Laboratory Analyst

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Job description

DESCRIPTION
Padre Dam Municipal Water District is looking for a Laboratory Analyst to work at our Water Recycling Facility Lab. This position is a full-timer permanent position that would work a schedule of Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Mondays (Four - Ten Hour Days).

Incumbents are responsible for the physical and chemical analysis of process control testing for the water recycling facility; districts potable water system, advanced water treatment, and water quality for Santee Lakes. Duties include: collecting and analyzing plant water samples; providing operators with the necessary data; monitoring the recreational lakes; preparing laboratory solutions, chemicals, media and equipment; performing bacteriological tests for the water recycling and potable water distribution systems; and, maintaining laboratory logs, records and files. Maintains and practices procedures to ensure compliance with all Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's), ELAP requirements and the laboratory QA/QC manual.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Performs analytical chemical and microbiological analyses according to the most current "Standard Methods" for compliance of Padre Dam's NPDES permit. Analyses includes but are not limited to: (a) Process Control tests including pH, turbidity, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxygen Demand, total and volatile suspended solids, settle able solids, conductivity, temperature, chlorine residual, alkalinity; (b) Microorganisms such as Total and Fecal Coliform, E. coli, and enterococcus; (c) Ions such as Total Nitrogen, Ammonia, Nitrate, Total and Ortho Phosphorus; (d) completes all quality assurance and quality control analyses.
2. Ensures all policies and procedures are followed while working in the lab. This includes the laboratory Standard Operating Procedures, and the laboratory Quality Assurance/Quality Control Manual. Completes all written/data entry documentation with attention to detail and accuracy.
3. Prepares laboratory solutions, chemicals, media and equipment for routine daily analyses.
4. Collects wastewater and surface water samples from various locations at the Treatment Plant and Santee Lakes.
5. Performs the bacteriological analyses on Padre Dam's potable water system according to the "standard methods" for reporting to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB); Division of Drinking Water (DDW).
6. Performs annual performance water studies to comply with the California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) for State Certification.
7. Monitors the lakes at Santee Lakes by collecting water samples and testing them for bacteria and nutrient concentrations and microbiology, analyzes results and makes recommendations to Park personnel regarding treatment for algae and weed growth.
8. Keeps accurate records and generates lab spreadsheets and reports when appropriate.
9. Prepares the applications for quality studies required by the SWRCB; DDW.
10. Leads Laboratory Temporary or Part-time Employees in the absence of the Laboratory Analyst, Senior.
11. Assists in implementing new equipment and procedures.
12. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
13. Plans and implements special projects per the request of the District.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, TRAINING, EXPERIENCE & LICENSING
Knowledge:

• Theories and principles related to Chemistry, Statistics, Mathematics and Microbiology;
• Physical, chemical and biological test procedures;
• Laboratory safety practices required when working with potentially contagious, corrosive and/or toxic materials.

Skills:

• Working independently and as a team member;
• Rapidly learning and consistently performing routine sampling and analysis according to regulatory protocol;
• Understand, follow directions and complete assignments with minimal supervision;
• Work in odorous conditions in the laboratory and in the field;
• Operate a power motorboat, truck and trailer safely.
• Operating and maintaining basic laboratory instrumentation and equipment;
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Training and Experience:
Required at Entry: Completion of at least one college level Chemistry or Biology Class with Laboratory. Required to work in Grade 20 or Grade 22: Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry or a related field; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Licensing Requirements:

• Valid California Driver's License;
• Laboratory Analyst Grade I certification (within one year from date of hire) from the California Water Environment Association OR
• Laboratory Analyst Grade II certification from the California Water Environment Association required for work in Grade 20 or 22.

Grade 14 ($26.46-$37.41)
Grade 20 ($34.22-$48.40)
Grade 22 ($35.65-$50.42)

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