Water Quality Analyst

Salary

$23.41 - $37.47 Hourly

Location

Boulder, CO

Job Type

Full-Time

Department

Public Works - Utilities

Job Number

2020-00150

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

The City of Boulder is a great place to live, work, grow and play.

With over 300 miles of dedicated bikeways and more than 150 miles of hiking trails, Boulder values active lifestyles and access to nature. Forty-five thousand acres of land provide open space for parks and a green belt around the city.  With world class restaurants and art and music venues, The City of Boulder values diverse culture.

Respect is one of our five City Values (including Customer Service, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation) and we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We celebrate and support our differences across all spectrums, including but not limited to ethnicity, gender, age, disability and sexuality. Through our focus on Racial Equity, our employee benefits, and the many programs resources we offer our staff, we continually strive to weave respect for one another into the fabric of our organization. 

Add your voice and talents to the City of Boulder and help us grow in service excellence for an inspired future.


OVERVIEW OF ROLE      
This position plays an essential role on an innovative, flexible, and motivated laboratory team. Performs analytical testing on a wide variety of water/wastewater matrices, learning a range of techniques and methods while staying engaged and excited.  Accurately documents work and adheres to QA/QC protocols for the laboratory, while continually improving and innovating procedures.  Serve as a subject matter expert in your field/focus, providing scientific, analytical, and technical assistance to support city utilities operations and compliance and to positively impact local water quality.
     
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES         

1. Analytical Testing

• Under general supervision, conducts chemical and microbiological testing on water, stormwater, wastewater, industrial wastewater, and biosolids.
• Performs NPDES permit-requirement sampling/analyses and/or Drinking Water sampling and certified analyses. 
• Calibrates laboratory and field instruments/equipment. Performs troubleshooting and maintenance on laboratory and field instruments/equipment, as needed.
• Performs special studies testing and evaluation, as necessary.
• Ensures quality control requirements are met; works under existing laboratory Quality Assurance plan and SOPs.
• Prepares reagents.

2. Data Collection, Reporting, and Analysis

• Collects data and performs calculations related to analyses performed.
• Enters data into LIMS in timely fashion.

• Monitors results of analytical analyses and reports abnormal or high values to program staff in a timely fashion.

3. Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC)

• Follows the laboratory Quality Assurance program by maintaining the procedures and guidelines outlined in the Laboratory Quality Assurance Manual while facilitating adherence to approved procedures.

• Evaluates data generated for accuracy, quality, and compliance with the quality assurance program.
• Collaborates with other staff to meet QA/QC goals.

4. Field Sampling

• Conducts field sampling for raw and potable water, stormwater, wastewater, etc., as needed. Prepares equipment and supplies for monitoring. Maintains field equipment and performs troubleshooting as needed for repair or replacement decisions.
• Conducts monitoring and maintenance of monitoring equipment at remote city facilities.
• Performs field investigations and responds to questions from the public related to the city's water quality.

5. Other Duties

• Responds to the public's questions and complaints, explains city policy and procedures, conducts tours of the laboratory and/or wastewater treatment plant, and resolves problems as necessary.
• Performs laboratory housekeeping and dishwashing functions related to the maintenance and cleaning lab glassware, equipment, and facilities; maintains and repairs equipment.
• Performs related duties as required to meet the needs of the city.
• Responsible for knowing and complying with all city and department policies; participating in professional trainings and development; and adhering to attendance and workplace attire policies.

Generally, duties are listed from most to least critical or time consuming.


MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS           

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, physical sciences, or a related field, and a minimum of three years of equivalent experience in water and/or wastewater analyses. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of water and/or wastewater laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Ability to work accurately and efficiently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to work with hazardous materials and equipment. Ability to use all required safety equipment. Ability to lift and carry equipment and supplies as needed. Visual acuity, manual dexterity in measuring samples and calibrating equipment. 
• A strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, and LIMS. 
• Valid driver's license. Have and maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record and criminal history.

      
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the required minimum qualifications: Water Quality Analyst Certification; knowledge of water and/or wastewater treatment process and research; ability to serve as a technical resource in any of the following: microbiology, aquatic ecology, ecotoxicology, water quality regulations, algae identification, etc.  Experience evaluating, troubleshooting, and repairing analytical equipment.


WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS            
            
Physical Demands: Regularly requires standing, walking, lifting, kneeling, carrying, sitting, and occasional climbing. Occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs. Regularly requires frequent hand/eye coordination to operate personal computer and office equipment; vision for reading; recording and interpreting information, including the ability to distinguish colors; ability to communicate with employees and the public.

Work Environment: Works on occasion in a loud or noisy work area with exposure to fumes or chemicals. Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions, including exposure to adverse weather.

The City of Boulder provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.


PLEASE NOTE WHEN APPLYING:

• A Cover Letter and Resume are required to be attached to the application to considered for this position
• This job posting is "continuous" or "open until filled." It will remain open for a minimum of 5 days from 6/16/2020 after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

To Apply: 

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofboulder/jobs/2796641/water-quality-analyst