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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Water Quality Scientist
FLSA: Standard/Non-Exempt EEO Category: (20) Professionals
Class Code: 19255 Salary Grade: II9
Approved: April 12, 2013 Last Revised: May 16, 2019

Purpose:
 
Using working knowledge, perform chemical, physical, and microbiological analyses, using EPA-approved qualitative and quantitative techniques in one or more of the following areas: water, wastewater, and environmental samples.  
 
 
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
  Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
  1. Drives to various sites throughout the City including schools, wastewater plants, and area water ways to collect samples.
  2. Prepares and analyzes water, wastewater, or environmental samples.
  3. Evaluates samples to determine appropriate methodology for analysis.
  4. Maintains Chain of Custody process.
  5. Follows strict analytical and documentation protocols.
  6. Evaluates, verifies, interprets, and communicates analytical results verbally and in writing.
  7. Notifies appropriate staff of non-compliant or out of spec results.
  8. Implements and maintains QA/QC and standard operating procedures.
  9. Operates, maintains, calibrates, and troubleshoots analytical/miscellaneous instrumentation.
  10. Performs proficiency tests and other quality assurance procedures.
  11. Prepares reagents and/or media.
  12. Conducts approved technical training for division staff and other laboratory customers.
  13. Reviews work of other analysts.
  14. Conducts approved studies. Assists in development of new analytical methods.
  15. Testifies, as necessary, regarding analyses performed.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
 
May provide leadership on work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others .
 
 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
  • Knowledge of water quality analyses.
  • Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws
  • Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
  • Knowledge of applicable regulatory mandates.
  • Skill in oral and written communication.
  • Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  • Skill in using computers and related software.
  • Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  • Skill in planning and organizing.
  • Ability to lead others.
  • Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
Minimum Qualifications:
 
  • Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Chemical, Environmental, or Biological Sciences, plus two (2) years of experience in a field related to water quality testing. 
  • Graduation with a Master’s or doctoral degree in one of the above disciplines may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.
 
Licenses and Certifications Required:
 
• Valid Texas Class "C" Driver License.
• For Analysts in the Water Quality Laboratory: must obtain a Class D Water Operator License from TCEQ within six (6) months.
 
 

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.