Hybrid Research Scientist Intern en Metro Water Recovery, CO

About the Department

Metro Water Recovery in Denver, CO – a nationally recognized leader among clean water utilities, provides wastewater conveyance and treatment services for approximately 2.0 million people living and working in the Denver metropolitan area.
 
 
General Statement of Duties & Organizational Responsibilities

Temporary, non-benefited technical position to work exclusively on applied practical wastewater research studies and plant optimization efforts. The candidate will work as part of the Laboratory Research Team executing work under the direction of the Laboratory Research Manager.

Position Duties

1. Learn pilot treatment systems, communicate necessary process adjustments.
2. Provide sample collection and laboratory analytical support for process control and pilot study work.
3. May participate in method development and standard operating procedure writing. 
4. Coordinate and communicate with other research team members, and Metro employees in other departments.
5. Provide high quality summary documentation.
6. Maintains a safe working environment while adhering to established safety protocols.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
 
Knowledge of:

• Basic understanding of laboratory procedures and techniques
• Basic mathematics
• Basic understanding of wastewater treatment processes
• Basic chemical handling and lab safety
• Knowledge of data collection methods and how to record results accurately
• MS Office software and general office processes and procedures 

Skilled at:
 

• Working in a laboratory performing chemical, biochemical or microbiological analyses
• Recordkeeping
• Explaining findings and work progress in writing and verbally
• Working well with team members from different backgrounds and departments
• Efficient management of time to meet deadlines and hold times for analyses 

Ability to:
 

• Follow technical instructions accurately
• Physically able to perform field and lab work, including lifting equipment and working outdoors in varied weather
• Pay attention to detail in executing laboratory procedures
• Work well independently and takes initiative to complete assigned tasks
• Perform effectively in a collaborative team environment
• Demonstrate ethics, integrity, and a respectful attitude towards co-workers
• Work in a dynamic environment, adapting to changing priorities and multitasking efficiently

Education
 Minimum of three semesters college education with demonstrated academic performance in coursework in the physical and/or biological sciences, civil and/or environmental engineering fields. Valid driver license. A combination of education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Other Qualifications

Typical Work Environment   
Variety of floor surfaces including concrete, gravel, asphalt, dirt, tile, loose stones, uneven surfaces, slippery surfaces, and wet surfaces; Inside environment; Outside environment all year in all weather conditions and temperatures;  Residential and Commercial Wastewater/Biosolids; Chemicals;   Lighting conditions including natural light, fluorescent, head lamps, incandescent, and low light; and low light;   Vibration; Moving equipment; Work in confined spaces
 
Body Position Demands
Standing; Walking; Climbing stairs; Climbing ladders; Reaching forward and overhead; Balancing; Object handling; Simple hand/ Firm hand grasping; Operating controls; Sitting; Stooping; Kneeling; Crouching; Crawling; Typing; Fine hand coordination
 
Physical Demands (max forces are expected to be infrequent)
Max Weight Lifted: 50 lbs
Max Weight Carried: 50 lbs
Max Force Pushed: 94 lbs
Max Force Pulled: 100 lbs
 
Sensory Requirements
Wide field of view; Perception - Spatial; Olfactory (Smelling); Vision - Near; Depth perception; Color discrimination; Perception - Form; Feeling without seeing; Speaking; Vision - near and far; Hearing