Senior Laboratory Scientist - Inorganic Chemistry Section

General Description

The District:
Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Corporate Values
Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

****This recruitment will close upon receipt of the first 100 applications or on November 3, 2024, whichever comes first. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time.****

The Position
Irvine Ranch Water District is accepting applications for a Senior Laboratory Scientist in the Inorganic Chemistry Section of the Water Quality Department. Laboratory Scientists and Senior Laboratory Scientists in the Chemistry group perform various routine and complex chemical analyses of potable water treatment and distribution systems, wastewater treatment systems, and reclaimed water distribution systems according to EPA methodologies. In addition to performing the analyses, they also summarize and interpret analytical and quality control data.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a full-journey level professional classification in the Laboratory Scientist Series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Laboratory Scientist level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, performing laboratory analyses with considerable independent action, and exercising judgment and initiative. The Senior Laboratory Scientist shall have an in-depth knowledge of all methods and instrumentation used in the laboratory; update, improve, and assist in developing new chemistry methodologies and techniques for analyses according to applicable governmental regulations or District policies/procedures; conduct relevant research within the laboratory to support District projects and goals; provide training for Laboratory Scientists and others, as needed; trouble-shoot method and instrumentation problems, and receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise. In the absence of a supervisor and when assigned, the Senior Laboratory Scientist will act in a lead role capacity to direct technical staff and perform supervisor's operational tasks to ensure continuation of necessary District business activities. Senior Laboratory Scientists have the following additional responsibilities:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Analyze drinking, surface, and/or wastewater samples using a variety of chemistry methodologies using standard operating procedures, including, but not limited to: wet chemistry, Ion Chromatography, and ICP/MS to meet federal and state drinking water and wastewater regulations, NPDES permit requirements and IRWD water quality monitoring programs.

Assist with training of fellow staff members in testing and safety methods.

Interface with other departments, consultants, and regulatory agencies to provide analytical support and interpretation.

Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication between lab staff on a daily basis.

Possess the ability to speak in public to present Chemistry lab data and/or instrumentation information to water agencies and other interested parties.

Analyze drinking, surface, and/or wastewater samples using a variety of chemistry methodologies and standard operating procedures, including, but not limited to: wet chemistry methods, solids, pH, EC, turbidity, ammonia, IC, and discreet analyzers to meet federal and state drinking water and wastewater regulations, NPDES permit requirements and IRWD water quality monitoring programs.

Perform Quality Assurance/Quality Control as required.

Following established procedures, safely and accurately prepare chemical reagents and dilutions used in laboratory analysis; perform quality assurance checks; assure that all reagents and equipment are in compliance with standards prescribed by regulatory agencies.

Record chemistry data into Laboratory Information Management System program.

Troubleshoot simple methods and instrumentation, such as wet chemistry methods and ion specific electrodes to ensure continuous and reliable operation of assigned instrumentation at all times.

Respond to customer requests in a timely, helpful and knowledgeable manner in order to enhance customer relations and confidence.

Develop, review and revise Standard Operating Procedures on a periodic basis, according to applicable governmental or District regulations.

Provide input on annual budget items and equipment inventory items.

Recognize unusual laboratory analytical results and notify either Water Operations or Wastewater Operations staff as appropriate.

Confirm data and prepare required reports.

Maintain laboratory equipment, methods and procedures to assure conformance with standards prescribed by regulatory agencies.

Provide assistance and support to other departments and timely response to District customers' inquiries.

Attend relevant seminars, training, and/or taking applicable coursework to remain current with advances in the water/wastewater field or with new technologies.

Possess an appropriated knowledge of applicable federal and state (CCR Title 22) regulations.

Comply with District safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.

Minimum Education, Training and Experience

Education:

• A combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelors' Degree in Chemistry or closely related scientific field from an accredited college or university is required. For degrees obtained outside of the U.S., an official equivalency evaluation is required.

Experience:

• Five years experience in a laboratory environment, which includes three years in a water/wastewater specialty, is required.
• Master's degree preferred.

Knowledge of:

• General principles of inorganic chemistry as they relate to the analysis of water and wastewater.
• Operating characteristics of laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
• Care and maintenance requirements of laboratory equipment.
• Chemical hazards and proper safety precautions relevant to a laboratory setting, including principles used in the safe handling of hazardous chemical materials and hazardous wastes.
• Wet chemistry techniques, such as pH, EC, turbidity, solids analysis, and colorimetric tests as it applies to the analysis of water and wastewater of various sources.
• Quantitative measurement and transfer of solids and liquids.
• General principles of analytical instrument operation, such as spectroscopy, chromatography, colorimetry, and atomic absorption.
• Mathematics and analytical techniques utilized in a water/wastewater laboratory setting, such as concentration calculations and statistical analysis.
• General laboratory safety practices including the use and application of personal protective equipment and other laboratory safety equipment.
• General laboratory principles and procedures, rules, and regulations relating to water quality.
• Principals and procedures of record keeping and reporting.
• General principles of mass spectrometry.

