City of The Dalles
Closing Date: Open until filled, first review of applications August 30, 2024.
This is a Union eligible position at the City Water Treatment Facility. The position is classified as Safety Sensitive and subject to pre-employment drug testing as well as extensive criminal history check. Under the supervision of the Water Quality Manager, this employee serves as laboratory director of an ORELAP-certified Water Quality laboratory. The employee is responsible for laboratory oversight to maintain Oregon and Washington State accreditation for bacteria and nitrate compliance analyses. They will perform water analyses, associated quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), prepare and submit compliance reports, schedule and conduct client sample analyses, perform laboratory support work, and collect water samples. The position serves as a Lead Operator for laboratory operations and is responsible to train and guide the work of the Environmental Services Technician (EST) as it relates to biolaboratory operations. Additionally, this employee shall become certified in Water Treatment and function as a Relief Plant Operator for the Wicks Water Treatment Plant.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Duties are performed primarily in the Water Quality laboratory and water treatment plant; but travel to meetings both in and out of the City and collection of samples outdoors is also required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Thorough Knowledge of:
- Basic microbiology and chemistry.
- Operation and care of lab instruments.
- Wet chemistry, solutions, accurate volumetric measurement, aseptic technique, and laboratory safety.
- US-EPA, and ORELAP, rules and guidelines necessary to maintain laboratory certification status.
- Regulations applying to drinking water and wastewater.
- Mathematics and statistics necessary for routine calculations of test results and treatment plant operations.
- Computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, Access, QuickBooks
Ability to:
- Perform the following basic bacteriological techniques with minimal supervision: spread plate, bacteriological smears, presence/absence coliform, Quanti-tray, culture transfers, and decimal dilutions.
- Perform nitrate analysis by spectrophotometer and ion specific electrode.
- Conduct analyses with proficiency in aseptic technique.
- Effectively communicate orally, and in writing, with department staff, regulatory agencies and the general public, and make presentations to groups as may be necessary.
- Follow oral and written directions.
- Prepare neat, accurate, and complete records from data generated.
- Ascend and descend stairs and ladders.
- Perform essential job functions.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Any equivalent combination of education and experience which meets the ORELAP requirements, and provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the job accurately with minimal supervision.
Minimum Requirements:
EDUCATION: Per ORELAP requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a laboratory science field, preferably in microbiology, biology, chemistry, environmental science, physical science, or engineering.
EXPERIENCE: Academic or employment laboratory experience in test methods for which the City Water Quality Lab is accredited, and care/operation of lab equipment. Employment experience of at least one year in sanitary microbiology (water, milk or food) and inorganic chemistry is desirable
CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR LICENSES:
A valid Driver’s License is required. Oregon Class II Water Treatment Certification and Filtration Endorsement is desired within 36 months of hire.
Wage and Benefits: $64,823.92 to $77,403.15 annually with new hires typically starting in the range of $64,823.92 to $68,771.70 depending on qualifications. The City provides Medical, Dental and Vision and Life/AD&D Coverage.
To Apply: https://thedalles.applicantpro.com/jobs/
EEO/AA