Laboratory Scientist

City of Shreveport•Amiss Water Treatment Plant, LA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Laboratory Scientists in Water/Wastewater perform a variety of standardized chemical and physical tests, and interpret moderately complex microbiological analyses to determine the required treatment of potable, industrial, wastewater, and sludge samples. This role involves operating, calibrating, and maintaining laboratory equipment, ensuring proper quality control/quality assurance, and working safely in accordance with City guidelines. Responsibilities include data entry into LIMS, recommending improvements to work procedures, preparing bacteriological media and performing quality control on it, and adhering to all federal, state, and local mandates regarding sample collection, analysis, and reporting. The role also involves preparing and certifying standards and reagents, participating in proficiency testing, and potentially being an instrumental participant in a certified microbiological laboratory. The Laboratory Scientist is responsible for sample collection, analysis, and reporting of compliance data to regulatory agencies, analyzing waters for pathogens and other bacteria, and coordinating with Operations personnel to optimize plant performance. They must maintain job safety standards, including personal protective equipment and best laboratory practices, and comply with City of Shreveport vehicle safety rules. Regular attendance at required safety, job-related, and certification training is expected.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in chemistry, microbiology, biology or a closely related field.
Facility with form perception to recognize physical and chemical differences in materials and eye-hand coordination.
Possess data handling skills, including facility with Microsoft Office or similar programs, generating emails, as well as laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
Ability to prepare written reports and perform basic mathematical calculations accurately.
Valid State Vehicle Operator's license.
Ability to become knowledgeable of quantitative laboratory analysis including legal chain of custody and quality control.
Amiss Plant Assignment - Hold or be able to obtain Class 2 Water Production, Water Treatment and Water Distribution Certificates issued by the State of Louisiana, Dept. of Health and Hospitals within 3 years.

Responsibilities

Performing a variety of standardized chemical tests, physical tests and interpretation of moderately complex microbiological analyses to determine required treatment of potable, industrial, wastewater and sludge samples.
Operates, calibrates and maintains laboratory equipment.
Maintain proper quality control/quality assurance.
Works safely and follows City guidelines for safety.
Enters data into the LIMS systems; recommends improvements in work procedures, methods and reporting forms.
Prepares bacteriological media; performs quality control procedures on media prepared in house and purchased commercially.
Adheres to all federal, state and local mandates regarding sample collection, analyses and reporting of data.
Prepares and certifies standards and other reagents.
Participates in and successfully passes the proficiency testing.
May be instrumental participant in a certified microbiological laboratory.
Is responsible for sample collection, sample analysis and reporting of compliance data to the EPA/DHH/DEQ.
Analyzes waters for the presence of pathogens and other bacteria.
Coordinates with Operation's personnel to optimize plant performance.
Performs other duties as assigned or required.
Maintains job safety standards (personal protection equipment, best laboratory practices, etc.); complies with City of Shreveport vehicle safety rules.
Regularly attends required safety, job related and certification training as required.