Description

Under general supervision of the Laboratory Supervisor, performs and may lead staff in a variety of complex technical laboratory and field analytical work to assure that drinking water and  environmental water meets regulatory, internal process, and/or client requirements. Assists the Laboratory Supervisor(s) in day-to-day laboratory administrative activities.  

Examples of Duties

Performs and may lead staff in a variety of complex technical laboratory analytical work to ensure drinking water and environmental water meet regulatory, internal process monitoring,  and/or client requirements by: 

• Utilizing basic and advanced analytical laboratory instrumentation for the testing and determination of inorganic, metals, organic, microbiological, biological and other parameters from a variety of water sources.  
• Testing for parameters in accordance with primary and secondary drinking water standards established by state and federal regulations related to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).  Employing US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved methodology and associated quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA) practices.  
• Successfully analyzing proficiency testing samples in accordance with the Virginia Drinking Water Certification program and Virginia Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (VELAP) requirements.  
• Performing sample receipt, log-in, and analysis of laboratory samples for external clients.   
• Conducting routine and non-routine tests for new method development and validation purposes.   
• Coordinating and periodically participating in various watershed monitoring, field sampling, and laboratory projects.  
• Collecting water samples and performing water quality, water security and/or toxicity   checks.  
• Preparing reagents and standards for both routine and non-routine laboratory analyses.   
• Maintaining accurate, relevant, traceable, and timely records for laboratory benchwork.   Analyzing materials such as treatment chemicals for purity to comply with American Water Works Association (AWWA) or other required quality or performance specifications.  
• Training and assisting laboratory personnel in intermediate and advanced steps of laboratory analysis as well as laboratory policies and procedures, as required.  
• Creating legible, on time, traceable, and accurate records of all analytical work including recording raw data, entering/retrieving summary data, preparing analysis and special reports, and conducting quality control checks as required.   
• Assisting with the preparation and review of routine (i.e. monthly, quarterly, and annual) and non-routine data reports.  
• Assisting with the handling of laboratory data processing and data entry including working with the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).  
• Complying with Fairfax Water and Laboratory policies and procedures.  
• Assisting in updating laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).  
• Training laboratory staff on analytical techniques or other laboratory tasks.  
• Assisting with or preparing special reports based upon analytical results.  
• Maintaining laboratory compliance with all required QA/QC and safety checks at the proper frequency.  
• Maintaining laboratory equipment.  

Assists the Laboratory Supervisor(s) in day-to-day laboratory administration activities as necessary by:  

• Monitoring inventory levels and ordering laboratory supplies. 
• Assisting in researching new equipment and technologies for the purchase of laboratory services and equipment.  
• Assisting in the development and implementation of training programs for laboratory staff with emphasis upon quality control and quality assurance.  
• Performing monthly laboratory safety and equipment performance checks.  
• Participating in outreach activities such as visitor tours, presentations to the public, student programs, etc.  
• Assisting in handling customer questions and concerns.   
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.  

Typical Qualifications

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a BS in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, and/or Environmental Science and a minimum of three years progressively responsible experience in a certified drinking water laboratory or any equivalent combination of education, experience and knowledge.  
• Considerable knowledge of current accepted drinking water purification processes.  
• Considerable knowledge of drinking water analytical methodologies.   
• Considerable knowledge and understanding of the Safe Drinking Water Act's primary and secondary standards, existing and proposed. 
• Considerable knowledge of the operation, calibration, servicing, and care of specialized laboratory equipment.   
• Intermediate computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, and ability to learn operation of instrumentation software.  
• Ability to follow complex verbal and written instructions.  
• Ability to learn the skills necessary to lead staff.  
• Ability to perform mathematical and statistical calculations relating to water analysis.  
• Ability to assist with or to perform research work and prepare clear and concise reports.
• Ability to work effectively with coworkers and supervisors and deal tactfully and courteously with the public.  
• Ability to perform work in a safe manner and to provide a safe work environment.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and a good driving record. 
• Available for assignments at both Fairfax Water treatment plant facilities.  
• Ability to work overtime as required.  
• Ability to occasionally travel overnight as needed.  
• Must pass a controlled substance (drug) test for employment.