This is a temporary, 12-month position

Performs sample collection, basic to limited advanced analyses on water, wastewater, source water, and treatment process sludge, instrument calibrations, quality control tests and interacts with interdepartmental groups to support compliance and process optimization. Communicates results by generating graphs and reports for internal review to ensure compliance with regulatory and process requirements to protect public and environmental health and safety. The salary range for this position is $24.81- $37.21 per hour with a hiring range of $24.81 - $31.01, depending on qualifications and experience. First reading of applications will be on January 2, 2023.

Please include a resume with your application

The City of Loveland’s Water Quality Group contributes to the overall improvement of human and environmental health by providing high quality environmental monitoring with laboratory services focused on proactive, sustainable, and collaborative water resource management. Water Quality Scientist position offers a variety of opportunities to contribute to field, laboratory, and community engagement by participating in multiple sampling, analytical, and outreach programs. The main role of the position supports sampling in the Big Thompson Watershed, every aspect of the water system, and provides the analytical testing to support these focus areas. This position offers workplace flexibility, a multitude of sampling and analytical opportunities, provides continued growth, and expands educational experiences within the laboratory and field environments.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Ensures safety of public health and environment by demonstrating compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations
• Performs basic to limited advanced analysis on water, wastewater, source water and sludge samples by strictly following prescribed analytical methods and established protocols
• Complies with all applicable quality control protocols to provide legally defensible analytical results
• Consistently and reliably collects and process environmental samples and performs assigned basic microbiological, wet chemistry, and instrumental analyses
• Enters data into internal laboratory reports and software to be reviewed by Scientist II, Supervisor, and/or Manager
• Reviews and evaluates non-regulatory and limited regulatory data
• Coordinates internal non-regulatory projects and produces reports as needed
• Maintains, calibrates, troubleshoots, and repairs general laboratory and field instrumentation and equipment
• Performs laboratory maintenance and prepares solutions, standards, media, and quality control material for general use
• Performs source water monitoring program requirements including sample collection and analysis
• Collects and analyzes bacteriological samples from the distribution system to be reviewed by Scientist II, Supervisor, and/or Manager
• Notifies Scientist II, Supervisor, and/or Manager, and appropriate personnel of all “out of range” results
• Updates and maintains chemical and SDS inventory
• Maintains safe working environment and adheres to all established safety protocols

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Responds to plant operations staff questions
• Maintains comprehensive records of sampling and analytical activities
• Incumbent may be responsible for purchasing laboratory supplies or services, as assigned
• Participates on departmental committees and workgroups, as assigned
• Attends meetings, conferences, and training sessions to keep current with changes in regulatory and industry protocols as assigned
• Participates in personal growth opportunities, and attends trainings designed to enhance capacity to bring new skills and ideas to the job and the organization
• Works to continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service or product being delivered

SUPERVISORY DUTIES: None

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Working knowledge of the scientific method, laboratory procedures, and mathematical operations including quantitative analysis and statistical evaluations
• Clear understanding of the water/wastewater process is desirable
• Able to work in a team-oriented environment to monitor the quality of the raw and treated drinking water, wastewater discharge and process sludge, and support treatment operations projects and activities
• Demonstrates knowledge of hazards and safety precautions required in the laboratory and field
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and data management software
• Demonstrates integrity and builds trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, and ethical behavior
• Demonstrates support for team efforts by accepting new roles and responsibilities, and helping others achieve objectives
• Exhibits pride in self, the department, the city, and the community; conducts self in a professional manner
• Values diversity; demonstrates an awareness of differences; demonstrates sensitivity, and adapts behaviors and communication to accommodate these differences

Core competencies:
Accountability, Integrity, Transparency & Honoring the Public Trust, Collaboration, Innovation, Safety, Excellent Service with Courtesy and Kindness

Job Specific Competencies:
Communication, Data Analysis, Independence, Maintenance, Time Management

Education and/experience
Required:

• B.S. Degree from an accredited four-year college or university with course work in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or related field.
• One year of experience in a water, wastewater, or commercial laboratory. Academic lab experience may be accepted on a case per case basis.

Preferred:

• Two years of experience in a water or wastewater municipal laboratory

Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and skills, may be considered

Licensure and/or certifications:
Must possess a valid driver's license

Material and equipment directly used:
City trucks and passenger vehicles, boat, personal computer, field meters and sampling equipment, auto-samplers, lake profiler, data-loggers, in situ monitoring equipment, flow injection analyzer, balances, autoclaves, ion selective electrodes, chromatographs, spectrophotometers, microscopes, and standard laboratory equipment.

Working environment/physical activities:
Work is technical in nature and requires a great deal of mobility and dexterity to gather samples, as well as sufficient physical strength and stamina for:

• Constant sitting to analyze samples
• Frequent standing and walking over uneven terrain in various conditions when gathering samples
• Frequent squatting, bending, and kneeling to collect specimens
• Occasional climbing, balancing, reaching overhead and below shoulder, and twisting to perform lab and field functions,
• Constant light grasp with frequent firm grasp, fine manipulation and handling to properly, and safely use lab and field equipment,
• Frequent stepping up/down to safely enter, exit and operate vehicles
• Normal near/far acuity and hearing to properly perform lab and field tasks and communicate with staff
• Occasional lifting from ground to waist or push/pulling of sampling equipment weighing up to 50 pounds

WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed indoors and frequently outdoors with frequent exposure to extreme temperatures and variable weather conditions. This is a highly analytical and active position where samples are collected out in the field and analyzed in a laboratory setting. Work performed may pose potential exposure to chemical, microbiological, and outdoor hazards. Limited office work may require remaining in stationary positions for periods of times.

Required Materials and Equipment
City trucks and passenger vehicles, boat, personal computer, field meters and sampling equipment, auto-samplers, lake profiler, data-loggers, in situ monitoring equipment, flow injection analyzer, balances, autoclaves, ion selective electrodes, spectrophotometers, microscopes and standard laboratory equipment.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

With over 300 days of sunshine, and just 30 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park in the heart of northern Colorado, Loveland is an ideal community for anyone to call home. Known as the Sweetheart City, this vibrant cultural hub is home to nearly 500 sculptures and public art installations, the world-famous Valentine Remail Program, and picturesque views of the Rocky Mountains. The community is bustling with a thriving arts, brewery, foodie and shopping scene. Enjoy headliner concert and theatre productions, professional hockey events, endless community recreation and open space opportunities, art and sculpture shows, and several local festivals. Loveland also boasts an award-winning golf course and an inclusive library and community center. Loveland, Colorado has EVERYTHING YOU LOVE! In 2020, Loveland was the only Colorado City to win the Governor’s Award for Downtown Excellence, is the top residential recycling City in the state for 6 consecutive years and has been ranked as one of the top places to live, work and raise a family in the U.S. and as one of the Most Idyllic Picturesque towns in America.

Apply today to join more than 800 employees who work to meet the core values of: Accountability & Integrity, Transparency & Honoring the Public Trust, Collaboration, Innovation, Safety, Excellent Service with Courtesy and Kindness. The City of Loveland is a diverse and welcoming community organization, and our employees enjoy a competitive benefits program, various opportunities for growth and development, and an exceptional work-life balance.

A vibrant community, surrounded by natural beauty, where you belong!

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The City of Loveland provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.

A driving record and criminal history background check will be obtained pre-employment.

Required