Environmental Laboratory Scientist

State of careers Rhode Island

2d•Onsite

About The Position

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To conduct routine quantitative and qualitative chemical, physical, or biological tests within the field of environmental sciences according to established protocols; and to do related work as required. Supplemental Information This position primarily supports the Water Microbiology Laboratory and is responsible for microbiological testing of drinking water, beach water, dairy, and other environmental public health samples using established analytical methods, regulatory requirements, and quality assurance protocols. Duties include sample receiving and accessioning, media and reagent preparation, membrane filtration and other culture-based analyses, incubation management, colony enumeration, documentation and data entry, maintenance of laboratory instruments and workspaces, and adherence to chain-of-custody and quality control requirements. The preferred candidate must be able to work effectively in a high-throughput public health laboratory environment with time-sensitive reporting obligations that support public health decision-making. The role consists of comfort with repetitive analytical bench work, strong attention to detail, and the ability to maintain accuracy and productivity during periods of elevated seasonal sample volume, particularly during beach monitoring and drinking water compliance cycles. Demonstrated ability to follow written SOPs, maintain complete laboratory documentation, and accurately enter results into laboratory information systems and associated tracking records is essential. The position also requires frequent standing, repetitive pipetting and filtration tasks, movement of sample coolers and laboratory supplies, and the ability to safely handle biological and environmental specimens. The preferred candidate must also be willing and comfortable to complete cross-training in rabies diagnostic support, including animal tissue handling, necropsy assistance, dissections, specimen preparation, and strict biosafety and PPE practices. The ability to work confidently in both environmental microbiology and animal tissue–based laboratory settings is needed.

Requirements

A thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of chemistry, biochemistry or microbiology
A thorough knowledge of laboratory methods and procedures
Skill in the performance of chemical tests or microbiological analyses
The ability to analyze biological or chemical data and present conclusions in acceptable reports
Graduation from a college of recognized standing with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related science.

Nice To Haves

The preferred candidate must be able to work effectively in a high-throughput public health laboratory environment with time-sensitive reporting obligations that support public health decision-making.
The role consists of comfort with repetitive analytical bench work, strong attention to detail, and the ability to maintain accuracy and productivity during periods of elevated seasonal sample volume, particularly during beach monitoring and drinking water compliance cycles.
Demonstrated ability to follow written SOPs, maintain complete laboratory documentation, and accurately enter results into laboratory information systems and associated tracking records is essential.
The position also requires frequent standing, repetitive pipetting and filtration tasks, movement of sample coolers and laboratory supplies, and the ability to safely handle biological and environmental specimens.
The preferred candidate must also be willing and comfortable to complete cross-training in rabies diagnostic support, including animal tissue handling, necropsy assistance, dissections, specimen preparation, and strict biosafety and PPE practices.
The ability to work confidently in both environmental microbiology and animal tissue–based laboratory settings is needed.

Responsibilities

To conduct routine quantitative and qualitative chemical, physical, or biological tests within the field of environmental sciences according to established protocols.
To be responsible for ensuring and maintaining sample integrity including maintenance of secure chain-of-custody when applicable.
To utilize data management systems including Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) in data entry, review, and reporting.
To appropriately access and utilize computer database systems in accordance with applicable regulations (e.g., HIPAA).
To learn and apply proper and effective laboratory methods and techniques associated with routine duties.
To participate in the instruction of scholars.
To assist with authorized minor repairs on various laboratory instruments.
To perform technical review of laboratory data.
To keep records of tests and analyses and prepare reports as required.
To make recommendations for improvements of the laboratory toward a more efficient operation.
To perform qualitative and quantitative chemical, physical, or biological analyses for validation and method development.
To analyze and interpret findings in accordance with established procedures and to present conclusions and recommendations through the submission of analytical reports to superiors.
To provide information and technical assistance to internal and external partners in accordance with internal policies (e.g., criminal justice agencies and systems).
To identify and report testing difficulties or problems that arise in the laboratory or field.
To effectively utilize and maintain instruments and equipment.
To participate in a program of quality assessment and improvement within the laboratory.
To perform quality control procedures and assure compliance with standards.
To perform technical competency tests as part of a routine training program for analytical testing.
To perform proficiency tests as a method of quality assurance.
To monitor inventory of testing supplies and alert when reorders are needed.
To identify and internally report laboratory operational issues as they arise (e.g. reagent shortages, equipment issues).
To participate in maintaining a quality assurance, accreditation, and improvement program.
To perform analyses in support of public health and safety research goals as assigned, including laboratory improvement projects.
To assist in evaluations involving quality assessment, corrective action, and improvement programs.
To represent the unit at unit at meetings, conferences, and to the public.
To perform laboratory activities to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and standards.
To collaborate with other staff members in the unit to ensure continuity and coverage of laboratory operations.
To work collaboratively with other laboratory units and personnel within the Division or Department as instructed.
To comply with regulations, policies, and procedures relating to laboratory safety and biosafety.
To comply with all applicable governmental laws and regulations and institutional policies and procedures.
To participate in staff continuing education training.
To attend departmental and section meetings and seminars as required.
To do related work as required.

Benefits

For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.
Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees.
Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit.
Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system.
At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.

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