Quality Assurance Assistant, Austin Water

City of Austin•Austin, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

For over 100 years, Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve over 1,000,000 people in the Austin metropolitan area, across more than 548 square miles. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, we’re not just keeping up—we’re leading the way with sustainable infrastructure, advanced treatment technology, and environmental innovation. Austin Water consistently ranks among the best in the country when it comes to water quality. We also treat, return, and recycle wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources. Austin Water exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance at our water and wastewater treatment plants. Job Description: Quality Assurance Assistant Purpose: This position is responsible for assisting in planning and directing Quality Assurance/Quality Control programs and strategies to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and Local regulations within laboratory. Implements policies, procedures, and systems to maintain and enhance performance of the organization and division. Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. Reviews Quality Assurance/Quality Control programs. Assists in administering Quality Assurance/Quality Control Programs. Researches, develops, implements, and maintains QA/QC and standard operating procedures. Reviews and approves work of other analysts. Provides technical expertise on an ongoing basis. Assists in developing and managing quality control initiatives. Conducts audits. Reviews and interprets policies, codes and regulations. Assists in developing and maintaining program policy documentation. Develops and conducts technical training for Division staff and other laboratory customers. Provides guidance and recommendations in budget development. Reviews and recommends specifications for technical instrumentation and contracts. Assists in evaluating bid proposals and managing contracts. Assumes QA officer responsibilities in their absence. Performs internal audits; perform quality assessments of data produced without outside influence and document corrective actions. Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: May provide leadership, guidance and/or technical support to others. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed. Knowledge of Bacteriological, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry methods for which data is performed. Knowledge of the NELAC standard. Knowledge of water and wastewater analytical methods. Ability to work independently and have analytical problems skills. Ability to produce SOP documents. Ability to review data and QC parameters accurately. Ability to keep track of training documentation. Ability to compile and submit reports. Ability to interact well with diverse workforce. Minimum Qualifications: Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Chemical, Environmental, or Biological Sciences, with 24 hours of coursework being in Chemistry only or 16 hours of Chemistry, plus 16 hours of Biology/Microbiology combination with a minimum of one (1) hour of each. Four (4) years of experience in a field related to drinking water or environmental water quality analyses with experience in the use of computerized analytical instrumentation. A Master’s or doctoral degree in one of the above disciplines may be substituted for one (1) year of experience. Preferred Qualifications: Experience reviewing technical documents and data for accuracy and QC compliance. Intermediate skills with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Experience working in a water or wastewater laboratory, preferably with TNI accreditation. Experience writing and reviewing technical SOP’s. Experience with the assessment process of a TNI accredited laboratory. Experience using Qualtrax or an equivalent quality assurance software. Experience with Horizon or an equivalent LIMS system. Ability to travel to more than one work location. Licenses and Certifications Required: Valid Texas Class "C" Driver's License Notes to Candidate: Position Overview: This position assists in the management of the quality assurance and safety program for the Laboratory Services Division, including conducting audits, monitoring lab compliance with water and wastewater regulations, conducting training classes and presentations, writing technical procedures, and assisting with management of the laboratory’s LIMS database. Pay Range: $31.39 - $39.24 per hour Position(s) will be filled at the following location: Position(s) will be filled at the following location: 14050 Summit Drive #121 Austin, TX 78728 This position will soon be permanently relocated to: 712 E. Huntland Dr. Austin, TX 78752 Days and Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Benefits: Working with Austin Water provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more – click HERE for more information. Additionally, this position offers a career progression plan, which provides a unique opportunity to promote without having to go through the competitive process. As employees go through on-the-job training to develop new skills and abilities and obtain the appropriate license, they are eligible to submit for Career Progression, which allows them to demonstrate knowledge and skills without having to interview for the promotion. When completing the City of Austin employment application: A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Provide each job title and accurate employment dates for all jobs included on the application. Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment and computer software used. The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered. A résumé is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. A cover letter is also required . In the cover letter candidates should describe, in concise detail, their interest in this position and highlight any prior experience that is relevant to this position. If you are selected as a top candidate: Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution. If you are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date. Driving Requirement: This position requires a valid Texas Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. Critical Employee: This position has been designated as critical for the City of Austin. Critical positions are necessary and vital and support activities that impact City or department operations. Work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees may be reassigned to another area to provide essential services to support any extraordinary situations or emergency conditions. Secondary Employment: All Austin Water employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department. Austin Water will review all secondary employment. Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with Austin Water, as well as current Austin Water employees considering secondary employment. 90-day Provision: This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies that occur within the department. All Austin Water worksite locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any AW worksite – including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicle located on the premises. NOTE: A cover letter and résumé are required for this position. Please be sure to upload your documents for consideration. Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply , but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed . All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time. We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system. Please note this posting may close any time after 7 days. . JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country. . EEO Statement for City of Austin: The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Requirements

Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Chemical, Environmental, or Biological Sciences, with 24 hours of coursework being in Chemistry only or 16 hours of Chemistry, plus 16 hours of Biology/Microbiology combination with a minimum of one (1) hour of each.
Four (4) years of experience in a field related to drinking water or environmental water quality analyses with experience in the use of computerized analytical instrumentation.
Knowledge of Bacteriological, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry methods for which data is performed.
Knowledge of the NELAC standard.
Knowledge of water and wastewater analytical methods.
Ability to work independently and have analytical problems skills.
Ability to produce SOP documents.
Ability to review data and QC parameters accurately.
Ability to keep track of training documentation.
Ability to compile and submit reports.
Ability to interact well with diverse workforce.
Valid Texas Class "C" Driver's License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date.
External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s or doctoral degree in one of the above disciplines may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.
Experience reviewing technical documents and data for accuracy and QC compliance.
Intermediate skills with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Experience working in a water or wastewater laboratory, preferably with TNI accreditation.
Experience writing and reviewing technical SOP’s.
Experience with the assessment process of a TNI accredited laboratory.
Experience using Qualtrax or an equivalent quality assurance software.
Experience with Horizon or an equivalent LIMS system.
Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Responsibilities

Reviews Quality Assurance/Quality Control programs.
Assists in administering Quality Assurance/Quality Control Programs.
Researches, develops, implements, and maintains QA/QC and standard operating procedures.
Reviews and approves work of other analysts.
Provides technical expertise on an ongoing basis.
Assists in developing and managing quality control initiatives.
Conducts audits.
Reviews and interprets policies, codes and regulations.
Assists in developing and maintaining program policy documentation.
Develops and conducts technical training for Division staff and other laboratory customers.
Provides guidance and recommendations in budget development.
Reviews and recommends specifications for technical instrumentation and contracts.
Assists in evaluating bid proposals and managing contracts.
Assumes QA officer responsibilities in their absence.
Performs internal audits; perform quality assessments of data produced without outside influence and document corrective actions.
May provide leadership, guidance and/or technical support to others.