Water Quality Scientist I

San Antonio River Authority • San Antonio, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Performs chemical and/or bacterial analyses on environmental and wastewater treatment system samples in compliance with regulatory, project and accreditation requirements. Revises and implements chemistry, microbiology, and general lab procedures. Safety is #1 at the River Authority: We expect every employee: to 1) Strictly follow safety policies, rules, and safe work methods. 2) Promptly correct or report safety hazards or unsafe conditions. Immediately report injuries for prompt diagnosis and treatment. 3) Make regular suggestions for safety process improvements to support continuous safety improvement.

Requirements

• An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university in Chemistry, Environmental Science or a related discipline, and six (6) months of progressively responsible environmental laboratory experience; or a combination of experience and education that results in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record.
• Knowledge of Laboratory best practices, safety protocols, and quality control measures
• Knowledge of Environmental sample handling, analysis hold time, and preservation requirements
• Knowledge of Chemical properties
• Knowledge of Databases and Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System
• Skills in Maintaining laboratory equipment
• Skills in Preparing reagents
• Skills in Utilizing aseptic techniques
• Skills in Communicating orally and in writing
• Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture that reflects our Values In Action of Accountability, Excellence, Open and Direct Communication, Teamwork and Collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Performs chemical and bacteriological analyses according to the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference Institute (TNI), internal quality assurance guidelines, and laboratory best practices.
• Documents all work on bench sheets and logbooks to ensure complete traceability of all analytical batches, chemical and standards purchased or prepared, maintenance performed, along with instrument and equipment calibrations. Uses the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to create analytical batches, report results, generate reports, and log in samples.
• Validates the analytical work of colleagues.
• Operates and maintains laboratory instrumentation and equipment. Assists with purchase requisition, service visits, and equipment and supply orders for certain analyses.
• Participates in cross-training with other water quality scientists in analytical tasks and laboratory operations and procedures including analytical/administrative duties, calibrations, calculations, reporting, and troubleshooting.
• Creates and revises SOPs, work protocols, bench sheets, logbooks, and calculation spreadsheets; exercises good laboratory practices, follows safety protocols, and maintains a clean and organized work area.
• Documents and addresses issues of nonconformance through reporting, corrective actions and document revisions. Produces documentation during internal and external audits and enforcement actions when required and writes follow up reports.
• Represents the River Authority and the department at public outreach and education events to promote natural resources stewardship.
• Performs related work as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level