The Sr. Laboratory QA/QC Auditor serves as a senior-level auditor and performs work that involves monitoring the analytical laboratory system and data quality parameters tested by the laboratory through the application of different audits and inspections. Work involves managing specialized and fundamental quality programs such as proficiency testing, analytical quality control, and quality audits. The Sr Laboratory QA/QC Auditor provides support and assistance in matters related to laboratory certification.
The Laboratory Quality Assurance Program ensures:
Analytical data are scientifically valid, defensible, of known accuracy and precision, and timely
Achievement and maintenance of laboratory certification/accreditation by federal and state agencies
Compliance with federal, state, and local regulations in analyzing environmental samples
Essential Functions
Conducts many different types of audits, including full data audits, laboratory audits, support equipment audits, and system audits to assess compliance with regulatory requirements, certification, good laboratory practices ( GLP ), good automated laboratory practices ( GALP ), and laboratory quality assurance policies and procedures, method performance, and analyst performance
Monitors the laboratory analytical system and data quality of all parameters tested to ensure compliance with the Laboratory’s Quality Assurance program
Provides support to the analytical sections by performing calculations and granting final approval of initial demonstration of capabilities and method detection limits
Writes, reviews, and revises laboratory internal operating procedures/standard operating procedures ( IOP / SOP ) and quality control requirements ( QCR )
Provides support to the analytical sections by performing calibration checks and maintaining supply of thermometers, mechanical pipettes, and weights
Prepares checklists of audits conducted, if not available; modifies checklists when necessary; and prepares the laboratory for external audits and onsite inspections; assists in addressing any deviations
Promptly notifies the Laboratory Quality Assurance/Quality Control Section Manager and analysts of deviations detected during any audit or inspection that require immediate corrective action
Reviews and approves results of corrective actions
Prepares written reports of audits performed
Performs work related to laboratory certification
Maintains and updates document control system, including but not limited to, internal operating procedures ,standard operating procedures, maintenance logbooks, extraction logbooks, equipment logbooks, standards and reagents logbooks, chemicals and materials master logbook, standards master logbook, and analytical worksheets
Maintains inventory and control of internal and external proficiency tests and quality control samples including log-in, disbursement, and evaluation
Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business
Other Functions
Maintains inventory and record of QC samples and major equipment required for certification as well as auxiliary equipment such as thermometers, mechanical pipettes, weights, etc.
Place orders with vendors when supplies need replenished for QC samples and auxiliary equipment such as thermometers, mechanical pipettes, weights, etc.
Monitors and schedules calibration services when required for various auxiliary equipment such as thermometers, mechanical pipettes, weights, etc.
Prepares reports of completed projects and work in progress
Conducts spot checks of the quality system
Conducts audits of WRRF / WFP plant operators and distributes Quality Control (QC) samples for analysis
Conducts audits of any newly implemented methods and any analyst(s) using such methods
Provides training related to Quality Control (QC) procedures and policies for new and current employees
Attends QA/QC meetings as required and for training and development purposes
Performs other related duties as assigned
Work Environment And Physical Demands
Laboratory environment
Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of chemistry and microbiology as it relates to qualitative and quantitative analysis of water, wastewater, sludge, and other materials as required
Knowledge and familiarity with environmental methods and principles of instrumentation for analyses of water, wastewater, and sludge
Knowledge and familiarity with quality control requirements and acceptance criteria of environmental methods
Knowledge and familiarity with laboratory accreditation requirements, laboratory certification requirements, and quality control aspects of laboratory system and operations
Knowledge of good laboratory practices ( GLP ) and good automated laboratory practices ( GALP )
Ability to gain knowledge of WSSC Water Internal Operating Procedures, Standard Operating Procedures, Quality Assurance Manual, Quality Control Summary of Protocols/ EPA Approved Methods and Guidelines, and all other applicable regulations and guidelines
Familiarity with Safety Data Sheets, Safety Manual, and all WSSC Water emergency procedures
Ability to plan and organize work efficiently with minimal supervision
Ability to assist laboratory operations in solving quality control related problems
Ability to use a laboratory information management system ( LIMS ) in all aspects related to login, query, and data verification
Ability to follow complex verbal and written instructions
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Ability to conduct audits and interact with internal and external customers in an effective and professional manner
Ability to prepare comprehensive analytical reports and to interpret test results
Ability to accurately perform chemical, bacteriological, and biological tests
Skill in the use of computer programs for word processing and scientific calculations
Skill in producing formal reports and performing calculations
Minimum Education, Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree
4+ years environmental laboratory analysis experience that includes 2+ years of laboratory Quality Assurance/Quality Control auditing experience
OR
High school diploma or equivalent
8+ years environmental laboratory analysis experience that includes 2+ years of laboratory Quality Assurance/Quality Control auditing experience
