP guidelines.
• Prepare technical reports for regulatory agencies and internal staff.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies and maintain safety protocols.

Skills

Analytical ability

Communication skills

Laboratory skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in microbiology, chemistry, biology or environmental sciences

Job description

City of Corvallis Public WorksThe goal of the Public Works Department is to support and enhance the quality of life for community members by delivering responsive and efficient services to all neighborhoods and to maintain reliable and cost-effective public works facilities and systems in a manner that emphasizes customer satisfaction and good stewardship of natural, fiscal, and staff resources.

Position Summary

City of Corvallis Public WorksThe goal of the Public Works Department is to support and enhance the quality of life for community members by delivering responsive and efficient services to all neighborhoods and to maintain reliable and cost-effective public works facilities and systems in a manner that emphasizes customer satisfaction and good stewardship of natural, fiscal, and staff resources.

About The Position

The Water Quality Analyst performs duties in alignment with requirements set forth by the Oregon Health Authority and Environmental Protection Agency to protect public health and the environment through effective water quality testing and analysis. Responsibilities include performing laboratory testing and analysis, providing technical support and information to City personnel on water, wastewater and storm water, and responding to frequent changes in work priorities in order to respond to changing environmental issues.

Full-time 40 hours per week

AFSCME-represented position

12-month probationary period

Schedule

Tuesday - Friday 6:30am - 5:00pm

Essential Duties

Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To The Following

• Incumbents share the responsibility for implementing the drinking water and wastewater laboratory programs. The drinking water program consists of all drinking water testing, sample plans, and sample collection for regulatory agencies. The wastewater program consists of all wastewater testing, sample quality assurance monitoring plans and sample collection for regulatory agencies. Direct and participate in studies associated with the water distribution system and the wastewater program.
• Perform laboratory analytical tests on wastewater, storm water, and drinking water to ensure that the wastewater, storm water, and drinking water comply with City, State and Federal requirements and policies, and assist in maintaining a laboratory information management system database.
• Establish and maintain State and Federal regulatory agency approved quality assurance/ quality control management programs. Responsible for performance testing to meet standards set by the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference Institute (TNI), United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Oregon Laboratory Accreditation Program (ORELAP), and National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP). Conduct and sign laboratory quality control/quality assurance testing and maintain records as needed to ensure validity of test data.
• Develop, implement, and conduct programs, procedures, and experiments as needed to meet regulatory requirements within the community.
• Evaluate and document data; provide information, conclusions, and recommendations to staff as requested. Participate in treatment plant sampling and testing for process control, and conduct operator training for laboratory proficiency. Provide technical support to staff performing environmental wastewater and drinking water analysis.
• Prepare technical reports as required by regulatory agencies and in support of Utilities Division programs.
• Write and review standard operating procedures for conducting laboratory sampling, testing, and other documents as needed.
• Maintain knowledge base to communicate, administer, and ensure laboratory compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Establish and maintain laboratory supplies and coordinate sampling and testing schedules with contracted laboratories to meet state and federal requirements.
• Maintain all laboratory equipment calibrations.
• Maintain job-site safety and minimize hazardous conditions.
• Respond to emergency calls, including after-hours response. Position may involve working overtime and on weekends as needed.
• Respond to internal and external customer service requests, questions and complaints. Maintain a positive customer service demeanor and deliver service in a respectful and patient manner.
• Operate and drive vehicles and/or equipment safely and legally.

It is the responsibility of all City of Corvallis employees to:

• Participate in the Emergency Management program including planning, classes, training sessions, exercises and emergency events as required.
• Respond as directed during unforeseen events, inclement weather, emergencies, or officially declared States of Emergency to support the continuity and restoration of critical public services, facilities, and infrastructure.
• Act ethically and honestly; apply ethical standards of behavior to daily work activities and interactions. Build confidence in the City through own actions.
• Maintain effective work relationships.
• Conform with all safety rules and perform work in a safe manner.
• Deliver excellent customer service to diverse audiences.
• Adhere to all City and Department policies.
• Arrive to work, meetings, and other work-related functions on time and maintain regular job attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications And Skills

Qualifying Education / Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in microbiology, chemistry, biology or environmental sciences. Must meet educational requirements required for NELAC accreditation which includes a minimum of 24 semester hours of chemistry and 16 semester hours of biology with 4 semester hours of microbiology.
• Five years of laboratory experience including two years of environmental laboratory experience focused on routine water and/or wastewater analysis.

Desired Qualifications

• None

Certifications / Licenses

• Possession or ability to obtain a valid driver’s license.
• First Aid and CPR certification or the ability to obtain within one (1) year of appointment.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Knowledge of: microbiological and chemical sampling and testing of potable water and wastewater systems, including water distribution, BOD, TSS, ammonia, COD, MPN, and conductivity testing; complex chemical and biological reactions and modifications of these reactions; applicable regulations, procedures, and methods and how to apply this knowledge; traffic laws and defensive driving.

Skill in: effective communication, analytical ability, customer service and interpersonal relations.

Ability to: perform microbiological and chemical sampling and testing of potable water and wastewater systems; apply knowledge to the situation at hand with limited supervision; draw conclusions and develop recommendations from test data and develop analytical programs and procedures to maintain compliance with regulatory agency requirements; get along well with co-workers; use multi-line phone system, personal computer including word processing, spreadsheet, database software and computerized maintenance management system, copy and fax machines and calculator; use laboratory and testing equipment, automobile or truck, hand and power tools, and other related tools and appropriate personal protective equipment. Pass a pre-employment background check and/or criminal history check.

In Addition: must be able to respond within 60 minutes to the Water or Wastewater Quality Laboratory for after-hours calls or emergencies prior to the end of probationary period; the employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace; have demonstrable commitment to sustainability; and have demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion.