Water Quality Analyst - Water Pollution Control Facility

Salary Range:                   $29.57 - $39.95 Hourly

Hiring Range:                   $29.57 - $33.27 Hourly

Job Summary:

The Water Quality Analyst is part of the Water Pollution Control Facility of the Water and Sewer Division and reports to the Wastewater Laboratory Supervisor.  This position exists to collect and analyze samples to ensure compliance with all of the Water Pollution Control Facility’s (WPCF) wastewater permits and to assist with the operations process control analyses on wastewater samples. The incumbent will calculate and log results on appropriate forms, Labshare, and/or Water Information Management System (WIMS). The Analyst will prepare and monitor equipment and chemicals for use in analyses, and works in partnership with our employees, department/divisions, and agencies in delivering effective and accurate results. Other duties include collecting samples of and monitoring the flow of Cache la Poudre River (CLPR) to formulate an accurate flow-rating table, which is critical for the Water Pollution Control Facility’s discharge permit.

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree (four-year degree) in chemistry, biology, or a closely related field, or specialized technical training of equivalent length, including advanced mathematical and statistical courses necessary to calculate QA/QC values
• A combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job may be considered. On the job training and experience may be substituted for formal education on a case-by-case basis

PREFERRED:

• Current certification as a Water Quality Analyst I, through the RMWQAA, or the ability to obtain certification within the first year of hire

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to read and understand test methodologies to perform analysis
• Ability to understand and apply basic applications of theoretical or scientific principles
• Knowledge of or familiarity with the following equipment:  Low temp incubators, bacterial incubator, water bath incubators, media and sample refrigerators, centrifuge, Vectaire fume hoods, D.O. meter, pH meters, conductivity meter, stirring and heating plates, vacuum pumps, various pipette’s and glassware, pipette washer/dryer, steam/glassware washer, COD reactor, muffle furnace, digital burets, autoclaves, Bunsen burner, Quantitray sealer, computers and printers, copiers, fax machine, analytical balance, mechanical convection oven, desiccator, spectrophotometer, lab sample blender, various electrodes and probes.
• Knowledge of the business and organizational structure of Colorado municipalities 
• Collaboration skills, including the ability to work with others from different areas and backgrounds to reach a common goal 
• Computer skills, including the ability to utilize Microsoft Office programs (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.). Along with the ability to learn and experiment with new software and systems (i.e. WIMS, SharePoint, and QA/QA program, CDX/NetDMR, various river flow and temperature logging devices and their software, along with various other probes and sensors).
• Interpersonal skills, including the ability to facilitate interaction, communication, and teamwork between others
• Oral, written, and listening communication skills, including the ability to accurately interpret what others are saying and convey messages, information, concepts, and details accurately and clearly
• Organizational skills, including the ability to set and meet goals and deadlines, manage appointments, create schedules, coordinate, and facilitate meetings, and make decisions 
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple concurrent and competing tasks and responsibilities, and adapt to changing priorities while maintaining personal effectiveness
• Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and stay on task when completing special projects and daily assignments
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and reliable professional judgment, as well as collaboratively with a team to achieve desired results
• Ability to maintain a strong work ethic, positive problem-solving attitude, and enthusiasm for the work performed
• Ability to self-start and take initiative in completing daily tasks and special projects.
• Ability to focus on activities that have the greatest impact on meeting work commitments.
• Ability to establish and maintain partnerships with a variety of internal and external constituencies.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and ages
• Ability to navigate a complex political environment.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to examine and summarize data and trends in order to resolve issues and produce results.
• Ability to advocate technical findings and positions to a general audience.

