Lab Quality Assurance Officer

INTRODUCTION: Human Resources will screen applications and supplemental questionnaires. Candidates possessing the strongest skills and experience for this position will be forwarded to the hiring department for further evaluation and to determine who will be invited to the formal interview process. The candidate hired will be required to pass a drug screening, background check and may be required to pass a job-related physical evaluation.

Hours of Work: 4/10's. Mon-Thurs; 6am-4:30pm

The ideal candidate for this position would hold four-year college or university degree with a major in biology, chemistry, or closely related field, at least five years of increasingly responsible quality assurance experience in a state-certified environmental drinking water laboratory. Candidate will have strong leadership, organizational and time management skills to effectively work with laboratory management and laboratory team members. Have technical writing skills to apply to quality assurance plans and standard operating procedures. Be experienced in implementing or overseeing a Quality Assurance Program. Have experience working with laboratory software packages, such as a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) software, Microsoft Office Suite; knowledge
of the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA); ability to read, comprehend, provide feedback, and support implementation of revised or new drinking water regulations.

This position Requires a California/Nevada AWWA Water Quality Analyst II Certificate.
 

GENERAL PURPOSE
Under general direction, leads, oversees and coordinates the laboratory’s Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Program to ensure compliance with laboratory certification requirements; conducts assessments and recommends enhancements to QA/QC policies and protocols; trains laboratory staff on QA/QC standards and reporting
requirements; monitors to ensure data integrity requirements are met; prepares and disseminates QA/QC plans and reports; and performs related duties as assigned.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Federal EPA regulations and federal and state Safe Drinking Water Act provisions and regulations; approved methods and protocols used in the chemical and microbiological analysis of raw and potable water; laboratory quality control/quality assurance principles, practices and methods applicable to a large-scale, complex water utility laboratory; Good Laboratory Practices; State of Nevada certification requirements for laboratories performing drinking water analyses; National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) certification requirements; uses and operations of Laboratory Information Management Systems; methods and processes used in raw water treatment;
the operation and maintenance of applicable complex, laboratory instrumentation and related computer programs and software; safe laboratory practices and procedures; principles and practices of sound business communication applicable to areas of assigned responsibility.

Ability to:
Provide leadership and overall coordination for the laboratory's QA/QC Program; plan, organize and carry out projects independently, drawing information and cooperation from a variety of sources and laboratory staff; understand, interpret, explain and apply complex and detailed certification and regulatory requirements on an extensive array of issues to analysis of the QA/QC program and its operations; analyze complex testing and
compliance issues to determine the effectiveness of laboratory QA/QC procedures and practices, evaluate findings and make sound recommendations for improvement in the Program and its cost effectiveness; audit methods and processes at a detailed level to determine full compliance with SOPs and QA/QC processes and determine program
needs and priorities; exercise sound, expert judgment and initiative in carrying out quality control plans and initiatives; present scientific data clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; operate a computer and automated/programmable laboratory equipment data systems; provide technical guidance and direction to other laboratory professional and technical staff; establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers,
laboratory supervisors and staff, other SNWS staff and state certification officials.

Training and Experience:
A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from a college or university with a major in chemistry or a closely related field; and at least five years of increasingly responsible quality assurance experience in a state-certified environmental laboratory; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. A Master's degree in Chemistry is desired but not required.

Licenses; Certificates: Special Requirements:
A California/Nevada AWWA Water Quality Analyst II Certificate.
 

A valid State of Nevada driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District's Vehicle Insurance Policy.
 

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to walk; talk or hear by telephone and in person; sit; smell; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands or arms. Employees are required to stand.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, the ability to distinguish basic colors and shades, depth perception, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands
While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use oral and written communications skills; read documents or instructions; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret data or information; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new information or skills; perform highly detailed and precise
work; meet time-sensitive deadlines and interact with others encountered in the course of work.