Laboratory Analyst

The City of Bloomington is seeking an individual to perform complex analyses (including sample collection, processing, preparation, analysis, and interpretation) of various matrices for either chemical or microbiological components in accordance with state and federal laboratory certification guidelines.

• Models and contributes to a positive work environment, culture of communication, engagement and safety
• Communicates effectively and respectfully with employees and the general public, including but not limited to those of diverse racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Works cooperatively as a member of a team; develops and maintains effective working relationships with diverse coworkers and community members; consistently brings a high level of self-awareness and empathy to all personal interactions
• Embraces the City’s shared values and contributes towards accomplishing the City’s vision and goals by being creative, innovative, continuously learning, and communicating clearly

• Coordinate daily laboratory functions for the chemical and microbiological areas
  • Conduct and interpret complex sample analyses
  • Assure analyses are performed in a timely, accurate, and safe manner
  • Assure proper comprehensive records are maintained to support water treatment programs and laboratory certifications
  • Maintain and suggest modifications to laboratory procedures and methods with the overall goals of efficiency, defensible data, and maintaining the current state and federal laboratory certificates
  • Maintain laboratory instrumentation
  • Stock and maintain laboratory inventories
• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of treatment plant and laboratory operations
  • Compose routine correspondence and complex documents (e.g., specifications, justifications, recommendations, manuals, operating instructions)
  • Establish, maintain, and update water quality information and the methods for recording information
  • Investigate and research water treatment and water quality issues
  • Maintain proficiency of core laboratory functions (drinking water protection)
• Ensure water quality meets federal, state, and local standards
  • Have a working knowledge of and monitor federal, state, and local legislation [Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), Clean Water Act (CWA)]
  • Investigate, interpret, recommend corrective measures, and monitor water quality parameters in the treatment plant and distribution system
  • Conduct and interpret research including distribution, pilot plant, bench scale projects, and storm water analysis
• Maintain microbiological procedures for water matrices
  • Have working knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations relating to water epidemiology
  • Establish and maintain current approved methods for culturing and identifying water organisms (e.g., bacteria, etc.)
  • Prepare appropriate media for water analyses
• Maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public
  • Communicate requested information (such as sampling or analytical methods) to appropriate staff
  • Perform routine communications with the public through telephone conversations, letters, presentations, etc.
• Maintain knowledge of and experience in operating computer hardware and software
  • Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
  • Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system
  • Utilize computer application in support of work assignments
• Perform related work as apparent or as assigned

• Demonstrates ability to use complex laboratory equipment (e.g., ICP-AES, IC, FIA)
• Demonstrates a good working knowledge of the Bloomington WTP laboratory
• Demonstrates knowledge of the state and federal laws pertaining to laboratories and drinking water
• Reviews method quality control results for compliance and follows-up all corrective action
• Reviews data packets for completeness
• Generates water quality reports as directed
• Operates and maintains the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Maintains state and federal lab certifications
• Perform routine lab analyses in both the Micro and Chemistry labs
• Assigned tasks are completed in a timely and acceptable manner
• Maintains effective working relationships…