Laboratory Analyst

JOB POSITION: LABORATORY ANALYST I

Division:
Water Quality - Drinking Water
Status:
Non-Exempt
Grade: 105
Job Code: 351

Reports to:

Laboratory Supervisor
Date: 07-01-07
Revised Date: 01-05-26
Last Reviewed Date: 01-05-26

Performs detailed technical work in conducting chemical and bacteriological tests of Drinking Water samples. Conducts sample collection at water treatment plants and throughout the distribution systems. Performs chemical and bacteriological tests such as Alkalinity, Calcium, Conductivity, Escherichia coli, Fluoride, Free Chlorine, Hardness, Heterotrophic plate count, Iron, Manganese, pH, Orthophosphate, Total Coliform, and Turbidity. 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 in-house Initial Demonstrations of Capability (IDC) for all routine 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 water testing laboratory preferred.

• Conducts sample collection at treatment plants and in the distribution system.
• Performs Alkalinity, Calcium, Conductivity, Escherichia coli, Fluoride, Free Chlorine, Hardness, Heterotrophic plate count, Iron, Manganese, pH, Orthophosphate, Total Coliform, and Turbidity.
• Conducts calibrations/checks on laboratory equipment and meters and documents results.
• Follows proper QA/QC procedures to meet regulatory requirements.
• Performs tests according to Standard Operating Procedures.
• Maintains clean and neat work area and company vehicle. Washes glassware utilizing automatic washers and by hand.

None.

• Ability to work Monday - Friday, 7:00AM - 3:30PM, plus overtime as necessary.
• 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 with a sense of urgency.
• Ability to cordially respond to inquiries from Lab Supervisor, customers, 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 adapt and be flexible when priorities change or emergencies arise.
• 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 sterilization equipment, IDEXX sealer, spectrophotometers, pH/ISE meters, various probes, pipetters, balances, incubators, refrigerators, and 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 365 Outlook, Excel, Word, & PowerPoint; work order system; and instrument software.
• Ability to plan routes and 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 WVWA vehicles.

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 drinking water preferred.

• 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 in-house Initial Demonstrations of Capability to meet regulatory requirements for all tests.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, and sit; walk up and down stairs; 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…