Laboratory Analyst Lead presso City of Davis, CA

About the Department

DEFINITION

Provides technical direction for the laboratory service program, including the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Quality assurance/Quality control (QA/QC), and performs the more difficult and complex tasks in support of the wastewater treatment plant operations and lab services program. This position serves as the laboratory’s Quality Manager as defined by the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC or TNI). Performs a variety of quality control/quality assurance (QA/QC) duties including reviewing, validating, implementing, and training staff in laboratory compliance and recordkeeping procedures related to physical, chemical, biological, and bacteriological water and wastewater analyses; develops, reviews, and monitors the implementation of and adherence to the laboratory’s standard operating procedures, QA/QC, training, accreditation, safety, and chemical hygiene plans; and performs related duties, as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Laboratory Supervisor. As Lead, works closely with the Laboratory Analysts, providing technical and functional supervision while working in the laboratory and in the field; provides training to less experienced staff. May serve as acting supervisor in the absence of assigned supervisor.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Laboratory Analyst series is responsible for independently performing QA/QC duties in support of the City’s wastewater laboratory. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Laboratory Analyst classification series in that the latter primarily performs variety of chemical and bacteriological analysis of potable water, stormwater, sludge, recycled water and wastewater to ensure regulatory and process requirements are met for the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), drinking water system, stormwater conveyance, and recycled water operations. Employees perform the full range of laboratory analysis duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Position Duties

Examples of Typical JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
 

• Administer QA/QC program by performing a variety of QA/QC of qualitative and quantitative water and wastewater analyses, preparing or reviewing the preparation of calibration standards and QA check samples for internal laboratory use, and monitoring and evaluating laboratory test results to ensure reported data meets minimum acceptance criteria. Analyze, interpret, and validate data; recognize data abnormalities as they relate to process control and analytical testing; determine the causes of problems and make appropriate recommendations to take corrective action; prepare and submit corrective action and investigative reports as necessary.
• Coordinate, monitor, and conduct independent and continuous QA system audits and management reviews as defined by TNI of laboratory performance, practices, and procedures using samples provided by regulatory or commercial agencies to ensure conformance and compliance with regulatory, Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) requirements, and TNI standards.
• Analyze, interpret, and validate laboratory data; recognize data abnormalities related to process control and analytical testing; determine causes of problems, make appropriate recommendations for, and monitor implementation of corrective actions; prepare and submit corrective action and investigative reports as necessary.
• Develop, adhere to, ensure compliance with, and monitor laboratory QA/QC standards, sampling, recordkeeping, and safety procedures; make recommendations for changes to processes and procedures.
• Maintain and review QC databases, charts, detection limits, and action levels for laboratory analyses; manage records retention and document control programs as required by TNI.
• Develop, review, update, and maintain the laboratory’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), QA Manual, Quality Management System, training, accreditation, safety, and chemical hygiene plans, and other relevant plans and/or policies to ensure consistency and compliance with ELAP requirements and TNI standards; assist in developing approved state and federal testing methods and SOPs.
• Research and monitor state and federal regulations pertaining to laboratory QA/QC; evaluate impact on laboratory practices and identify and recommend changes required to comply with regulations; assist with developing City response to state and federal agencies as appropriate.
• Train employees in proper laboratory analyses, operation, use, and maintenance of equipment, and recordkeeping methods, TNI standards, ELAP requirements, safety procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
• Performs and reviews a variety of chemical, biological, and bacteriological analysis of water and wastewater samples tests samples before treatment, during treatment, and after treatment.
• Evaluates, interprets, and validates laboratory test results.
• Collects water and wastewater samples, both in the field and in the treatment plant.
• Maintains documentation to support data integrity including worksheets, log sheets, test results, sample documentation, chain-of-custody forms, and data validation; inputs sampling and testing data into information systems; records data precisely and accurately.
• Recommends and initiates laboratory procedures and techniques; performs routine quality control checks for all reagents, media, and data generated specific to subject matter; assists in plant operations; creates and revises standard operational procedures.
• Prepares or assists with the preparation of regulatory reports to government agencies as directed.
• Prepares lab supply and equipment order lists; orders supplies as directed.
• Makes mathematical calculations and statistical analyses for test results.
• Performs maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment, fixtures, and samplers including pH meters, turbidity meter, specific conductance meters, dissolved meters, ovens, furnaces, and incubators.
• Prepares tests, chemicals, and equipment for frequent sampling events; prepares samples for testing at other laboratories where it is cost effective.
• Maintains cleanliness of laboratory and equipment; prepares, sorts, washes, decontaminates, sterilizes, and stores lab glassware.
• Serve as division representative on committees, as assigned
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Chemistry and microbiology as applied in a wastewater treatment laboratory.
• Methods and applications of TNI standards, environmental laboratory QA/QC procedures, and laboratory quality systems to ensure the accuracy, precision, validity, and compliance of laboratory data, analyses, recordkeeping, and reporting procedures.
• Principles and practices of monitoring environmental laboratory SOPs, QA Manual, Quality Management System, training, accreditation, safety, and chemical hygiene plans, and other relevant plans.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility including, but not limited to, ELAP requirements and TNI standards, State and EPA regulations, and relevant Code of Federal Regulations (CFR’s)
• Mathematics as used to analyze test results and perform a variety of analyses in wastewater treatment.
• Principles of training and/or providing technical and functional direction to staff.
• Laboratory procedures, proper use and care of laboratory equipment, and safety precautions in a laboratory setting.
• General principles and procedures of wastewater treatment and collection systems.
• Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater.
• Research methods.
• National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

