Environmental Laboratory Analyst

Incumbents in this position are responsible for the collection, testing and reporting of water and wastewater samples in the laboratory, at the treatment facilities and in the distribution system. This position is assigned to a Step Program in pay grade G15.

• Collects samples of drinking water and wastewater from treatment plants and the distribution/collection systems for testing for State/Federal compliance and for special projects.
• Conduct drinking water and wastewater laboratory chemical, physical and microbiological analysis following up to 100 SOPs based on EPA and Standard Methods.
• Conduct drinking water and wastewater sample collection and field analysis.
• Perform routine laboratory analysis of drinking water and wastewater using approved methodology and State required control procedures.
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory and field equipment.
• Create accurate records and reports of analysis results and perform all necessary calculations.
• Prepare chemical solutions and reagents.
• Maintain and perform QA/QC procedures to comply with State and Federal guidelines.
• Maintain laboratory supplies and chemical inventory and ensure proper storage of all supplies and equipment.
• Respond to drinking water and wastewater emergency events.
• Perform special operational monitoring events as identified.
• Perform special compliance sampling events of drinking water and wastewater.
• Investigate drinking water customer complaints by collecting samples. Prepare reports and maintain records of investigation.
• Conduct procedural training for other laboratory staff.
• Prepare and participate in safety training sessions.
• Maintain sole occupancy of the laboratory.
• Deliver water/wastewater samples to local commercial labs or to shipping facilities for contracted testing purposes and complete legal chain of custody forms.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

In the event of an emergency all employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to perform alternate duties.

• Bachelors degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or other related course of study.
• Six (6) months of laboratory, environmental sampling and field-testing experience or any related work field.
• In lieu of bachelor's degree and 6 months of experience, associate's degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science or any related course study and 2 years of laboratory experience.
• Understanding of basic laboratory and/or environmental, wastewater or drinking water sampling techniques.
• Ability to follow directions, learn multiple procedures and be detail oriented.
• Have above average communication and organizational skills.
• Be familiar with Microsoft Office.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid State of North Carolina driver's license

Other Essential Job Specifications YES NO Use interpersonal skills such as seeing, hearing, and speaking to develop positive interactions with customers.
X Comprehends and uses technical or professional language, either written or spoken, to communicate complex ideas. X Performs numerical operations using basic counting, adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.
X Performs complex quantitative calculations or reasoning using algebra, geometry, statistics, or abstract symbols.
X Requires travel between CFPUA sites. X Use or repair small/light equipment (power tools). X Use or repair medium equipment and machinery (vehicles, commercial mowers). X Use or repair heavy or complex machinery (HVAC systems, construction equipment, water plants).
X Physical Requirements None: 0 hours or 0% of scheduled shiftSome: Up to 2 hours or 20% of scheduled shiftFrequent: 2 to 5 hours or 20% to 60% of scheduled shiftVery Frequent: More than 5 hours or 60% to 100% of scheduled shift NONE SOME FREQUENT VERY FREQUENT Minimal physical exertion. Very light physical work at desk or counter level with intermittent periods of sitting, standing, and walking. May involve data entry, telephone work, or use of various office equipment.
X Same as above with the addition of standing/sitting/walking for lengthy periods of time. May involve light physical exertion due to pushing, pulling, carrying, and lifting weights up to 20 pounds.
X Physical exertion involving pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 20 pounds. May require prolonged standing and/or walking during which time objects are transported. May require occasional bending, squatting, and reaching.
X Sustained physical activity throughout the work period. Performs work tasks involving pushing, pulling, carrying, and lifting up to 50 pounds. May require bending, squatting, stooping, reaching, climbing, or walking in addition to other physical demands.
X Physical exertion throughout the work period. Performs work tasks involving pushing, pulling, carrying, and lifting varying weights up to 50 pounds, and more than 50 pounds with assistance. May require bending, squatting, stooping, reaching, climbing, or walking in addition to other physical demands.
X