Water Quality Analyst, Senior

Position Description

An online application including response to the supplemental questionnaire must be fully completed for consideration. Please DO NOT attach resumes and cover letters, as they will not be considered in the review of candidate's qualifications .

Seattle Public Utilities is seeking a senior level water quality analyst to perform advanced water quality analysis and testing to ensure that the results meet state and federal drinking water requirements. This position reports to the Microbiology Supervisor in the Drinking Water Quality Division.

About Seattle Public Utilities (SPU): Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), please visit:

• SPU Workplace Expectations (Download PDF reader)
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

Why join us?

We know work isn't only about what you do it's also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free public transportation options
• City pension plan with employer/employee contribution
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Job Responsibilities

• Responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating work in a (365 year around) microbiology laboratory.
• Provide training and technical guidance to water quality analysts and laboratory technicians as well as other units.
• Responsible for ensuring water quality by conducting microbiological tests of water samples from various sources and evaluating results to determine compliance with Federal, State, and other water quality standards.
• The ability to utilize testing equipment specific for Microbiology such as Autoclaves, Boilers, and Incubators.
• Validate field and outside laboratory data, order supplies, manage inventory, and track contract expenses.
• Develop, test, and evaluate new testing methods, write, and update laboratory SOP's.
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory, field instruments and analyzers.
• Troubleshoot QC failures and recommend corrections.
• Analyze performance evaluation samples to maintain DOH laboratory accreditation.
• Communicate orally and in writing to regulatory authorities, staff within and outside the utility.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Experience: Three (3) years' experience in the chemical or microbiological analysis of water, or three years of experience in the limnological monitoring of lakes and streams related to drinking water supplies.

Education : Bachelor's degree in microbiology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

Experience and Education Equivalency : Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification, and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• This position will be required to participate in shift rotation along with other Analyst working weekends and/or holidays.
• This position may require working overtime.
• This position requires employees be in-office five (5) days a week.

License, Certification and Other Requirements: At the time of appointment must hold a valid Washington State Driver License .

You will be most successful in this role if you possess one or more of the following:

• Proficiency with computers and computer software such as LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems).
• Experience in a laboratory setting analyzing drinking water.
• Familiar with drinking water regulations and maximum contaminant levels (MCLs).
• Experience scheduling with Starlims or other software.
• Ability to develop new methods for analysis and reporting.
• Ability to lead, train and mentor analysts.
• Experience validating laboratory quality control.
• Ability to work within the organizational framework of SPU Workplace Expectations including our values on Safety, Respect, Diversity, Trust, Humor, Productivity, Integrity, Innovation, Partnership and Accountability.
• Experience managing inventory and ordering supplies using PeopleSoft.

Additional Information

How to Apply: Please fully complete an online application. Please DO NOT attach resumes and cover letters, as they will not be considered in the review of candidate's qualifications .

The full salary range for this position is $40.08 - $46.68 per hour.

Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

If you have any questions, please contact Charles Gilmore at charles.gilmore2@seattle.gov

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/ .

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
"Most" Employees Plans - Human Resources | seattle.gov

Closing Date/Time: 11/21/2023 4:00 PM Pacific