Water Quality Scientist I - Wastewater (Temp)

Job Description:

Water Quality Scientist I - Wastewater (Temp)

Description

Job Summary:

The Water Quality Scientist I is a skilled position responsible for performing basic and advanced chemical, physical and bacteriological analyses on wastewater, source water, and treatment process sludge. Work involves collecting regulatory samples and performing laboratory and field analyses at various locations in the wastewater treatment facility, including the wastewater collection system, the water distribution system, and areas within the watershed. Tasks include field sampling, laboratory analysis, data entry, report generation, and scientific project management.

This is a temporary position for up to 10 months. The salary range for this position is $31.84 - $44.58 per hour with a hiring range of $31.84 - $38.21, depending on qualifications and experience. This opportunity will be available to applicants until September 25, 2025, 12:00 PM MST.

A current resume is required, and a cover letter is preferred.

Department Pitch

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Essential Functions:

• Ensures safety of public health and environment by demonstrating compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations.
• Conducts microbiological and chemical analyses on water, wastewater, source water and sludge samples by strictly following prescribed analytical methods and established protocols.
• Performs standard NPDES permit analyses including but not limited to total suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, phosphorous and coli.
• Performs analysis using advanced analytical equipment including but not limited to: GCMS, ICPMS, IC etc.
• Manages, oversees, and participates in special projects and studies.
• Leads and participates in field surveys, in stream measurements, reservoir and watershed analytical monitoring programs.
• Assesses algal populations using microscopes, Flowcam and general aquatic health indicators.
• Acts as subject matter expert for assigned specific analytical procedures.
• Maintains, calibrates, troubleshoots, and repairs both laboratory and field instrumentation and provides additional QA/QC support as needed.
• Assists QA/QC staff with implementing any necessary corrective actions and provides additional QA/QC support as needed.
• Provides technical training to and oversight of entry-level laboratory staff.
• Writes standard operating procedures and performs annual procedure reviews.
• Compiles, enters, and reviews technical data using laboratory database software.
• Generates internal and external laboratory reports and prepares weekly data summaries for management review.
• Performs laboratory maintenance and prepares solutions, standards, media, and quality control material for general use.
• Complies and interprets data to produce advanced analytical reports and provides regulatory/process improvement recommendations.
• Statistically evaluates and approves analytical data for regulatory and non-regulatory reports and presentations utilizing programs such as R, MatLab, Python, etc.
• Presents data study findings and provides recommendations for process improvements.
• Researches and evaluates new laboratory instrumentation, equipment, and software applications.
• Notifies appropriate personnel of all “out of range” results.
• Purchases laboratory supplies or services, as required.
• Updates and maintains chemical and SDS inventory.
• Maintains safe working environment and adheres to all established safety protocols.
• Communicates with customers to relay analytical results and address customer inquiries as needed.

Other Job Functions:

• Responds to plant operations staff questions.
• May provide functional leadership in the absence of supervisor including but not limited to programmatic back-up and regulatory reporting.
• Participates on departmental committees and workgroups, as assigned.
• Attends meetings, conferences, and training sessions to keep current with changes in regulatory and industry protocols as assigned.
• Participates in personal growth opportunities, and attends trainings designed to enhance capacity to bring new skills and ideas to the job and the organization.
• Works to continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service or product being delivered.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Level and Management Expectations:

Qualifications:

Education:

• REQUIRED: 4 Year/Bachelors Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or related field

Experience:

• REQUIRED: 3 Years experience in a water, wastewater, or commercial laboratory.
• Preferred: Some experience in a water or wastewater municipal laboratory.
• Preferred: Experience in conducting aquatic field and laboratory studies and surveys.

Certifications:

• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the scientific method, laboratory procedures, and mathematical operations including quantitative analysis and statistical evaluations.
• Clear understanding of the water/wastewater process is desirable.
• Able to work in a team-oriented environment to monitor the quality of the raw and treated drinking water, wastewater discharge and process sludge, and support treatment operations projects and activities.
• Demonstrates knowledge of hazards and safety precautions required in the laboratory and field.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and data management software.
• Demonstrates integrity and builds trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, and ethical behavior.
• Demonstrates support for team efforts by accepting new roles and responsibilities and helping others achieve objectives.
• Exhibits pride in self, the department, the city, and the community; conducts self in a professional manner.
• Values diversity; demonstrates an awareness of differences; demonstrates sensitivity, and adapts behaviors and communication to accommodate these differences.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Frequent: Light to moderate physical effort that includes frequent standing or walking or maintaining arms and hands in the same position for repetitive tasks. Frequently works with light objects and light hand tools.
• Occasional: 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.

Working Environment:

• Frequent: Exposure to routine office noise and equipment.
• Occasional: Exposure to hazards that are predictable or well protected against.
• Occasional: Exposure to heat and noise along with working outside in the elements.

Additional Working Demands / Conditions:

Work is performed indoors and frequently outdoors with frequent exposure to extreme temperatures and variable weather conditions. This is a highly analytical and active position where samples are collected out in the field and analyzed in a laboratory setting. Work performed may pose potential exposure to chemical, microbiological, and outdoor hazards. Limited office work may require remaining in stationary positions for periods of times. Work is technical in nature and requires a great deal of mobility and dexterity to gather samples, as well as sufficient physical strength and stamina for:

• Constant sitting to analyze samples.
• Frequent standing and walking over uneven terrain in various conditions when gathering samples.
• Frequent squatting, bending, and kneeling to collect specimens.
• Occasional climbing, balancing, reaching overhead and below shoulder, and twisting to perform lab and field functions.
• Constant light grasp with frequent firm grasp, fine manipulation, and handling to properly, and safely use lab and field equipment.
• Frequent stepping up/down to safely enter, exit and operate vehicles.
• Normal near/far acuity and hearing to properly perform lab and field tasks and communicate with staff.
• Occasional lifting from ground to waist or push/pulling of sampling equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

Apply today to join more than 800 employees who work to meet the core values of: Accountability & Integrity, Transparency & Honoring the Public Trust, Collaboration, Innovation, Safety, Excellent Service with Courtesy and Kindness. The City of Loveland is a diverse and welcoming community organization, and our employees enjoy a competitive benefits program, various opportunities for growth and development, and an exceptional work-life balance.

A vibrant community, surrounded by natural beauty, where you belong!

Non-Benefit Eligible Benefits Package Includes:

• Retirement - 457 Plan (employee funded plan)
• Medical Leave - Accrue 1 hour of leave per 30 hours worked (up to 48 hours)
• Employees working more than 30 hours per week are eligible to enroll in one of our 2 Medical plan options (per the ACA)

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

City of Loveland job descriptions are designed to describe the general nature and level of work necessary to perform well in the job; they are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, and qualifications. City of Loveland job descriptions may be updated periodically, and additional activities, duties or responsibilities may be assigned by management as deemed appropriate.

The City of Loveland provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.

The City of Loveland participates in E-Verify. In accordance with E-Verify requirements, upon your date of hire the City of Loveland will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. E-Verify Notice of Participation.Learn more about your right to work. Visit E-Verify.gov for more information.

Hybrid Remote Work Eligibility

This position may be eligible for up to two days per week working remotely. Probationary employees (within the first six months of employment) may not be eligible. Subject to change based on business needs and performance expectations.

Employment offers will be conditional on the successful completion of a driving record and criminal history background check.