Temporary Laboratory Scientist

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.

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:

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.

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel.

Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

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…