Water Quality Analyst

City of Spokane; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Spokane is seeking a Water Quality Lab Analyst to oversee the daily operation of the laboratory within the Water and Hydroelectric Services Department. The role involves sampling, analyzing drinking water, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local standards.

The position requires a four-year degree in chemistry, bacteriology, or related environmental science, plus at least three years of field sampling and lab analysis experience.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in chemistry, bacteriology, or a closely related environmental science field.
• Experience in environmental field sampling and laboratory analysis is required.
• Equivalency options may be considered per the city policy.

Responsibilities

• Organize daily operation of the water quality laboratory and perform professional sampling and analysis of drinking water.
• Monitor water quality for compliance with standards and perform advanced analyses.
• Collect weekly samples from field locations and prepare specimens for examination.
• Develop and implement QA/QC programs and maintain lab records and data integrity.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Water quality analysis

Data interpretation

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry or environmental science

Tools

Analytical instrumentation

Spectrophotometry

Chromatography

Job description

Organizes the daily operation of the water quality laboratory in the Water and Hydroelectric Services Department, and performs professional sampling and analysis of the drinking water supply. This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

• Monitors water quality and ensures that water quality and water quality testing is in compliance with established standards. Performs advanced, specialized scientific and/or instrumental analyses utilizing both standard and non-routine methodologies and procedures.
• Interprets data and evaluates compliance with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.
• Collects weekly samples at numerous field locations; isolates, identifies, and prepares specimens for examination from multiple layers within tanks.
• Conducts standardized biological, microbiological, and biochemical tests, and laboratory analyses on water samples. Conducts difficult analyses where independent decisions for proper procedures may be required. Develops, implements, and incorporates new and complex analytical and instrumental techniques and procedures.
• Conducts analyses that rely on advanced instrumentation and complex computer software. Gathers, evaluates, and interprets analytical and environmental data to determine regulatory compliance, ambient conditions, and process control trending. Compiles reports and makes recommendations on appropriateness of data for release. Investigates questionable test results.
• Develops, performs, and evaluates all lab quality assurance, quality control activities, and proficiency tests in compliance with state mandates for Department of Ecology lab certification and accreditation. Integrates technical knowledge of regulatory requirements and applicable standards into all laboratory practices and procedures.
• Troubleshoots and maintains sophisticated analytical instrumentation, performing day-to-day routine care and more complex periodic maintenance, as well as investigating, correcting and documenting serious instrumental malfunctions and problems. Monitors testing procedures to ensure that all tests are performed according to established item specifications, standard test methods, and protocols.
• Develops, implements and documents sampling and testing procedures, including coliform monitoring program. Keeps detailed logs of all work-related activities. May review analytical data produced by other department staff, following established standards and requirements; evaluates data for integrity and validity of the results.
• Plans the operating schedule of a water quality lab for chemical and bacteriological analysis.
• Contributes to development and implementation of short-range and long-range laboratory plans and objectives.
• Provides technical expertise to City staff and other local agencies.
• Creates informative materials and training, and provides educational services, including formal class instruction for City construction staff involved in water sampling.
• Conducts home visits to customers in response to questions, problems, and complaints. Samples water at customer sites and tests samples.
• Manages special projects and assignments related to assigned specialized areas. Participates in proficiency studies to demonstrate analytical competency, to examine and investigate problematic areas, and to research and develop improved preparatory and/or analytical techniques. Recommends adjustments in processes and methods of abating or controlling sources of water pollutants. Assists in determining plant methods and operations through evaluation of lab analysis.
• Keeps up to date on the technological advancements in assigned specialized areas, and advises supervisor and management on adoption and implementation of these technologies.
• Coordinates and performs special state and federal testing events.
• Sets up, adjusts, calibrates, cleans, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory, field sampling, and other equipment.
• Designs, develops, and maintains analytical data reports and/or databases; creates spreadsheets, word processing documents, and/or database forms and reports when needed for intermediate and final data processing.
• Performs related work as required.

Open-Entry Requirements:

• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in chemistry, bacteriology, or closely related laboratory or environmental science.
• Experience: Three years of experience performing environmental field sampling and related laboratory analysis.
• Equivalency: We may accept different combinations of education and experience. We welcome job seekers with relevant backgrounds to apply.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license, to be maintained throughout employment.

Lift Requirement:

• Job offer is contingent on passing a lift test.
• Lift, carry, push and pull objects up to 45 lbs.

Applicants must first meet the minimum qualifications to be invited to take the examination. Those who pass the examination will then go on the hiring list.

The examination will consist of the following:

• Training and Experience Evaluation 45%
• Short-Answer Items 35%
• Skills Simulation 20%

Possible subjects covered in the examination:

• Safety
• Water Quality Sampling and Analysis
• Regulatory Compliance
• Public Interaction
• Computer Skills

This is an online examination that will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided. Computer reservations can also be made through your local public library.

Training & Experience Evaluation:

A Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) is a written test where the applicant answers structured questions based on their previous experience and training or education. Please view this video for tips to help you fill out the T&E.

Short-Answer Items:

Short answer items are open-ended and require test takers to create their own responses, typically in one word, a phrase, or a few sentences. Unlike multiple-choice items that offer ready-made options, or essay items that call for extended writing, short answer items ask test takers to express specific knowledge, skills, and/or abilities directly.

Skills Simulation:

The skills simulation exam, an assessment that replicates real job tasks in a virtual environment, will evaluate your ability to use core programs essential to the position.

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory, or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status, or disability status. As a Fair Chance Employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.