Water Treatment Plant Laboratory Analyst

Job Description:

Water Treatment Plant Laboratory Analyst

Description

Description

The Modesto Irrigation District is currently recruiting to fill one full-time vacancy in the Domestic Water Department, Water Operations Division, to assist in the operation of the Water Quality Laboratory and in the Water Quality Program.

Any Qualified Individual May Apply . This is a non-exempt position and is allocated to the Administrative, Technical and Clerical Bargaining Unit. The list established as a result of this recruitment may be used to fill other Water Treatment Plant Laboratory Analyst vacancies within the District that may occur through June 5, 2026.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Collect and preserve a variety of water samples and may conduct specific analyses in the field as required.
• Conduct routine physical, chemical, biological and/or bacteriological analysis of water; recognize problems that occur in analytical procedures; apply known procedures and/or confers with others to identify solutions and recommend procedural changes as appropriate.
• Clean and prepare laboratory glassware and apparatus for use; prepare and standardize chemical reagents; assure proper disposal of hazardous wastes; maintain laboratory in a neat and orderly fashion.
• Maintain inventory of sample containers, sterilized media, chemical reagents, and related items; dispose of bacteriological wastes.
• Prepare and analyze analytical data, enters data into the laboratory database; record test results neatly, accurately, and promptly; maintain accurate records and files of analytical work performed.
• Interpret lab data and determine appropriate corrective action.
• Set up, calibrate, operate, and perform regular and preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repairs on a variety of laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Prepare daily reports relevant to process control requirements and assists in the preparation of reports relevant to regulatory monitoring and special projects.
• Communicate effectively with laboratory and operations personnel regarding analytical results.
• Maintain and participate in laboratory’s quality control and quality assurance program; follow laboratory safe work protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Provide guidance or training to temporary or less experienced lab staff and/or operators on a day-to-day or project basis as required.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other District employees, outside agencies and the public using principles of good customer service.

Other Related Duties
Perform other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Any combination of education, experience, knowledge, and abilities may satisfy the necessary minimum qualifications. A typical way to obtain the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities would be:

Education: Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or a related field.

Experience: Two (2) years of water quality laboratory experience.

Knowledge of:

• Basic practices and methods of laboratory testing and analysis.
• Principles used in the safe operation, care, and preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Safety methods and procedures for the laboratory and the plant, including proper use of personal protective equipment.
• Math and analytical techniques utilized in environmental laboratories.
• Use and competency with computers, automated equipment, and standard applications software.
• Principles of chemistry, biology, and related sciences.
• Principles and methods used in chemical, biological and physical testing, and analysis.
• Chemicals and equipment used in drinking water analysis.
• General principles and techniques of statistical sampling and analysis.
• Accreditation standards and basic laboratory quality assurance/quality control functions.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Principles and practices of safety management.
• Modern office equipment including the use of applicable computer applications.
• Principles and practices of effective customer service.

Ability to:
• Distinguish chemicals and equipment used in water quality analysis.
• Perform basic and intermediate standardized laboratory tests involving the chemical, biological, and physical analysis of water and wastewater.
• Collect samples at a variety of sites and in varying conditions.
• Analyze and interpret testing results.
• Read and interpret a variety of meters, gauges, and recording charts.
• Maintain and update records and logs.
• Follow oral and written directions.
• Work weekends and holidays, including rotating schedules when required.
• Skillfully operate the full range of laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Recognize unusual, inefficient, or dangerous equipment operating conditions and working conditions.
• Provide technical assistance to the operators for the production of quality drinking water.
• Organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment, specialized software application programs, including word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Work collaboratively in a team environment including ability to accept constructive criticism from co-workers.
• Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Special Requirements: Must have a valid California Class C driver’s license. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Possession of a valid CA-NV AWWA or CWEA Laboratory Analyst level I certification.

Supplemental Information

Qualified applicants must submit a completed District application. APPLY IMMEDIATELY. Application screening will begin on or after July 1, 2025. Applications received after this date are not guaranteed consideration.

Applications will be reviewed on a comparative basis and only those most qualified will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will consist of an overall assessment of the individual's skills through (1) oral interview; and (2) review of personnel file and contacting of references to include current and former supervisors. The applicant must perform successfully in each phase of the recruitment in order to continue in the recruitment process.

Applicants requiring necessary accommodations to the application process may contact Human Resources at (209) 526-7341. California Relay Service is available at (800) 735-2922 voice and (800) 735-2929 TDD. The Modesto Irrigation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE VERIFICATION OF HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED AND PASS A COMPLETE BACKGROUND CHECK PRIOR TO BEGINNING WORK.

INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

For a complete list of MID Benefits, please refer to the following: Employee Benefits - Modesto Irrigation District (mid.org)

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$81,868.80 - $104,811.20 Annually