Austin Water - Water Quality Scientist Assistant

Job description

About This Position ABOUT AUSTIN WATER: For more than 100 years, Austin Water has provided safe, reliable, high-quality and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve more than 1 million people across 544 square miles in the Austin metropolitan area. Austin Water consistently ranks among the best in the country when it comes to water quality. We also treat, return, and recycle wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources. Austin Water exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance at our water and wastewater treatment plants. Job Description: Purpose: Using academic knowledge to assist other staff, 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. Drives to various sites throughout the City including schools, wastewater plants, and area water ways to collect samples. Prepares and analyzes water, wastewater, or environmental samples. Performs appropriate analysis per established protocols. Follows strict analytical and documentation protocols. Maintains Chain of Custody process. Evaluates ane verifies data. Notifies appropriate staff of non-compliant or out of spec results. Adheres to QA/QC and standard operating procedures. Operates, maintains, and calibrates analytical/miscellaneous instrumentation. Performs proficiency tests and other quality assurance procedures. Prepares reagents and/or media. Assists with administrative duties as required. Testifies, as necessary, regarding analyses performed. Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: None 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 testing. Knowledge of EPA-approved standards. Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws. Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures. Skill in interpreting and analyzing data. Skill in problem solving. Skill in prioritizing critical tasks. 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 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. 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 TCEQ within six (6) months. Preferred Qualifications: Experience performing lab analysis related to water and wastewater quality testing using analytical techniques and methods (i.e., EPA, Standard Methods, etc.). Experience operating and maintaining laboratory equipment and instrumentation. Experience working in an accredited or certified laboratory (i.e., TNI, EPA Drinking Water Certification, ISO 17025, etc.) Possess organizational, problem solving, and cultural competence skills. Notes to Candidate: Benefits: Working with Austin Water provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more – click HERE for more information. Additionally, this position offers a career progression plan, which provides a unique opportunity to promote without having to go through the competitive process. As employees go through on-the-job training to develop new skills and abilities and obtain the appropriate license, they are eligible to submit for Career Progression, which allows them to demonstrate knowledge and skills without having to interview for the promotion. The Austin Water Laboratory Services Division (LSD) is a multi-site, NELAP-accredited municipal laboratory whose mission is to provide accurate, timely, and cost-effective water quality data to City data end users. The LSD performs analytical testing to support the City’s water and wastewater operations and regulatory requirements while also providing data to other City departments, including Austin Energy, Aviation, and Public Works. The LSD is comprised of 42 dedicated and talented professionals with roles in technical science, quality assurance, and leadership and management, performing or overseeing work in wet chemistry, microbiology, metals, and organics. Position Overview: This Water Quality Scientist Assistant performs analytical testing on water and wastewater samples in a laboratory accredited by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) laboratory accreditation program to the NELAC Institute (TNI) standard.. Pay Range: $26.03 – $31.04 per hour Retention Incentive Bonus: This position may be eligible for an Incentive Bonus of up to $3,000! $500 after 90 days. $500 after 180 days. $1,000 after 1 year. $1,000 after 2 years. Location(s): This vacancy is located at the Wastewater Process Laboratory, with the possibility of a future vacancy at any of the three (3) locations listed. Wastewater Process Lab Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant 2210 S FM 973 Austin, Texas 78725 Environmental Analytical Services Lab Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant 7113 FM 969 Austin, Texas 78724 Water Quality Lab 14050 Summit Drive, #121 Austin, Texas 78728 All three (3) Austin Water LSD laboratories are scheduled to be consolidated into a centralized location at 712 E. Huntland Dr, Austin, TX 78752, in early 2027. Days and Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., plus scheduled holidays and weekends work as assigned. Critical Employee: This position has been designated as critical for the City of Austin. Critical positions are necessary and vital and support activities that impact City or department operations. Work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees may be reassigned to another area to provide essential services to support any extraordinary situations or emergency conditions. Technical Licensure: If assigned to the Water Quality Lab, this position may require employees to obtain a Class “D” Water Operator License from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) within six (6) months of employment. TCEQ may restrict granting an occupational license to individuals with certain criminal convictions. To review TCEQ’s criminal conviction guidelines, go online to TCEQ . Driving Requirement: This position requires a valid Texas Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin's Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite . To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. When completing the City of Austin employment application: A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Provide each job title and accurate employment dates for all jobs included on the application. Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment and computer software used. Please refer to the preferred qualifications listed in this posting when completing the “Role Description” section for each job listed on your application, describing which preferred qualifications are applicable for that position including any preferred software used. Do not leave the “Role Description” sections blank. A resume is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Statements such as “see resume” will be considered incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please include contact information from previous employers. If you are selected as a top candidate: Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution. And are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date. Secondary Employment: All Austin Water employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department. Austin Water must review all secondary employment. Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with Austin Water, as well as current Austin Water employees considering secondary employment. 90-day Provision: This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies that occur within the department. All Austin Water worksite locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any AW worksite – including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicle located on the premises. Electronic Notification to Applicants: Applicants will be notified via e-mail to communicate information related to the status of their application as part of an ongoing effort to increase operational efficiency, promote a green environment and minimize delays and costs. Ensure that the email address and contact information you provide are current, secure, and readily accessible to you. The City of Austin/Austin Water will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive email communications, fail to check your inbox, or fail to respond in a timely manner. IMPORTANT NOTE TO APPLICANTS: Postings close at 12:00 a.m. on the listed End Date. All application steps – including document uploads and final submission – must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the End Date . We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records . Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system. Please note this posting may close any time after 7 days. . JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country. . EEO Statement for City of Austin: The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.