Laboratory QAQC Specialist

Save the Sound, Inc.•Larchmont, NY

12d•$50,000 - $60,000•Onsite

About The Position

Save the Sound leads environmental action in your region. We fight climate change, save endangered lands, protect the Sound and its rivers, and work with nature to restore ecosystems. We do this in many ways, from legislative advocacy and legal action to engineering, environmental monitoring, and hands‐ on volunteer efforts. For more than 50 years we’ve been ensuring people can enjoy the healthy, clean, and thriving environment they deserve—today and for generations to come. Our Water Quality Science Team advocates for the health of Long Island Sound through community organizing; data collection, analysis and visualization; legal and legislative advocacy; engaging and informative storytelling; and targeted pollution reduction campaigns. Our growing team brings a variety of backgrounds, characteristics, and skillsets together to produce tangible outcomes that improve the environs of Long Island Sound. We are highly collaborative, nimble, and innovative in our approach to achieving our shared mission of clean and life-filled waterways. For more information on our mission and programs, visit www.savethesound.org. The Laboratory QA/QC Specialist is a member of the Water Quality Team, based out of the Westchester office. This position will assist with quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) tasks, help maintain compliance with New York Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (NY ELAP) accreditation standards and provide organizational support for laboratory operations. While this role may involve some analytical work, the primary focus is on carrying out QA/QC tasks, ensuring data integrity, and supporting day-to-day laboratory functions under the guidance of the Laboratory Manager. Types of lab analyses currently conducted include, but are not limited to, pathogen indicator bacteria, nutrients, total suspended solids, chlorophyll-a, and microbial source tracking/eDNA (qPCR). The Laboratory QAQC Specialist reports to the Laboratory Manager and is based out of our Westchester office in Larchmont, NY. This position requires in-office attendance 4-5 days per week.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or related field; or equivalent laboratory experience.
Familiarity with quality assurance/quality control practices in a laboratory setting.
Hands-on experience calibrating and maintaining laboratory equipment, thermometers, and balances.
Strong organizational skills for managing documentation, inventories, and maintenance schedules.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel or similar tools for data entry, review, and QA checks.
Comfort working in fast paced environment and on multiple projects simultaneously.
Dependable, collaborative, and motivated to contribute to science-based environmental advocacy.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of NELAC, NY ELAP or other regulatory/accreditation standards (preferred but not required; training provided).
Experience working in an environmental, analytical, or research laboratory, with familiarity in water quality analyses such as nutrients, chlorophyll a, pathogen indicator bacteria or qPCR.
Familiarity with environmental field equipment such as multiparameter sondes, and ability to assist with calibration and maintenance.

Responsibilities

Assist with maintaining laboratory quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) systems to support compliance with NY ELAP accreditation requirements.
Perform data entry checks, review QC results, and flag any potential issues to the Laboratory Manager.
Carry out routine QA checks on calibration records, logbooks, and analytical results.
Conduct calibration of laboratory equipment and thermometers as required.
Perform and document daily temperature checks of freezers, refrigerators, incubators, and ovens.
Monitor and track equipment maintenance schedules to ensure services are completed on schedule.
Prepare and maintain reagent stocks and chemical solutions following established procedures.
Track and manage laboratory inventory.
Perform general laboratory housekeeping to ensure a clean, safe and organized workspace.
Provide technical support to laboratory staff as needed, including occasional assistance with water quality analyses.
Assist in data QA/QC, storage and online posting for the water monitoring programs.
Provide guidance and assistance in the training of water quality interns and volunteers on lab QA/QC procedures.