Laboratory Analyst

Our City Our Future

St. Johns is a progressive city with a strong connection to the past and a positive outlook on the future. As one of the oldest cities in North America we have a unique history but we are also a growing city with the needs and opportunities of a modern urban population. The City of St. Johns is committed to recruiting world-class talent and expertise to join our City staff more than 1200 strong who provide a vast array of valued services to the residents of St. Johns and the metropolitan area. If you are an innovative thinker with a positive attitude and a commitment to quality we want you to help us make St. Johns a city where people want to live and feel they belong.

The Opportunity

The Human Resources Division is presently accepting applications for the Full Time Permanent position of Laboratory Analyst with the Department of Public Works Water & Wastewater Division.

Accountabilities

Under direction of the Manager Laboratory Services in an ISO17025 accredited laboratory the analyst conducts a variety of physical organic inorganic chemical and microbiological analysis of raw and treated water/wastewater related solids and byproducts relevant to water collection treatment and disposal. Collects and analyzes samples to ensure compliance with provincial and federal mandates quality assurance requirements and laboratory certification standards; conducts or assists with research projects; and performs related duties as assigned.

The key duties and responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to the following:
Operate and maintain all laboratory equipment and laboratory facilities including
requisitioning of laboratory supplies keeping adequate inventory and equipment servicing
Perform all necessary laboratory work required to verify treatment process performance and effectively evaluate the results of treatment process changes.
Perform chemical physical and biological analysis of raw and treated water and/or wastewater sludge and biosolids from various stages of the treatment process.
Prepare standards for testing sampling and analyzing results.
Assisting in developing water quality monitoring plans.
Collect and analyze field samples as required to assess raw influent and distribution system conditions.
Complete all analysis in compliance with applicable federal provincial and municipal regulatory requirements; file mandated reports; assist in preparing and completing reports relevant to regulatory monitoring and process control requirements; maintain records of laboratory test results laboratory operations and quality assurance and make daily or periodic reports as required by regulatory and professional standards; conduct and/or assist in research and monitoring projects.
Participate in all aspects of ISO17025 accreditation including but not limited to biannual proficiency testing internal auditing method validation/ verification control charting.
Ensuring that all aspects of the standard operating procedures and quality management system requirements are implemented and followed.
Follow safe handling and storage procedures for samples and laboratory reagents.
Ensure that water monitoring equipment accurately reflects water conditions and composition.
Continually be aware of Federal Provincial and Municipal laws standards and requirements for water and/or wastewater quality to ensure that necessary procedures are established to meet these standards and requirements.
Liaise with regulatory agencies universities and other authorities concerned with improving the quality of water and/or wastewater to keep abreast of new technology and developments in this area.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

The successful applicant will be required to participate in all training programs applicable to this position and other related work. The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified and shall not be considered a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Qualifications

Bachelors degree from a recognized university in a related discipline (Biology
Chemistry or Environmental Science) or a three-year diploma in related discipline (i.e. Marine Environmental Technology) from a recognized post-secondary educational institution.
A minimum of 2 years experience working in an ISO17025 accredited laboratory in a position responsible for water and/or wastewater treatment analysis conducting physical inorganic and organic chemical and microbiological tests related to municipal water /wastewater.
Extensive knowledge of and ability to perform water and/or wastewater laboratory tests interpret results and make recommendations for modifications.
Experience working in a Class IV Water Treatment Facility/Class III Wastewater Treatment Facility is desirable.
A good working knowledge of related computer technology including Microsoft Excel and data management software (LIMS Watertrax)
Ability to work independently and with minimum supervision and direction.
Possess a valid Class 5 Drivers License.
Effective oral and written communication skills and ability to deal with people in a respectful tactful manner.
Applicants with an equivalent combination of education training and experience may also be considered.

This position is classified as safety sensitive. The City of St. Johns has a comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Policy to ensure fitness for work and the completion of a satisfactory alcohol and drug test is a mandatory pre-employment requirement.

Hours of Work

Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm

Applicants must be members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 569 or should be prepared to join the Union immediately upon appointment.

We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. The City of St. Johns does not accept applications in person by email fax or mail. Applications will be received up to 12:00 Midnight (Newfoundland Standard Time) on closing date.

This City of St. Johns is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the employment of a qualified workforce which reflects the communitys diversity.