Laboratory Quality Control Analyst

Are you an experienced laboratory analyst? The City of Modesto is looking for the right candidate to join our Laboratory Services team in Wastewater. 

Upcoming Salary Increases and Incentives:
3% COLA effective July 1, 2025

3% COLA effective July 1, 2026

2.5% Education Incentive (bachelor's degree)

5% Education Incentive (master's degree)

The Laboratory Quality Control Analyst is responsible to perform a variety of technical tasks relative to reviewing, validating, implementing, and training staff in analytical and record-keeping procedures related to complex physical, chemical, biological, and bacteriological water and wastewater analyses. Monitors the laboratory’s safety, quality assurance, training, accreditation, and chemical hygiene plans; and performs related duties, as assigned.

Essential Functions:

Reviews laboratory quality control and sampling procedures; makes recommendations for adjustments to processes and procedures related to laboratory testing and compliance consistent with TNI (The National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) Institute) standards.

Develops, reviews, updates, and maintains the laboratory’s Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Management System consistent with TNI standards.

Develops, adheres to, ensures compliance with, and monitors quality assurance (QA) standards and safety protocol of the laboratory; maintains and reviews quality control databases, charts, detection limits, and action levels for laboratory analyses; recommends improvements and modifications as necessary.

Analyzes, interprets, and validates data; recognizes data abnormalities as they relate to process control and analytical testing; determines the causes of problems and makes appropriate recommendations to take corrective action; prepares and submits corrective action and investigation reports as necessary.

Performs quality control and assurance program administration activities; compiles data to prepare reports and summaries; maintains databases; submits periodic and special reports to appropriate regulatory agencies.

Coordinates or performs quality assurance system audits of laboratory performance using samples provided by regulatory or commercial agencies; prepares or reviews the preparation of calibration standards and quality assurance check samples for internal laboratory use.

Performs a variety of quality assurance and quality control analyses of qualitative and quantitative tests of water and wastewater; monitors and evaluates laboratory test results to ensure all reported data meets minimum acceptance criteria.

Monitors state and federal regulations relating to laboratory quality assurance; evaluates impact on laboratory practices; identifies changes required to comply with regulation and assists with City responses as appropriate.

Trains employees in work principles, practices, methods, policies, procedures, and applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations; trains employees in work methods, use of tools and equipment, and relevant safety precautions.

Assists in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and work standards for the division, including recommending improvements.

Performs chemical and biological analyses to assist in troubleshooting water and wastewater plant issues; conducts and participates in special studies as assigned.

Prepares reagents, chemicals, bacteriological media, and standard test solutions; performs mathematical calculations and statistical analyses for test results.

Operates and uses monitoring equipment, operates portable lab equipment, and performs field analyses as necessary.

Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.

Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.

Marginal Functions:

Perform other related duties as assigned.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Chemical, biological, and physical characteristics of various environmental matrices including water and wastewater.?

Principles, practices, techniques, equipment, and materials required for basic chemical, biochemical, biological, microbiological, and physical analysis of samples of potable water and wastewater.

Sampling techniques and related statistical analysis.

Laboratory and wastewater plant safety procedures and equipment.

Principles and practices of work planning, assignment review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.

Basic principles of water and wastewater treatment and practices for distribution/disposal.

Data collection procedures, record keeping, analysis, and technical report preparation.?

Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.

Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

Ability to:

Provide technical and functional supervision over assigned staff; effectively train staff.

Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.?

Perform complex troubleshooting of problems that result from laboratory testing procedures and recommend appropriate solutions.

Perform basic chemical, biochemical, biological, microbiological, and physical analyses of various matrices including potable water and wastewater.

Make accurate chemical, arithmetic, and statistical computations.

Understand, interpret, explain, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.

Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.

Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

Experience and Training Guidelines:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
 
Experience:
Three years of increasingly responsible experience performing water and/or wastewater analysis. Quality control experience is desirable.

Training:
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or a related field. 

License or Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Class C driver’s license upon appointment.
Possession of a Grade II Laboratory Analyst certification issued by the California Water Environment Association.
The ability to obtain a Grade III Laboratory Analyst certification issued by the California Water Environment Association within twenty-four (24) months of appointment.
Failure to obtain any of the required licenses/certificates within the prescribed time may result in release from probation or termination.

For more information or to apply, visit www.modestogov.com. City application required for consideration. Deadline to apply is 2/19/25.

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• City of Modesto