Laboratory Analyst

Under the general supervision of the Environmental Compliance Supervisor, the Laboratory Analyst will perform a variety of working level professional, technical duties involving collecting and conducting tests on water and wastewater samples in order to determine chemical properties and composition and ensure city compliance with state and federal EPA guidelines and regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Laboratory Analyst may perform some or all the following essential functions, including additional duties as assigned.

• Operates various laboratory equipment to conduct appropriate tests and analyses; properly calibrate equipment as needed; conducts routine chemical and bacteriological analysis; collects and analyzes daily water distribution samples.
• Analyze water and solid samples for a variety of chemicals or properties, such as pH, turbidity, chlorine, hardness, alkalinity, suspended solids, metals, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, settleability, phenols, oil and grease, phosphorus, and bacteria.
• Provide operational recommendations related to plant efficiency to the operations and maintenance staff.
• Provides recommendations related to regulatory compliance to the environmental compliance staff.
• Participate in obtaining State certification for laboratory procedures; performs special projects that involve chemical or bacteriological research with written reports.
• Coordinates the purchase of lab supplies/equipment and tracks related inventory.
• Conducts water quality training for plant operators and environmental staff.
• Assists with the creation of public outreach materials and public education activities.
• Responds to customers and public regarding water quality complaints.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology or related field and five (5) years of experience performing above or related duties; or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

License and Certifications:
Must possess a valid Driver’s License

Must complete required NIMS level training within first six months of hire.

Must have or obtain within 12 months of hire a Level D Missouri Wastewater Operator Certification or Level D Missouri Drinking Water Treatment Certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of chemistry and microbiology; laboratory testing techniques, protocols and practices.
• Recordkeeping, report preparation, and filing methods
• Applicable state, federal and local laws, rules and regulations.
• Highly proficient with computer software including MS Office and Outlook, and applications related to the work; laboratory safety procedure.

Skill in:

• Conducting laboratory tests on water and solid samples.
• Performing mathematical and algebraic computations; communicating clearly and effectively.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
• Operating and calibrating laboratory equipment.

Ability to:

• Read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operation and maintenance instructions, procedures manuals.
• Write routine reports and correspondence
• Dealing with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Work Conditions:
While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear; and lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. While performing the essential functions of this job the employee may be frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, possible bodily injury from moving mechanical parts, tools, or machinery, radiation, and risk of electrical shock.

This position may require you to work some weekends and holidays.

In addition to the application, testing and/or examinations may be required for further consideration on this position, including:

Drug Testing

Background Check

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Independence is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected category. The City of Independence is a background screening, drug-free workplace.

The City of Independence provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation in order to apply for a job, please submit your request to [email protected].

Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature, level, and type of work performed by the incumbent(s) assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, demands, and skills required of personnel so classified. Job descriptions are not intended to and do not imply or create any employment, compensation, or contract rights to any person or persons. Management reserves the right in coordination with the governing union (if applicable) to add, delete, or modify any and/or all provisions of this description at any time as needed without notice. This job description supersedes earlier versions.