Water Quality Scientist Assistant - Austin Water

Job Description:
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.

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 in water or wastewater testing using analytical techniques and methods (i.e., EPA, Standard Methods, etc.).
• Experience using and maintaining laboratory equipment.
• Experience adhering to scientific protocols such as laboratory accreditation or certification requirements, analytical methods (i.e., EPA, standard Methods), and standard operating procedures.
• Organizational, problem solving, and cultural competence skills.

Position Overview:
This Water Quality Scientist Assistant position performs analytical testing on water and wastewater samples in a lab accredited by The NELAC Institute (TNI).

Pay Range: $25.74 – $30.50 per hour

Position(s) will be filled at the following location:
Water Quality Lab
14050 Summit Drive, #121
Austin, Texas 78728

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

Days and Hours:
Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., plus scheduled holiday and weekend work as assigned.

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.

Retention Incentive Bonus:
$500 after 90 days.
$500 after 180 days.
$1,000 after 1 year.
$1,000 after 2 years.

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. Please do not use the phrase “see resume” or refer to other documents to complete your application.
• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.

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.

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.

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.

Please note this posting may close any time after 7 days.