The Wastewater Department with the City of Coeur d'Alene is hiring a Lab Analyst to join their team.
The Laboratory Analyst performs chemical and bacteriological sampling and analyses of raw and treated water, wastewater influent and effluent, and industrial process water samples. The sampling and testing follow strict National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) guidelines to ensure City compliance with state and federal water and wastewater treatment standards. The work is performed under the supervision of the Laboratory Supervisor/Pretreatment Supervisor. The position requires an Associate's degree or equivalent advanced training in chemistry, microbiology, or a related field and a Bachelor's degree is preferred. The position requires an Idaho Wastewater Laboratory I certification within 18 months of hire and an Idaho Wastewater Treatment Operator I certification within two years of hire. Two years of wastewater and/or water laboratory experience is required. The Laboratory Analyst works in a laboratory and field environment where the noise level is moderate and with exposure to hazardous chemicals and substances, confined spaces, and adverse weather conditions.
Examples of Duties
(illustrative only and may vary by assignment)
Performs skilled technical chemical and bacteriological sampling and testing of raw and treated water, wastewater influent and effluent, and industrial process water samples;
Performs sampling and testing under National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and State Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) guidelines to ensure City compliance with state and federal water and wastewater treatment standards;
Performs process control testing and evaluates and interprets data, reporting results to operators;
Collects and tests samples at prescribed intervals;
Performs and reviews data entry on laboratory tests;
Maintains and updates laboratory control charts;
Calibrates, standardizes, and troubleshoots laboratory equipment;
Maintains prescribed quality control standards;
Develops, researches, and updates laboratory QAP, Standard Operating Procedures, and Chemical Hygiene Plan following EPA guidelines;
Performs mandatory EPA proficient tests;
Updates and maintains MSDA (hazardous materials) data and accidental spill plan;
Prepares Discharge Monitoring Report as required by EPA;
Conducts laboratory tours and prepares educational material for students;
Performs tests on Spokane River water;
Maintains inventory of laboratory chemicals, supplies, and equipment, including ordering and verifying orders;
Assists Laboratory Supervisor/Pretreatment Supervisor, as needed;
Responds to management's, supervisor's, co-workers' and citizens' questions and comments in a courteous, thorough and timely manner;
Performs time management and scheduling functions, meets deadlines, and sets project priorities;
Maintains strict confidentiality of all matters;
Assists other department and City employees as needed or requested;
Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures, and safety practices.
Secondary Duties and Responsibilities:
Maintains laboratory equipment and facilities;
Maintains laboratory equipment log book;
Properly disposes of used and outdated chemicals;
Performs other duties as assigned.
Supplemental Information
The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for an individual to satisfactorily perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be successful in the position. Knowledge of:
Methods, materials, tools, and standard practices of performing skilled technical chemical and bacteriological sampling and testing of raw and treated water, wastewater influent and effluent, and industrial process water samples;
All applicable National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) guidelines for performing sampling, testing, and reporting;
Basic processes of chemistry and microbiology;
Advanced mathematical computations;
Safe work practices in the use, storage, and disposal of laboratory equipment and hazardous chemicals and materials;
Chemical safety and storage;
Water and wastewater treatment plant operations, process control, and monitoring methods and procedures;
Operation of standard office equipment, a personal computer and laptop, and related software applications, including specialized laboratory applications;
Public sector, government, or related environment and operations, including general municipal management terminology, codes, acts, and regulations.
Skill and Ability to:
Perform skilled technical chemical and bacteriological sampling and testing of raw and treated water, wastewater influent and effluent, and industrial process water samples;
Perform sampling and testing under National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and State Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) guidelines to ensure City compliance with state and federal water and wastewater treatment standards;
Maintain laboratory and operator certifications by attending classes, seminars, and conferences;
Interpret and current EPA Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater;
Understand and apply administrative policies and procedures governing laboratory operations and sample testing;
Interpret test results and understand their application to treatment processes;
Operate and maintain a variety of laboratory equipment;
Operate a personal computer and laptop, and related software applications, including specialized laboratory applications;
Operate standard office equipment;
Operate a motor vehicle;
Use English and speak clearly for understanding;
Listen carefully to, understand, and effectively communicate through verbal, written, and electronic communication channels;
Perform duties to supervisor's expectations;
Follow verbal and written instructions;
Work independently and exercise initiative, with general guidance and supervision;
Maintain a professional demeanor at all times;
Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
Demonstrate integrity and ingenuity in the performance of assigned tasks and solving problems;
Perform all duties in accordance with City policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and that of other employees and the public.
Physical Demands & Work Environment: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to manipulate and make adjustments to tools used in performing the essential functions of the classification, and reach with hands and arms. The duties include work in confined spaces. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and, infrequently, up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this classification include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing abilities required by this classification includes those which permit the employee to discern verbal instructions and communicate effectively in person and by telephone and to discern safety warnings such as alarms and emergency warning sounds, including vehicle backup warnings. While performing the duties of this classification, the employee works in a laboratory and outdoor environment where the noise level is usually moderate with exposure to adverse weather conditions, and potentially hazardous substances and chemicals.
Minimum Requirements
High school diploma or GED;
Associate's degree or equivalent advanced training in chemistry, microbiology, or a related field is required and a Bachelor's degree is preferred;
Idaho Wastewater Laboratory I certification within 18 months of hire and an Idaho Wastewater Treatment Operator I certification within two years of hire is required;
Idaho Class I Wastewater Treatment Operator or Idaho Class I Collection Operator certification required;
Idaho driver's license is required;
Two (2) years' water or wastewater laboratory experience is required; or
An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.
