Wastewater Quality Analyst

City of Lancaster•Pa, PA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

This position provides highly skilled professional, technical, supervisory, and analytical services related to the wastewater quality chemistry laboratory and oversees the laboratory quality assurance program. Compiles, interprets, and analyzes data related to the Department of Environmental Protection NPDES permit and associated compliance concerns. Assists in ensuring compliance with applicable water quality regulations. Conducts microbiological assessments and reviews assessments conducted by others.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Biology, Microbiology, Physical Sciences, or Engineering with 24 college semester credit hours in Chemistry, and one year of laboratory experience is preferred.
An Associate’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Biology, Microbiology, Physical Sciences or Engineering, including 16 college semester credit hours in Chemistry and two years of wastewater laboratory experience.
A Class A Wastewater License, two years of laboratory experience, and the ability to obtain certification as a Laboratory Supervisor under the PADEP Water and Wastewater Systems Operators’ Certification Act for the wastewater sub-classification within 12 months of hire.
Possession of a valid Pennsylvania State Driver’s License is required.
Knowledge of work hazards and demonstrates safety consciousness, as well as compliance with pertinent safety regulations, standards, and guidelines.
Knowledge of the principles of chemistry and microbiology as applied to wastewater treatment
Knowledge of wastewater treatment and associated local, state, and federal regulations.
Knowledge of laboratory practices related to the PA Chapter 252 Laboratory Accreditation Program.
Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control.
Knowledge of the proper use and operation of laboratory and field monitoring equipment used for wastewater analysis, as well as protocols for sampling and testing.
Demonstrates skills in the applications and performance of all necessary laboratory techniques and procedures and in the proper use and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
Ability to act as the Utilities Laboratory and Compliance Manager during their absence and maintain laboratory accreditation.
Ability to identify and implement required wastewater quality monitoring and testing programs and procedures consistent with applicable protocols and regulations.
Ability to perform laboratory tests and accurately interpret and analyze test results.
Ability to develop effective solutions to resolving emergent problems, based on analytical and statistical analysis.
Ability to effectively communicate technical information both verbally and in writing; prepare clear, concise reports; and maintain accurate records.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, community groups, businesses, representatives of public and private agencies, and the general public.
Ability to develop and meet program goals; complete assignments on time.
Ability to work both in the office setting at a computer workstation and in the field; lift, bend, climb, and stand as necessary to perform work assignments, such as collecting samples, and work in potentially hazardous environments, including confined spaces.
Ability to plan, organize, and implement projects and assignments; portray an image of knowledge, confidence, professionalism, and caring to the general public.
Ability to work independently within general guidelines and direction.
Mechanical ability to perform minor repairs of laboratory instruments.
Ability to operate a vehicle on private and public streets is required.
Ability to learn and use computerized maintenance management systems.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook is required.
Proven ability to interpret, verify, and accurately enter data into a computer database is required.
Proven ability to work well under pressure and to maintain positive interactions is required.
Proven ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment is required.
Proven ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English is required.
Proven ability to apply mathematics, algebra, and statistics.
Proven ability to work collaboratively and successfully as part of a team is required.
Proven ability to adapt to new or changed situations and to show flexibility in making improvements in work processes and operations is required.
Proven ability to exhibit customer-centered behaviors and to focus on customer needs is required.
Proven ability to commit to excellence in service and to continuous improvement is required.
Requires lifting up to 20 lbs.
Requires opening and closing of fire hydrants.
Works around motorized or moving equipment and machinery.
Requires occasionally working long hours and must be available to handle emergency situations after hours, weekends and holidays.
Adheres to a fixed schedule that includes a required early shift every Wednesday from 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM to ensure timely completion of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) analyses within regulatory hold times.
Occasional weekend and holiday work is required to support uninterrupted laboratory operations and compliance.
Wastewater Quality Analysts are required to coordinate with one another to develop and maintain a schedule that ensures consistent coverage during weekends and holidays.
Applicants must possess valid employment authorization to work in the United States.
Applicants must have the ability to work on-site at City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania locations.

Nice To Haves

Possession of a Class A Wastewater Operator Certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develops safety protocols for wastewater testing and follows safe practices in the performance of laboratory duties.
Serves as the Quality Assurance/Quality Control Officer for the City’s PADEP accredited Wastewater Laboratory.
Responsible for the laboratory quality control program in accordance with PA Chapter 252 Laboratory Accreditation Regulations.
Establishes procedures and tests related to wastewater treatment and quality control.
Conducts quality control studies and establishes procedures to maintain accreditation.
Supervises quality control protocols.
Develops, maintains, and continuously refines monitoring plans, databases, and reports to evaluate status and trends for in-house and DEP laboratory programs and to demonstrate compliance with applicable regulations and requirements.
Performs routine and specialized laboratory analyses, ensuring all samples are processed within required hold times; accurately records test data, maintains detailed logs, and prepares comprehensive reports in accordance with regulatory standards and internal protocols.
Conducts microbiological assessments and maintains records of all tests conducted internally and externally by others.
Implements and maintains needed testing programs and procedures consistent with prescribed protocols and applicable standards.
Responds to citizen inquiries related to wastewater quality issues and/or concerns.
Assists in troubleshooting and resolving problems related to wastewater quality.
Consults and advises the Utilities Laboratory and Compliance Manager and Plant supervisors on chemical treatment doses.
Advises the Utilities Laboratory and Compliance Manager of the need for materials, supplies, and equipment for the laboratory and orders such items.
Electronically reports regulatory data to the PA Department of Environmental Protection.
Assists with sample collection and testing as needed.
Takes non-routine and/or special project field samples and reviews staff sampling techniques and procedures.
Assists the Utilities Laboratory and Compliance Manager in the effective operation of the Laboratory.
Advises and assists utility managers in developing effective solutions to address analytical concerns or issues.
Assists the Utilities Laboratory and Compliance Manager with the Industrial Pretreatment Program.
Conducts pretreatment inspections and investigations.
Prepares correspondence.
Supervises the Laboratory in the absence of the Utilities Laboratory and Compliance Manager and acts in that capacity during their absence.
Other duties as assigned.