Operations Analyst 1 - Trace Organics bei Clean Water Services, OR

About the Department

The Water Engineering and Technology Department is seeking an Operations Analyst 1 - Trace Organics. This position researches improvements in the operations of the District’s programs to understand and address emerging contaminants, especially trace organics, in the District’s wastewater treatment facilities, stormwater, reuse applications, and the watershed. Develops specialized analytical laboratory methods for PFAS and other trace organics, advises the Water Quality Laboratory on analytical methods related to trace organics. Conducts research projects to optimize program operations, pilot and develop new innovative treatment technologies, verifies operational data for purchase or design of new technologies, or reduces the risk of regulatory noncompliance.

The difference between an Operations Analyst 1 and 2 job series is the complexity and level of research required for the minimum qualifications.

Position Duties

(The essential functions listed below are not intended to reflect all duties that may be assigned to this classification. The District may augment duties and/or essential functions at its discretion. Additionally, some incumbents may not perform all Essential Functions)

1. Develop, plan and conduct research projects related to emerging contaminants and trace organics at bench, pilot, and field scales, as assigned. 
2. Interact with District personnel related to testing and correlation of research results with on-going operations.
3. Develop new analytical methods using LC/MS/MS and other instrumentation as required for collecting appropriate data, develop SOPs, and train/support Water Quality Lab personnel on these methods.
4. Conduct data analysis and statistical interpretation to test research hypotheses.
5. Organize and coordinate the development and use of various lab research spaces at the Water Quality Lab and the Research, Innovation, Parters, and Lab  locations.
6. Write research reports, journal articles, and present findings at research conferences.
7. Manage research within required budget and time constraints, maintain complete and accurate records, and maintain safety and quality standards required by the Water Quality Laboratory.
8. Follow scientific literature on emerging contaminants in wastewater, stormwater, biosolids, and surface waters, and stay abreast of new analytical developments in instrumentation and methods, treatment technologies, and regulatory developments.

Minimum Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Advanced research methods of data collection and analysis
• Advanced analytical chemistry of trace organics in water and soils
• Fundamentals of environmental engineering and science
• Laboratory testing and sampling procedures
• Research record keeping
  
  

SKILL IN:

• Operation and maintenance of complex analytical lab instrumentation including LC/MS/MS
• Gathering, evaluating, and interpreting data
• Environmental sample collection for trace compounds
• Designing and carrying out research experiments
• Use of computers and computer software for word processing, spreadsheets, and database management
• Technical writing to develop, edit and compose SOPs, technical reports and journal articles
  
  

ABILITY TO:

• Develop new and modify existing analytical methods and procedures
• Identify, research, and analyze processes and procedures
• Develop, organize and operate testing of analytical and sampling equipment
• Research and identify equipment or materials needed for testing
• Develop alternatives and recommend strategies to improve reliability and cost-effectiveness of technical processes
• Establish and maintain high quality service and effective working relationships with District employees, representatives of outside agencies and members or the public by providing accurate, complete and up-to-date information in a courteous, efficient and timely manner
• Operate effectively in a team environment
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Learn appropriate computer applications related to the research being conducted

2+ years’ experience in conducting research related to trace organics in environmental engineering or sciences.

A Bachelor’s Degree is required in environmental engineering, engineering, or science with an emphasis on aquatic organic chemistry or needs to be obtained in the first 6 months of hire. 

A Doctor of Philosophy or Master of Science degree in environmental engineering, engineering, or science with an emphasis on aquatic organic chemistry or related field is preferred.

Upon selection, candidates must possess and maintain a valid State issued driver’s license.  

Other Qualifications

Reasonable Accommodation
Applicants who require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any phase of the application process should contact Human Resources at 503.681.3600 or TDD 503.681.3601.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Clean Water Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, age, uniformed service, sexual orientation or disability in the admission or access to the recruitment process or any aspect of employment.