Applicants must apply on-line at our website: www.westernvawater.org/careers
SUMMARY
Performs detailed technical work in conducting chemical and bacteriological tests of Non-Potable Water and Biosolids. Conducts collections of composite and grab samples using automatic samplers and other equipment. Performs physical, chemical and bacteriological tests such as Alkalinity, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Dissolved Oxygen, Escherichia coli, Fecal Coliforms, pH, Settleable Solids, Temperature, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), Total Phosphorous, Total Residual Chlorine, Total Solids, Total Suspended Solids, and Volatile Solids. Calibrates and maintains laboratory equipment/instruments and documents results. Maintains and documents proper QA/QC procedures to produce acceptable data. Must be able to pass required Initial Demonstrations of Capability (IDC) for all required testing within 3 months of date of hire.
Must have education or work experience equivalent to an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree (preferred) in chemistry/biology/environmental science or related field. Two (2) or more years of experience in laboratory testing with regulatory oversight preferred. Prior experience in a wastewater testing laboratory preferred.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Includes the following. Other duties may be assigned or scheduled.
· Conducts collections of composite and grab samples.
· Performs Alkalinity, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Dissolved Oxygen, Escherichia coli, Fecal Coliforms, pH, Settleable Solids, Temperature, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), Total Phosphorous, Total Residual Chlorine, Total Solids, Total Suspended Solids, and Volatile Solid tests.
· Conducts calibrations/checks on laboratory equipment and meters and documents results.
· Follows proper QA/QC procedures to meet regulatory requirements.
· Prepares standards and reagents according to Standard Operating Procedures.
· Maintains clean and neat work area. Washes glassware utilizing automatic washers and by hand.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
· Ability to work Monday – Friday, 6:30AM – 3:00PM, plus rotating weekends and holidays.
· Ability to follow laboratory safety and QA/QC procedures.
· Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
· Ability to apply time management concepts and prioritize work assignments to complete all daily tasks.
· Ability to cordially respond to inquiries from Lab Supervisor, Lab QA/QC Specialist, other departments, and co-workers, both verbally and in writing.
· Ability to identify and troubleshoot technical problems with laboratory equipment.
· Ability to read, understand and follow documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance manuals, diagrams, flow charts, standard operating procedures, and task lists.
· Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
· Ability to read and write or generate emails, Corrective Action forms, and database reports in a clear concise manner.
· Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with co-workers, other Water Authority departments and the general public.
· Ability to work effectively as part of a high performing team and also to work independently.
· Must possess and maintain a good work ethic with a strong emphasis on good attendance, punctuality, time management, and interpersonal skills.
· Ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s).
· Ability to operate specialized laboratory equipment such as Discrete Analyzer, digestion blocks, sterilization equipment, IDEXX sealer, robotic BOD analyzer, spectrophotometers, pH/ISE meters, pipetters, balances, ovens, incubators, muffle furnace, and automatic sampling equipment.
· Ability to investigate and troubleshoot equipment and communicate concerns to Laboratory Supervisor.
· Ability to represent assigned area in meetings, as necessary.
· Ability to use software such as Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, & PowerPoint; Laboratory Information Management System (SampleMaster LIMS); instrument operating system software; and automatic sampler programming.
· Ability to plan work load to meet time requirements.
· Must be able to collect bacteriological and chemical samples in the field and be able to prepare bottle kits for sample collections.
· Must be able to safely operate utility and WVWA vehicles.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or related field preferred. Two (2) or more years’ experience in laboratory testing under regulatory oversight preferred. Prior experience in laboratory testing of wastewater preferred.
CERTIFICATE, LICENSE, REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
· Must possess a valid Virginia driver's license. No more than six (6) demerit points on driving record if required to drive Water Authority vehicles.
· Must be able to pass IDC to meet regulatory requirements.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, and sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear.
· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, climb, balance, crawl or reach overhead.
· Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus. If corrective lenses are noted on driver’s license, the lenses must be worn when operating Authority vehicles.
· Repetitive movement using keyboard and/or office equipment is involved.
· Employee must be able to sit for an extended amount of time at a desk or workstation.
· Employee must regularly lift, carry and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally 25 pounds. Assistance is required on weight amounts above those listed. Failure to do so could result in injury and denied Worker's Compensation benefits.
WORK ENVIRONMENT ENCOUNTERED IN THIS JOB
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
· Employee will be regularly exposure to moderate or high noise level, extreme outside weather conditions, uneven, steep, slippery terrain conditions, dusty conditions and wet and/or humid conditions.
· Employee will be subject to exposure to moving mechanical parts and heavy equipment operation.
· Employees will be subject to roadway hazards, i.e. traffic.
· Employee will be subject to outside hazards, i.e. poison ivy, bees, spiders, dirt, animals.
GENERAL STATEMENT AND SELECTION GUIDELINES
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work assigned to in this job position. They should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties or tasks performed by personnel so classified.
The following will identify the selection guidelines for job placement:
· WVWA application
· Rating of education, experience, training and qualifications
· Reference checks
· Interview with WVWA management team
· Applicant must pass a pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol test
· A criminal background check and social security number verification will be performed. The results must match information provided by the applicant on the WVWA application
· Job related test might be required and would be administered to all applicants applying for the position
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $21.76 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Ability to Relocate:
- Roanoke, VA 24014: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
