SAN ANTONIO WATER SYSTEM
San Antonio, Texas, United States
Mar 09, 2024
Full Time
Grade 21 // Salary starts at $77,799.00 annually. Rate of pay depends on experience. Job Description JOB SUMMARY The Senior Environmental Laboratory Chemist is responsible for preparing samples and performing chemical, bacteriological, organic and metallic analyses that require advanced laboratory skills. Performs analyses, including required quality control, within required turnaround time and in accordance with standard operating procedures. Evaluates test results for reasonability and correctness and notifies client of any questionable results. Supervises, schedules, coordinates, and directs the analytical operations of the laboratory. Provides guidance to the Environmental Laboratory Technicians and Analysts in the capacity of Team Leader. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS All Specialties • Enters and verifies analytical data in the LIMS as well as researches, diagnoses and resolves suspect results through collaborations with Laboratory Management and/or Quality Assurance Coordinator if necessary. • Performs analyses requiring the use of advanced laboratory equipment to include Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectroscopy and/or Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy, and interprets the resulting data; calibrates, operates, maintains and troubleshoots test equipment and instrumentation needed to perform analyses. • Performs chemical analyses utilizing the gas chromatograph, ion chromatograph and/or the inductively coupled plasma in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures, calibrates, operates, maintains and troubleshoots test equipment and instrumentation needed to perform analyses. • Performs chemical analyses to determine pH, conductivity, turbidity, solids, acidity, alkalinity, volatile acids, demand, ammonia, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, oil and grease, cyanide, chlorophyll, phenolics, residual chlorine, color, and/or odor; microbiological analyses to determine total and fecal coliform and/or Microtox; and organic and metals preparatory procedures in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures, calibrates, operates, maintains and troubleshoots test equipment needed to perform analyses. • Researches, writes, and revises laboratory analytical Standard Operating Procedures. • Researches, evaluates and recommends new methodology, equipment and instrumentation that will improve the quality and/or efficiency of analytical operations. • Performs cost analysis and monitors elements of laboratory’s material, chemical and supply budget. • Oversees the receipt of chemicals and consumables. • Performs other duties as assigned. Laboratory Team Lead Specialty • Plans, supervises, coordinates and directs analytical operations of the laboratory as a team leader as well as trains analysts and technicians on analytical procedures and makes recommendations on employee performance to Manager. • Prioritizes schedule of lab testing for entire lab staff through management of regular workload as well as prioritizing samples on a daily basis. Laboratory Information Management System Administrator Specialty • Serves as system administrator for the LIMS to include set up user account and assign privileges. • Supports the laboratory users in the resolution of problems with the software applications functionality. • Researches and corrects problems with the LIMS • Manages change control, document configuration and system errors. • Correct user errors in both sample handling and analysis. • Assist, trains and educate LIMS users. DECISION MAKING • Reports to Manager, receives functional guidance from lab manager and works under limited supervision. Work is performed in accordance with laboratory standard operating procedures and policies. • The incumbent organizes and prioritizes work for lab team. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS • Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Computer Science or related discipline from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. • Four years of increasingly responsible analytical experience in general chemistry, metals, microbiology and organic analysis. • Intermediate level skills in word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Texas Water Utility Association Level B Laboratory Analyst Certification. • Certification as a Registered Environmental Laboratory Technologist. JOB DIMENSIONS • Occasional contact with internal and external customers, vendors, outside agencies and regulatory agencies. • Communicates effectively verbally and in writing. • Establishes and maintains effective working relationships and public relations. • Infrequent travel may be required. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS Physical requirements include lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds occasionally. Subject to reaching, standing, walking, climbing, twisting and sitting for long periods of time to perform job scope. Requires visual acuity, speech, hearing, and eye coordination. Working conditions are in a laboratory environment with frequent exposure to chemicals, waste material, hazardous materials, and fumes, vapors, and odors. May be required to work hours other than regular schedule including weekends and holidays. San Antonio Water System values the contributions of all its employees, providing them the best in compensation and benefits. The benefits package is designed to attract and retain a workforce of qualified employees who share a responsibility in providing quality water to 1 million consumers. From an affordable medical and dental plan to life-sustaining retirement and insurance plans, we offer benefits that reward employees for their commitment to a challenging career at SAWS. Employee benefits include the following: Competitive, market-based salaries Performance-based incentives Medical benefits Dental benefits Life insurance Prescription drug program Vision care plan Two retirement plans Deferred compensation plans (457 plan) Disability income Paid leave (vacation, sick, personal) Education assistance program Employee assistance program Flexible, tax-deferred health and dependent care spending accounts Wellness programs On-Site Fitness Facilities Community service opportunities Closing Date/Time: 4/7/2024 11:59 PM Central