General Summary

Performs chemical and/or bacterial analyses on environmental and wastewater treatment system samples in compliance with regulatory, project and accreditation requirements. Revises and implements chemistry, microbiology, and general lab procedures.

Safety is #1 at the River Authority: We expect every employee: to 1) Strictly follow safety policies, rules, and safe work methods. 2) Promptly correct or report safety hazards or unsafe conditions. Immediately report injuries for prompt diagnosis and treatment. 3) Make regular suggestions for safety process improvements to support continuous safety improvement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Performs chemical and bacteriological analyses according to the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference Institute (TNI), internal quality assurance guidelines, and laboratory best practices.
• Documents all work on bench sheets and logbooks to ensure complete traceability of all analytical batches, chemical and standards purchased or prepared, maintenance performed, along with instrument and equipment calibrations. Uses the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to create analytical batches, report results, generate reports, and log in samples. 
• Validates the analytical work of colleagues. 
• Operates and maintains laboratory instrumentation and equipment. Assists with purchase requisition, service visits, and equipment and supply orders for certain analyses.; 
• Participates in cross-training with other water quality scientists in analytical tasks and laboratory operations and procedures including analytical/administrative duties, calibrations, calculations, reporting, and troubleshooting. 
• Creates and revises SOPs, work protocols, bench sheets, logbooks, and calculation spreadsheets; exercises good laboratory practices, follows safety protocols, and maintains a clean and organized work area. 
• Documents and addresses issues of nonconformance through reporting, corrective actions and document revisions. Produces documentation during internal and external audits and enforcement actions when required and writes follow up reports. 
• Represents the River Authority and the department at public outreach and education events to promote natural resources stewardship.   
• Performs related work as required.

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS

• This position does not directly supervise any employees.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience

• An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university in Chemistry, Environmental Science or a related discipline, and six (6) months of progressively responsible environmental laboratory experience; or a combination of experience and education that results in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• None 

 ☒Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Knowledge of:

• Laboratory best practices, safety protocols, and quality control measures
• Environmental sample handling, analysis hold time, and preservation requirements
• Chemical properties
• Databases and Microsoft Office
• Laboratory Information Management System

Skills and Abilities:

• Maintaining laboratory equipment
• Preparing reagents
• Utilizing aseptic techniques
• Communicating orally and in writing
• Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture that reflects our Values In Action of Accountability, Excellence, Open and Direct Communication, Teamwork and Collaboration. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work Environment and Physical Effort: (check the appropriate box:)

Physical Effort Requirements

Work Environment

Sedentary

Medium

Heavy

Good:  Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.

Satisfactory:  Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards.     Occasional outside work. 

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Disagreeable:  Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards.     Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.

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Sedentary:  Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Medium:  Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Heavy:  Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS continued

Work Locations: (select one frequency choice for each location listed:)

Work Environment Locations

Work Locations:  Indicate how often the work requires the employee to be in the following types of environments:

Seldom or Never

Sometimes

Frequently or Often

Office or similar indoor environment

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Outdoor environment

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Street environment (near moving traffic)

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Construction site

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Confined space

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Vehicle

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Warehouse environment

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Other: (Specify:       )

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Exposures: (select one frequency choice for each exposure listed:)

Exposures

Exposures:  Indicate how often the work requires the employee to be exposed to the following environmental exposures.

Seldom or Never

Sometimes

Frequently or Often

Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)

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Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

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Communicable diseases

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Moving mechanical parts

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Fumes or airborne particles

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Poison ivy, wasps, snakes, and other natural hazards

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Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances

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Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

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Other: (Specify:       )

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San Antonio River Authority is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity.