Water Quality Analyst I/II

City of Brighton; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 72,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Brighton is seeking a Water Quality Analyst I/II to perform specialized chemical, physical, and bacteriological analyses on water and wastewater. The role involves sampling, laboratory and field work, and regulatory reporting under the Safe Drinking Water Act and NPDES permits.

Candidates will advance through I/II with demonstrated expertise and compliance responsibilities. The position requires proficiency in analytical methods, QA/QC, and data management, with opportunities for

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or related field.
• RMWQAA certification within 12 months of hire for Level I.
• Minimum four years of progressive analytical or chemical laboratory experience for Level II (requires advancement).

Responsibilities

• Perform routine chemical, microbiological and physical analyses per SOPs.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory and field instrumentation.
• Conduct QA/QC activities including calibration verification and control samples.
• Review data for accuracy and regulatory defensibility; investigate outliers.
• Maintain records, chain-of-custody, and LIMS entries.
• Assist with regulatory sampling, proficiency testing and special studies.
• Develop and update analytical SOPs and lab procedures.
• Train staff and provide peer review of data.

Skills

Data analysis

Calculations

SOP development

Technical judgment

Communication

Record keeping

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or related

Tools

LIMS

Laboratory instrumentation

Job description

Starting Hiring Salary - $34.77 to $36.86 hourly

DEFINITION

Water Quality Analyst I/II is a skilled professional responsible for performing specialized and complex chemical, physical and bacteriological analyses on water, wastewater, and treatment processes. Work involves collecting samples, performing laboratory and field analyses at sampling locations for regulated constituents as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act, NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permits, and other regulatory requirements. The Water Quality Analyst I/II would be responsible for regulatory compliance and reporting of all laboratory data to state or federal agencies.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Water Quality Analyst I

• Performs routine chemical, microbiological and physical analyses using established analytical methods and SOPs under general technical direction.
• Operates, calibrates and performs routine maintenance and troubleshooting of assigned laboratory and field instrumentation.
• Performs required QA/QC activities, including standards, control samples and calibration verification, in accordance with established procedures.
• Reviews analytical results for completeness and identifies unusual, inconsistent or out-of-range results for further evaluation.
• Maintains laboratory records, chain-of-custody documentation, calibration records and LIMS/database entries.
• Assists with regulatory sampling, proficiency testing, special studies, method evaluations and water-quality investigations.
• Assists in reviewing and updating SOPs and laboratory procedures.
• Develops proficiency in applicable analytical methods, instrumentation, regulatory requirements and water-treatment processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Water Quality Analyst II

• Performs all responsibilities assigned to Water Quality Analyst I and additionally performs advanced analytical, regulatory and technical duties requiring greater independent judgment.
• Performs and provides technical oversight for complex or advanced chemical, microbiological and instrumental analyses.
• Reviews and validates analytical and QA/QC data for accuracy, completeness and regulatory defensibility; investigates anomalous results and determines appropriate corrective actions.
• Independently troubleshoots analytical methods and complex instrumentation problems; coordinates vendor support, repairs and preventive maintenance when necessary.
• Develops, evaluates, validates and implements analytical methods, SOPs, quality-control procedures and sampling procedures.
• Reviews regulatory monitoring schedules, analytical results and reporting requirements and assists in preparing or reviewing reports submitted to regulatory agencies.
• Coordinates proficiency testing, corrective-action documentation and activities supporting CDPHE laboratory certification and regulatory audits.
• Serves as a technical resource to treatment operations by interpreting water-quality trends, investigating process concerns and recommending analytical or process follow-up.
• Leads or coordinates special studies and water-quality investigations; evaluates data, prepares technical reports and communicates findings and recommendations.
• Trains and mentors operators and other staff in sampling, analytical procedures, laboratory QA/QC, instrumentation and regulatory requirements.
• Provides peer review of laboratory data, calculations, chain-of-custody documentation and technical work performed by less-experienced staff.
• Assists with prioritizing and coordinating laboratory workload, regulatory sampling and special projects to ensure deadlines are met.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of physical, biological, and chemical sampling techniques and analyses.
• Knowledge of proper use of personal protective equipment
• Principles and practices of analytical chemistry, microbiology, and physical, biological, and chemical water quality analysis.
• Drinking water, wastewater, and environmental sampling techniques, preservation requirements, analytical methods, holding times, and chain-of-custody practices.
• Laboratory quality assurance and quality control practices, data validation principles, calibration requirements, and documentation necessary to produce defensible analytical data.
• Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Water Act, Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulations (Regulation 11), applicable CDPS/NPDES permit and industrial wastewater requirements, and other Federal, State, and local water quality regulations relevant to assigned duties.
• Water treatment processes, treatment process optimization, distribution system water quality, and the relationship between laboratory data and plant operations.
• Laboratory instrumentation, calibration, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, reagent and standard preparation, and analytical method requirements.
• Laboratory and field safety practices, chemical handling, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), hazard communication, and proper selection and use of personal protective equipment.

Skills:

• Analyze and interpret complex laboratory and water quality data, identify anomalous results or trends, and determine appropriate follow-up actions.
• Perform scientific calculations, dilutions, unit conversions, and basic statistical evaluations accurately.
• Develop, review, and follow Standard Operating Procedures, analytical methods, quality-control procedures, and safety protocols.
• Exercise sound technical judgment and work independently within established policies, methods, and regulatory requirements.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with treatment operators, management, regulators, vendors, employees, customers, and the general public.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and complete records and protect the integrity and traceability of laboratory data.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Water Quality Analyst Level I

• RMWQAA Laboratory Analyst I certification preferred at time of hire and required within twelve (12) months of employment.
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or a closely related science field.
• Minimum one (1) year professional laboratory experience in water quality sampling and analyses or directly related field OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.

Water Quality Analyst Level II

• RMWQAA Laboratory Analyst II certification required for designation or advancement to Water Quality Analyst Level II.
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or a closely related science field.
• Minimum four (4) years of progressive analytical or chemical laboratory experience.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands:

• Medium work lifting no more than 50 pounds with or without assistance at a time.
• Frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds
• Continuous walking and standing
• Frequent performance of activities requiring a full range of body movement including bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and climbing; hand/eye and hand/foot coordination for operation of tools, equipment, and vehicles
• Vision to read manuals, technical diagrams and observe gauges and instruments
• Hearing/listening for electronic equipment and telephones
• Speech communication sufficient to provide technical information and communicate with employees, customers, and regulatory representatives.

Work Environment:

• Works primarily in a laboratory and water treatment plant environment and may be exposed to hazardous or corrosive chemicals, biological materials, fumes, odors, noise, and operating equipment.
• Performs outdoor field work in varying weather conditions to collect samples from water supply, treatment, distribution, wastewater, and other monitoring locations.
• May occasionally work directly with water customers at residences or other locations while investigating water quality concerns.
• Must follow required chemical hygiene, laboratory safety, field safety, and personal protective equipment procedures.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid Colorado Driver's License with safe driving record.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Completion of FEMAICS 100 and IS 700 training within six (6) months of hire.