Biologist

The City of Saginaw•City of Saginaw Water Treatment Plant, MI

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, this position conducts biological and chemical standardized lab tests, water analysis and field tests to ensure water quality meets state and federal regulations. This role performs routine microbial sampling, testing, and reporting for bacteriological, protozoan, and chemical analysis, adhering to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) mandated programs for drinking water. The position involves preparing, standardizing, verifying, and maintaining laboratory reagents, media, and chemical solutions, as well as analyzing treatment chemicals and bacterial media. It also includes effectuating the Quality Assurance Plan for biological and chemical analyses, reviewing testing procedures and results, and investigating discrepancies. The role requires performing bacteriological sampling, testing, and disinfectant residual testing throughout the treatment plant and water distribution system, and investigating water quality concerns. Microscopic examination of water to detect, identify, and enumerate algae and other biological organisms is also a key responsibility. The Biologist maintains accurate laboratory records, reports, and analytical documentation, and operates, calibrates, verifies, troubleshoots, and maintains laboratory and online analytical instrumentation. Support is provided to Water Plant personnel, and new employees are trained in laboratory procedures. Research and investigative testing to improve plant operation and potable water quality are conducted, along with maintaining testing programs for the Saginaw River, raw water, and reservoirs. The position also involves maintaining laboratory facilities and adhering to safety procedures. Additionally, the role includes conducting water treatment plant tours and providing educational presentations to various groups about water treatment and quality. Adherence to utility security policies, including the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) and Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA), is mandatory, with immediate reporting of any security threats or incidents. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Associate degree in Biology or a related science required.
Two (2) years of hands-on work experience in a laboratory.
Possession and maintenance of Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Drinking Water Certification F-3 required.
If not in possession at time of hire, once eligible, must obtain F-4 certification within four (4) test cycles of hire and an F-3 certification within four (4) test cycles after obtaining F-4 certification.
Valid State of Michigan Driver License.
Knowledge of Standard laboratory techniques and practices.
Knowledge of Use and care of laboratory equipment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) as well as the ability to become proficient in various departmental related software.
Attention to detail to ensure accurate review and recording of test results.
Ability to Work independently and multi-task.
Ability to Analyze, interpret, and report the results of laboratory findings.
Ability to Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Must provide proof of eligibility to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

Bachelors degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Performs routine microbial sampling, testing, and reporting for bacteriological, protozoan, and chemical analysis.
Adheres to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) mandated programs for drinking water.
Prepares, standardizes, verifies, and maintains laboratory reagents, media, and chemical solutions used by the Water Treatment Plant and Whitestone Raw Water Pumping station laboratories.
Analyzes treatment chemicals and bacterial media to verify content and purity.
Effectuates the Quality Assurance Plan for biological and chemical analyses.
Reviews testing procedures and results; investigates questionable results or procedural discrepancies.
Performs bacteriological sampling, testing, and disinfectant residual testing and throughout the treatment plant and water distribution system.
Investigates water quality concerns at residences, businesses, and other locations throughout the water system.
Performs microscopic examination of raw and treated water to detect, identify, and enumerate algae and other biological organisms affecting source-water or finished-water quality.
Maintains complete and accurate laboratory records, reports, and analytical documentation in accordance with regulatory and departmental requirements, including analyses associated with water-main construction and regulatory compliance.
Operates, calibrates, verifies, troubleshoots, and maintains laboratory and online analytical instrumentation to ensure accurate and reliable water-quality measurements.
Provides laboratory and operational water-quality support to Water Plant personnel as needed.
Trains and instructs new employees, temporary employees, and other assigned personnel in laboratory procedures, sampling techniques, equipment operation, and quality control practices.
Conducts research and investigative testing to improve routine plant operation and potable water quality.
Maintains and evaluates Saginaw River, raw water, and reservoir testing programs.
Maintains laboratory facilities, equipment, glassware, and work areas in clean, sanitary, organized, and safe condition and follows established laboratory safety and contamination-control procedures.
Conduct Water Treatment plant tours and provides educational presentations to students, community organizations, civic groups, and members of the public regarding water treatment processes, water quality, and related topics.
Adhere to all utility security policies and procedures, including those outlined in the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) and Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA) documentation, to ensure the ongoing security and resilience of the water system's infrastructure, operations, and water quality.
Immediately report any actual or potential physical or cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, or incidents to the designated utility security point of contact or supervisor.
Performs other duties as assigned.