Laboratory Analyst

City of Independence•Independence, MO

4d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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 of: Principles and practices of chemistry and microbiology; laboratory testing techniques, protocols and practices.
Knowledge of: Recordkeeping, report preparation, and filing methods
Knowledge of: Applicable state, federal and local laws, rules and regulations.
Knowledge of: 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.
Skill in: Performing mathematical and algebraic computations; communicating clearly and effectively.
Skill in: Communicating clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
Skill in: Operating and calibrating laboratory equipment.
Ability to: Read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operation and maintenance instructions, procedures manuals.
Ability to: Write routine reports and correspondence
Ability to: Dealing with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Ability to: Interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
Ability to: Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Responsibilities

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.