Operations Analyst 1 - Trace Organics

The Position The Water & Engineering Technology department is seeking an Operations Analyst 1 - Trace Organics. This position researches improvements in the operations of the District’s programs to understand and address emerging contaminants, especially trace organics, in the District’s wastewater treatment facilities, stormwater, reuse applications, and the watershed. Develops specialized analytical laboratory methods for PFAS and other trace organics, advises the Water Quality Laboratory on analytical methods related to trace organics. Conducts research projects to optimize program operations, pilot and develop new innovative treatment technologies, verifies operational data for purchase or design of new technologies, or reduces the risk of regulatory noncompliance. Candidates who are selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be invited to self-schedule their interview. Please be sure to check your email for status updates.Essential Functions (This section outlines the essential functions assigned to the position. The essential functions listed below are not intended to include all duties that may be assigned to this classification. CWS may modify, add, or remove duties or functions at its discretion.)

• Develop, plan and conduct research projects related to emerging contaminants and trace organics at bench, pilot, and field scales, as assigned.
• Interact with District personnel related to testing and correlation of research results with on-going operations.
• Develop new analytical methods using LC/MS/MS and other instrumentation as required for collecting appropriate data, develop SOPs, and train/support Water Quality Lab personnel on these methods.
• Conduct data analysis and statistical interpretation to test research hypotheses.
• Organize and coordinate the development and use of various lab research spaces at the Water Quality Lab and the Research, Innovation, Parters, and Lab locations.
• Write research reports, journal articles, and present findings at research conferences.
• Manage research within required budget and time constraints, maintain complete and accurate records, and maintain safety and quality standards required by the Water Quality Laboratory.
• Follow scientific literature on emerging contaminants in wastewater, stormwater, biosolids, and surface waters, and stay abreast of new analytical developments in instrumentation and methods, treatment technologies, and regulatory developments.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Advanced research methods of data collection and analysis
• Advanced analytical chemistry of trace organics in water and soils
• Fundamentals of environmental engineering and science
• Laboratory testing and sampling procedures
• Research record keeping

SKILL IN:

• Operation and maintenance of complex analytical lab instrumentation including LC/MS/MS
• Gathering, evaluating, and interpreting data
• Environmental sample collection for trace compounds
• Designing and carrying out research experiments
• Use of computers and computer software for word processing, spreadsheets, and database management
• Technical writing to develop, edit and compose SOPs, technical reports and journal articles

ABILITY TO:

• Develop new and modify existing analytical methods and procedures
• Identify, research, and analyze processes and procedures
• Develop, organize and operate testing of analytical and sampling equipment
• Research and identify equipment or materials needed for testing
• Develop alternatives and recommend strategies to improve reliability and cost-effectiveness of technical processes
• Establish and maintain high quality service and effective working relationships with District employees, representatives of outside agencies and members or the public by providing accurate, complete and up-to-date information in a courteous, efficient and timely manner
• Operate effectively in a team environment
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Learn appropriate computer applications related to the research being conducted

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR LICENSES

The following are the minimum qualifications for this position. 2 years of experience in conducting research related to trace organics in environmental engineering or sciences. A Bachelor’s Degree is required in environmental engineering, engineering, or science with an emphasis on aquatic organic chemistry or needs to be obtained in the first 6 months of hire. A Doctor of Philosophy or Master of Science degree in environmental engineering, engineering, or science with an emphasis on aquatic organic chemistry or related field is preferred. Upon selection, candidates must possess and maintain a valid State issued driver’s license.Additional Information

Reasonable Accommodation:

Applicants who require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any phase of the application process should contact Human Resources at 503.681.3600 or TDD 503.681.3601.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Clean Water Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, age, uniformed service, sexual orientation or disability in the admission or access to the recruitment process or any aspect of employment.

Application Review and Certification Statement:

Applicants will be reviewed and evaluated based on qualifications including relevant skills, education, training, and work history. Supplemental materials including resumes, cover letters, and other attachments will not be considered unless specifically requested as part of the application process. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their application materials are detailed, accurate, clearly demonstrate how they meet the minimum and, if applicable, special qualifications for the position, and are complete at the time the application is submitted. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may be removed from further consideration or may result in disqualification from the application or selection process, rescinding an offer of employment, or termination of employment if discovered after hire. Application materials will be used to determine salary placement in accordance with applicable state and federal law, CWS Human Resources policies and guidelines, and collective bargaining agreements, upon extension of a job offer. Unless requested as part of the application process, supplemental materials provided will not be considered. By submitting your application, and any supplemental materials specifically requested by CWS as part of the application process, you are certifying the information you have provided is true, accurate and complete and have read and understand the above statement.Benefits Clean Water Services offers eligible employees the opportunity to choose benefits and plans that meet both individual and family needs. In addition to a competitive salary, Clean Water Services offers employees a comprehensive benefit packet that includes health coverage, health reimbursement account, life and accidental death insurance, flexible spending account, Oregon Public Employees Retirement Plan (PERS/OPSRP), deferred compensation, paid vacation, holidays and sick leave, tuition reimbursement, goal sharing bonus, and more. Further information for full-time regular non-represented employees can be found here.

Depending on hours worked and duration of the position, temporary employees may qualify for an offer of medical benefits, deferred compensation, and employee discounts. Temporary employees are eligible for sick leave at the rate of .0334 per hour worked upon beginning employment and may carry over up to 40 hours into the next calendar year.