Essential Functions (Duties and Responsibilities):

• Performs proficiency testing by annually analyzing and passing the EPA Discharge Monitoring Report- Quality Assurance Study.
• Uses hydrologic monitoring on the Cache la Poudre River, including measuring flow on a monthly basis as well as when low or high flow ‘events’ occur, downloading, transferring, and entering data into computer spreadsheets, transferring data to the Colorado Division of Water Resources (CDWR), analyzing hydrologic data in order to update and maintain the Station Record – which is published annually by the CDWR, maintaining the gaging station, and maintaining the river.
• Maintains operations process control and laboratory records, puts data in usable format, then enters test results into Labshare and/or WIMS, bench sheets, and file maintenance.
• Calculates and assess data quality and reasonableness using quality assurance measures, acceptance criteria, and program knowledge.
• Prepares written Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for all laboratory methods. Updates SOP manual as analytical methods are changed or added. Researched, developed, and implemented WPCF Laboratory’s QA/QC Program.
• Recalculates Standard Deviation annually from prior years, data in order to establish new yearly pass/fail limits for Method Detection Limit. Evaluates results of QA/QC checks required to assess validity of data and maintain laboratory requirements and integrity. 
• Stays informed and up to date with Method Update Role. Maintains and revises laboratory bench sheets as needed.  Properly fills out chain of custody and transport samples.
• Prepares standards, media, and reagents prior to sample analyses and to calibrate laboratory instruments. 
• Researches, develops, and updates the Safety Data Sheets Program for the WPCF Laboratory. 
• Works on special projects: Research analytical methods, analytes, parameters, and equipment to meet requirements of the Colorado Discharge Permit System.
• Maintains and updates laboratory chemical hygiene plan, safe handling, containment, and disposal of chemicals.
• Performs additional duties as assigned or requested by the laboratory supervisor, IPP supervisor, and/or Operations supervisor. These duties may include collecting samples, processing samples, or testing samples. Parameters may include any of the above or research procedures and performing analyses that are not regularly performed in the Water Quality Lab.  Performs laboratory maintenance duties; cleans, maintains, and troubleshoots problems or analytics equipment and instrumentation.
• Communication: Special projects, relaying lab concerns, test, and results through verbal statement and/or written bench sheets. Discusses questions and concerns pertaining to the City of Greeley’s Standard Operation and Procedural Manual for the WPCF Laboratory and MSDSs’. 
• Obtains and relays information pertaining to the hydrologic study of the river into which the plant effluent is pumped. Discusses best methods and practices for performing flow studies and obtaining field samples for analyses. Discusses, obtains understanding, and provides guidance in determining solutions to problems arising in the lab. 
• Verifies proper methods and procedures for running analysis in the lab, obtaining samples within the plan, and proper handling protocols for preserving and maintaining samples. 
• Learns about new equipment and products that are available in order to upgrade existing equipment and products and makes suggestions for future analyses that would be helpful for the lab. Exchanges information on analytical methods, regulations, and procedures.
• Problem solving and decision making: Incumbent is expected to solve a variety of problems in situations where there are substantially diversified procedures, specialized standards, and only limited standardization. Changing priorities or differing situations require the incumbent to consider which among many procedures should be followed in what sequence to achieve the required job results. Requires reasoning to produce a practical course of action within the established process.
• Choices fall within the range of specified, acceptable standards, alternatives, and technical practices: Examples: Some samples may be extremely turbid or viscous. Analyst may have to adapt by filtering said sample or diluting to a reasonable and testable consistency.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• Moderate to considerable physical effort that includes working from ladders in awkward positions.
• Frequent use of light or medium-weight objects (e.g., 25-50 lbs.) and use of medium-weight tools; lifting laboratory chemical containers weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Standing most of the day while performing the analyses.
• Minimal lifting of heavy containers and equipment
• Climbing and carrying equipment while sampling or doing Baseline River Monitoring

EOE Statement: The City of Greeley provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

ADA Statement: We are committed to an inclusive and barrier-free search process. We provide accommodations for applicants requesting accommodation through the search process such as alternative formats of this posting.  Individuals with disabilities in need of accommodations throughout the search process should contact the ADA Coordinator at: HR@Greeleygov.com.

Conditions of Employment: Candidates must successfully complete all pre-employment screenings and employment eligibility verification. Pre-employment screenings include a drug test, a background and national sex offender search, a motor vehicle record search, and for some positions, a physical demands evaluation. For more information about City policies and practices during the recruitment process, including but not limited to EOE, Reasonable Accommodation, and pre-employment screenings, please visit our career page HERE.