Laboratory Quality Control Analyst I en The Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority, VI

About the Department

The Laboratory Quality Control Analyst I is responsible for the daily operations of the water laboratory, including technician assignments, record keeping, and developing mandatory reporting requirements.

Position Duties

• Maintains Laboratory Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Program and implements QA/QC program on new media.  Prepares standardized solutions for test methods in use and evaluates that media passes the QA/QC program.

• Maintains all laboratory equipment with the required certifications, verification and maintenance.  

• Prepares all requisite reports including but not limited to monthly bacteriological reports, quarterly chemical contaminants reports and Consumer Confidence Report (Water Quality Report) for regulatory agencies in a timely manner.

• Report all Maximum Contaminate Levels (MCL) exceedances to management team of the Water Distribution Systems and regulatory agencies in accordance with SDWA and provide the required evaluation reports, certifications and corrective actions.

• Analyzes EPA Performance Evaluation samples and maintains Quality Assurance Project Plan for laboratory certification.

• Implement the laboratory’s Standard Operating Procedures for new and existing laboratory processes.  

• Maintains the Laboratory Safety Program. Executes laboratory OSHA laws, practices, programs and other applicable requirements involving all analyses, technicians and related duties.

• Works closely with the management team of the Water Distribution System in all water quality related plans, programs and issues.

• Maintains the approved Sampling Site Plans for all contaminants and Monitoring Compliance Schedule and assists with the updating.

• Coordinate the activities of laboratory technicians to the respective levels and ensure that samples are collected in the required time and manner.

• Analyses drinking water samples using EPA approved methods for aquatic microbiology, including verification, documentation, and reporting of laboratory test results.  Prepares media, calibrates laboratory instruments, cleans and sterilizes testing instruments, glass and plastic wares. Collects water samples and regulatory compliance samples for analyses, if needed.  

• Prepares all appropriate media and chemical solutions for the required microbiological analyses of potable water.

• Perform all microbiological and related tests required to support compliance of the Water Distribution Systems with local and federal safe drinking water act mandates and other applicable requirements.

• Conducts and interprets all daily test results and notifies Supervisor of all conditions. Prepares and maintains all record keeping logbooks.

• Assesses and maintains inventory of laboratory media and equipment, place orders, receives and clears purchase orders.

• Provides oversight for daily laboratory functions, assignment of laboratory duties, and prepares daily Field Data Records and Chain of Custody Forms.

• Trouble shoots difficult problems to determine cause and recommends corrective action.

• Investigates field complaints, abnormalities within the distribution system, reports finding to the appropriate personnel, and summarizes findings, if necessary.

• Assists in the supervision and training of new employees and laboratory assignments.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative relations with a variety of personalities.

• Ability to use personal computer and familiarity with MS Office application, etc.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Ability to develop specifications for outside services.

• Thorough knowledge of environmental microbiology.

• Thorough knowledge of a variety of laboratory test methods, laboratory procedures, laboratory materials and laboratory equipment and instruments.

• Thorough knowledge of work-related safety practices and procedures.

• Ability to perform a variety of laboratory tests and analyses as the need arises.

• Ability to work independently in performing all laboratory functions.

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and to maintain accurate records.

Other Qualifications

Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology, biology, or an Associate’s degree with a minimum (5) years’ experience in routine microbiological analysis of EPA-regulated samples or laboratory QA/QC programs. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Selected candidate must obtain VIDPNR Water Samplers Certification and EPA Lab Proficiency Certification within six (6) months of employment. Maintains the Lab’s EPA certification in qualified test methods and valid water samples collection.