Additional Information

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION
All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Spark Hire: a one-way video interview, evaluating the candidates' ability to convey their training and experience.

Oral Interview Examination: will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.

The physical and mental demands described below are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication
Ability to explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well-established policies, procedures and standards, as well as the ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple and difficult requests from others. Work efficiently and independently from oral and written instructions with a minimum of supervision. Independently perform a variety of operational tasks and activities. Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication between laboratory, operations, and field staff on a daily basis. Ability to read, understand and interpret Material Safety Data Sheets and other safety documents. Strong attention to detail and documentation skills. Represent District in a professional manner when dealing with outside suppliers and customers.

Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability
Ability to use good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions. Ability to manage time, organize, plan, and prioritize assignments.

Mathematical Ability
Ability to calculate dilutions of reagents and standards. Knowledge of units of measure and concentration used in a chemistry laboratory and in the water industry. Must be able to use stoichiometric and algebraic equations.

Technology Ability
Computer literacy in MS Office Software such as Word and Excel or equivalent spreadsheet and Word Processing Programs.

Physical Requirements
Regularly required to sit, walk, bend, stoop and stand for extended periods of time. Ability to correctly differentiate and interpret colors. Ability to tolerate repetitive motion tasks. Must be able to lift 25 lbs. on a routine basis

Environmental Adaptability
Ability to work in an environment with exposure to malodorous chemicals or other materials in the laboratory. Noise level in the laboratory may be greater than typical office conditions.

IRWD offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; anda variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status. This benefits overview is intended to be a summary, is not intended to be all-inclusive,and may not be applicable to all employees.

Retirement
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013:
The District, in compliance with the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2012 (PEPRA), implemented a third tier for new employees hired on or after January 1, 2013. New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have not been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system within 6 months of hire date will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at a 2 percent at age 62 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefits of 2.5 percent at age 67. Final compensation calculations will be based on the highest three-year average of regular recurring pay. The District pays the employer's share of these costs. The employee share of the pension cost of 7.50% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula.

Employees hired on or after September 29, 2012 or "Classic" PERS members hired on or after January 1, 2013:
On September 24, 2012, the IRWD Board of Directors approved the addition of a second tier to the CalPERS retirement benefits. New employees hired on or after September 29th through December 31, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system, will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at 2 percent at age 60 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefit of 2.418% at age 63. The District pays the employer share of these costs and the employee share of the pension cost of 7% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula. Final retirement compensation calculations are based on the highest three-year average of regular, recurring pay.

IRWDdoes not participate or pay into Social Security except for the Medicare portion.

Medical Insurance
IRWD contracts with CalPERS for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from a variety of PPO and HMO plans. The employee and District contribution for health insurance varies by plan.Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Dental Insurance
IRWD contracts with Delta Dental for dental coverage.IRWD pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Vision Insurance
IRWD contracts with the EyeMed for vision coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for vision coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Life Insurance
Elgible employees are provided with life insurance coverage equal to three or four times their annual salary, depending on their level of compensation. Eligible dependents are also covered for a flat benefit amount. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Deferred Compensation
Participation in adeferred compensation plan is available through Empower Retirement. Enrollment is voluntary and contributions are employee-paid and subject to IRS limits. The District matches employee contributions up to 3% of base pay after 1 year of employment.

Paid Vacation
Eligible employees begin accruing vacation benefits at the rate of 80 hours per year for the first 5 years of employment. Employees accrue 120 hours per year after 5 years of employment and 160 hours per year after 10 years of employment.

Paid Holidays
The District offers 11 scheduled paid holidaysplus one personal holiday per year.

Sick Leave
Eligible employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave annually.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible employees may elect to participate in the District's Flex Advantage program. This program allows employees to deposit pre-tax dollars into special accounts to be used for a variety of purposes, including paying for qualified miscellaneous health care expenses and dependent care expenses. IRWD contracts with a third party administer to process payments from employee accounts using claim forms or a Flex Spending debit card.

Educational Assistance
The District will share in the pre-approved educational costs of tuition and books for employees who wish to attend college or take certification classes.

Closing Date/Time: 11/3/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

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• Irvine Ranch Water District

• (949) 453-5360

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