Laboratory Analyst II - Metals

Date Opened: Tuesday, May 06, 2025 12:00 AM

Close Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 12:00 AM

Department: Charlotte Water Department

Salary: $57,691.48 - $72,114.35 Commensurate with Experience

SUMMARY

This position performs analytical tests on drinking water, wastewater, and surface water to support public health, environmental protection, and economic vitality of the region. Work involves tracking samples; performing data entry, data analysis and verification, sample preparation, and sample receiving; maintaining legal chain of custody protocol; and operating/calibrating instrumentation necessary to conduct these. This position ensures analysis follows adherence to quality assurance procedures; maintains documentation along with corrective action records; and assists in training of new personnel along with conducting safety verification checks.

Salary - $64,903.00 - $72,113.00/year - Commensurate with experienceESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:         

• Performs sample preparation and analysis, which may include but is not limited to, metals digestion (EPA 200.7/EPA 200.8), ICP-MS (EPA 200.8), ICP-OES (EPA 200.7), and mercury (EPA 245.1), according to approved methods, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Quality Assurance (QA) procedures; tracks samples.
• Schedules analyses to adhere to policies of the lab regarding method hold times and turnaround times.
• Notifies supervisors of permit violations, deficiencies in frequency of monitoring, QA requirements, etc.
• Maintains documentation, including case narratives and supporting data.
• Reviews data and procedures to verify that requirements in the methods, SOPs, QA procedures, and CHP are met.
• Assists in implementation of new methods and new equipment; assures that the requirements of the methods, SOPs, required quality control, and safety considerations are being met.
• Performs instrumentation needs of the position, including application, optimization, maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repair.  Contacts vendor for preventative maintenance and instrument service.
• Assists in training on methods. 
• Participates in audits and inspections; assures corrective actions are taken.
• Creates reports.
• Complies with centralized ordering and inventory procedures.
• Maintains awareness of new rules, regulations, and anticipated dates of promulgation as pertaining to emerging contaminants.
• Responds to client requests.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in chemistry, environmental science, or related discipline from an accredited school.
• Two (2) years of related work experience, preferably in a certified laboratory environment.

Licenses, Certifications or Registrations:

• Requires a NC Wastewater Analyst Certification I, II, and III (or obtain within five years of hire date).
• Requires completion of NIMS/ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800 (or obtain within six months of hire).
• Desires NC Bacteriological certification for Total Coliforms and E. coli.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Software.
• Knowledge of common office software and other pertinent computer programs.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to services provided by a laboratory.
• Knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, environmental engineering, and dimensional analysis as well as inferential statistics.
• Knowledge of operating and maintenance of specialized equipment and instrumentation used on the job.
• Knowledge of sampling and laboratory protocols.
• Skill in calibrating equipment.
• Skill in communicating, both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in using spreadsheets, charts, and graphs.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Ability to analyze data.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work is light work and requires applying 10 pounds of force frequently exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: climbing, crouching, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, distinguishing among sounds, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity in data/color/observations/inspections, and walking.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying fo