• Perform QA/QC of chemical, biochemical, biological, microbiological, and physical analyses of various matrices including water and wastewater.
• Conduct independent and continuous QA system audits and management reviews.
• Ensure laboratory plans, processes, and policies are consistent and comply with ELAP requirements and TNI standards.
• Evaluate the outcomes and results of laboratory analyses in order to detect inconsistencies and errors and recommend corrective solutions.
• Train and direct employees in proper laboratory analyses, operation, use, and maintenance of analytical instruments and related laboratory equipment, and recordkeeping methods, TNI standards, ELAP requirements, safety procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
• Identify and interpret technical and numerical analyses as they relate to test results.
• Develop, monitor, and implement laboratory QA/QC practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Perform a variety of chemical, biological, and bacteriological laboratory tests.
• Adhere to a Chemical Hygiene Plan.
• Assist with writing or write standard operating procedures.
• Collect samples in accordance with proper protocols.
• Operate computer and automated laboratory equipment in the analysis of water and wastewater samples.
• Calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot, and perform minor repairs on laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Understand and carry out Standard Operating Procedures.
• Prepare accurate reports and records of test results and special statistical analyses.
• Complete chain of custody documentation.
• Maintain records accurately and neatly.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed including complex industrial waste pretreatment regulations.
• Read and interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS) related to various chemicals used within the lab.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with major course work in environmental sciences, chemistry, biology, or a related field.

• Three (3) years of experience conducting chemical or biological laboratory analyses including Two (2) year of increasingly responsible experience performing water and/or wastewater analyses, including training and/or experience in QA/QC procedures and laboratory quality systems.

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months from date of appointment, a valid Laboratory Analyst II Certification issued by the CWEA or similar agency, to be maintained throughout employment.
• A minimum of 12 hours of continuing education shall be completed for every two-year period.

Other Qualifications

Physical Demands

Must possess mobility to work in a laboratory and standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, as well as a diverse range of laboratory equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; smell to perform odor tests on samples and to detect chemicals, and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a laboratory focused classification with frequent standing, sitting and walking between work areas.  Finger dexterity is needed to open and close sample bottles, pipette, and to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, climb to access materials, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects with an average weight of up to 30 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from staff.

Environmental Elements

Employees work primarily in a laboratory environment with moderate to excessive noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and exposure to dust, fumes and/or allergens; biologic/ infectious agents; and unpleasant odors.
Employees also work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.