Laboratory Scientist I

at  Las Vegas Valley Water District

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Laboratory Scientist I
Open Date: 09/16/24
Close Date: 09/30/24
Salary: $101,920.00 per year
Job Type: Regular
Location: River Mountains Water Treatment Facility, 1299 Burkholder Blvd., Henderson
For any questions regarding this announcement, please contact LVVWD Recruitment at recruitment@lvvwd.com.
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. 6:00a.m. - 4:30p.m.
The ideal candidate will have proficiency using complex ELISA for the detection of algal toxins, including microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, anatoxins and other relevant contaminants; knowledge of lake and algal ecology, algal toxins and water quality analysis; knowledge of microbial methods in Standard Methods.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:
Scientific theory, principles, practices, methods and agents used in the chemical or microbiological analysis and testing of raw, treated and potable water; standard EPA methodologies and laboratory protocols and procedures used in the testing and analysis of water samples; water sampling protocols, methods and techniques; methods and processes used in raw water treatment; federal and state law and regulations applicable to the work, including the Safe Drinking Water Act; the operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment standard to a chemical and microbiology laboratory; the use of standard laboratory glassware, beakers, flasks and pipettes; safe laboratory practices and procedures; accepted quality assurance/quality control techniques; methods and practices used in technical writing applicable to development of standard operating procedures.
Chemistry Discipline:
Theory, principles, practices, methods, chemicals, agents and instrumentation used in the chemical and physical testing of water.
Biology/Microbiology Disciplines:
Theory, principles, practices, methods, media, agents and laboratory equipment used in microbiological water quality analyses; principles, theories, practices, methods, media and agents used in macroinvertebrate, limnological and microbiological water quality assessments and analyses; microorganisms common to water in southern Nevada; dynamics of lake ecosystems.
Ability to:
Operate a computer and automated/programmable laboratory equipment used in the compliance and non-compliance testing of raw and potable water samples; apply principles and scientific methods to the interpretation of test results and development of new/revised production laboratory methods; calibrate, maintain and perform minor repairs on laboratory equipment; understand, interpret and modify/adjust standard methodologies and protocols to maintain the accuracy and reliability of testing results; prepare accurate reports and records of test results and special analyses; present scientific data clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; conduct and apply the results of literature reviews to assigned research and analysis projects; share expertise and mentor other staff in performing specialized testing and analyses; work independently or in a team fashion to support completion of laboratory goals and objectives; establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and others encountered in the course of work.
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 either analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, or a closely related field -or- microbiology or a closely related field; and:
Laboratory Scientist I: Two years of increasingly responsible chemical or microbiology laboratory experience in the testing and analyses typically used in a water treatment plant laboratory; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Laboratory Scientist II: Six years of increasingly responsible chemical or microbiology laboratory experience in the testing and analyses typically used in a water treatment plant laboratory; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. A Master’s degree in an applicable scientific discipline is highly desirable and may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for required experience.
A Laboratory Scientist I may be considered for advancement to Laboratory Scientist II after demonstrating proficiency to perform the full range of duties of the latter class. Proficiency criteria and the process for demonstrating performance at the levels established in the criteria are established jointly by hiring authorities and the Director, Human Resources and are described in a separate document.
Licenses; Certificates: Special Requirements:
A California/Nevada AWWA Water Quality Analyst I Certificate.
A California/Nevada AWWA Water Quality Analyst II Certificate must be obtained within one year from date of appointment into the Laboratory Scientist I class.
A valid State of Nevada driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District’s Vehicle Insurance Policy.

Under direction, performs a variety of compliance and noncompliance laboratory tests on raw, treated and other water samples to determine compliance with federal and state regulatory requirements; interprets and evaluates test results, enters data in LIMS and prepares reports, tables and charts; performs methods research, development, modification and optimization; participates in the laboratory’s quality control program; and performs related duties as assigned.