Austin Water - Water Quality Scientist Senior

Water Quality Scientist Senior

Using comprehensive knowledge, perform chemical, physical and microbiological analyses, using EPA approved qualitative and quantitative techniques in one or more of the following areas: water, wastewater and environmental samples.

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Drive to various sites throughout the city including schools, wastewater plants and area water ways to train staff in sample collection protocol
• Develop and conduct technical training for division staff and other laboratory customer
• Review and approve work of other analysts.
• Research, develop, implement, and maintain QA/QC and standard operating procedures.
• Prepare and analyze water, wastewater or environmental samples.
• Evaluate samples to determine appropriate methodology for analysis.
• Maintain Chain of Custody process.
• Follow strict analytical and documentation protocols.
• Evaluate, verify, interpret, and prepare detailed reports, verbally and in writing. Notify appropriate staff of non-compliant or out of spec results.
• Perform trend analyses and notify appropriate staff in the case of unusual changes.
• Operate, maintain, calibrate and troubleshoot analytical/miscellaneous instrumentation. Research and develop specifications for technical instrumentation.
• Perform proficiency tests and other quality assurance procedures.
• Coordinate and ensure the performance of proficiency testing and QA procedures by staff.
• Prepare reagents and/or media.
• Assist in evaluating bid proposals.
• Conduct Corrective Action investigations for PT and QA/QC failures/lapses.
• Develop and implement new analytical methods.
• Assist in development and participate in engineering studies and/or research projects.
• May be required to testify regarding analyses performed.

Provides leadership on work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others. Function as technical lead and/or coordinator of activities to meet project guidelines.

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of the theory and application of organic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry and instrumental analyses including Gas Chromatography, Mass/Emission Spectrometry, Ultraviolet analysis and other instrument analyses.
• Knowledge of water quality analyses.
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory mandates.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and local laws.
• Knowledge of city practices, policy and procedures.
• Skill in interpreting and analyzing data.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in communicating verbally and in writing.
• Ability to lead others.
• Ability to deliver training.
• Skill in planning and organizing
• Ability to establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other agencies and City departments.

• Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Chemical, Environmental, or Biological Sciences, plus four (4) years of progressive experience in a field related to water quality testing.
• A master's or doctoral degree in one of the above disciplines may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.
• For Organics and Metals Testing Specialty:
  Major coursework must include 24 semester hours of Chemistry.
• For Microbiology Testing Specialty:
  Major coursework must include 16 semester hours of Biology and Microbiology combined with a minimum of one hour of each to fulfill the combination and 16 semester hours of Chemistry.
• For Wet Chemistry Testing Specialty:
  Major coursework must include the educational requirements stated in either one of the above specialties.

• Valid Texas Class "C" Driver License.
• For Analysts in the Water Quality Laboratory: must obtain a Class D Water Operator License TCEQ within six (6) months.

• Experience in a laboratory setting including troubleshooting laboratory equipment, preventative maintenance, method development, and analytical training of lab personnel.
• Knowledge and experience of regulations as they pertain to the drinking water/wastewater/biosolids industry.
• Experience reviewing quality assurance / quality control requirements in a TNI accredited laboratory.
• Experience working with laboratory databases such as Horizon or another LIMS database.
• Prior experience working in an Austin Water laboratory or other water /wastewater / biosolids utility laboratory.