City of Tampa

This is highly responsible professional and technical work involving a water production laboratory quality assurance/quality control program.

The employee in this class has responsibility for planning, implementing, and updating a wide variety of assignments of considerable difficulty relating to the laboratory’s Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) program on sample collections, analyses and the management of analytical results by the laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and all water quality reports and treatment operations reports by reviewing and assessing all QA/QC data without outside and managerial influence. Under direction, the employee is required to exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment in the performance of work assignments. The employee will formulate recommendations for consideration by supervisors and other high-level department employees. The position requires contact with regulatory agencies as well as the public in response to water quality inquiries. Work is reviewed while in progress and upon completion through oral and written reports and results obtained.

Implements and updates the laboratory’s QA/QC program on sample collections, analyses and the management of analytical results by LIMS.

Maintains and upgrades the laboratory’s LIMS, analytical instruments maintenance program and the laboratory safety and chemical hygiene program.

Assists the Laboratory Supervisor in obtaining and maintaining the Water Quality Laboratory Certification from the state and federal agencies by maintaining and providing acceptable laboratory QA/QC data and documents; maintains the certification requirements on the QA/QC area of the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) mandated by the State regulatory agency; takes the lead on performing quality control elements, as applicable, that may include Quality Systems Manual, PT samples and document control of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and minimum detection levels (MDLs).

Arranges for and conducts specified internal audits mandated by the regulatory agencies, notifies Laboratory Supervisor and upper management of deficiencies in implementing the laboratory QA/QC program and monitors the corrective action.

Formulates recommendations for consideration by supervision.

Represents the Laboratory Supervisor during his/her absence and performs some analytical work.

Understands, implements and enforces appropriate safety and good laboratory practices; operates a lightweight motor vehicle, as necessary.

Coordinates and performs microbiological and chemical analyses; calculates, enters and validates analytical and QC data utilizing EPA and NELAC standards.

Conducts data integrity investigations and trains staff on data integrity and ethics.

Performs related work as required.

Extensive knowledge of: principles, practices, terminology, and procedures used in the laboratory analyses of water as well as current literature and research in related fields.

Considerable knowledge of: practices, methods, tools, and equipment utilized in laboratory testing analysis of water samples; sampling, testing, and analysis techniques; water quality monitoring procedures; federal, state and local rules, codes and ordinances relating to water quality; occupational hazards, appropriate precautions, and methods of promoting safety; city policies and procedures; the LIMS.

Ability to: apply scientific and technical knowledge accurately using professional judgment; complete and interpret scientific tests and examinations; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; prepare clear, legible, accurate reports; operate and maintain laboratory testing and analysis equipment; interpret advanced scientific data; troubleshoot equipment and analyses; perform adjustments and repairs to laboratory and field equipment; assign work, oversee and train other employees; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public; operate a lightweight motor vehicle.

Skill in: the operation and maintenance of laboratory testing and analysis equipment; supervision; training staff on instrumentation and methodology.

Graduation from an accredited university or college with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental science or a related field and five (5) years laboratory QA/QC experience, including data collection and retrieval using LIMS, water quality regulations and laboratory certification; or an associate’s degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental science or a related field and seven (7) years laboratory QA/QC experience, including data collection and retrieval using LIMS, water quality regulations and laboratory certification

Must have experience with Quality Assurance Systems including NELAC/NELAP.

Possession of Master’s degree or higher in science or engineering related fields can substitute for two years of work experience.

Preferably have experience in chemical and biological analysis of environmental samples and data interpretation, plus distribution system water quality control with a good understanding of water treatment principles and practices.

Possession of a valid Florida driver's license required.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.