Laboratory Quality Control Analyst

Salary : $83,699.20 - $101,712.00 Annually

Location : Modesto, CA

Job Type : Full Time

Job Number : 04211

Department : Utilities

Division : Wastewater

Opening Date : 01 / 29 / 2025

Closing Date : 2 / 19 / 2025 5 : 00 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit : MCMA

THE POSITION

Are you an experienced laboratory analyst? The City of Modesto is looking for the right candidate to join our Laboratory Services team in Wastewater.

Upcoming Salary Increases and Incentives : 3% COLAeffective July 1, 2025

3% COLA effective July 1, 2026

2.5% Education Incentive (bachelor's degree)

5% Education Incentive (master's degree)

The Laboratory Quality Control Analyst is responsible to perform a variety of technical tasks relative to reviewing, validating, implementing, and training staff in analytical and record-keeping procedures related to complex physical, chemical, biological, and bacteriological water and wastewater analyses. Monitors the laboratory's safety, quality assurance, training, accreditation, and chemical hygiene plans; and performs related duties, as assigned.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The Supplemental Questionnaire is used as a Training and Experience Exam (Weighted 100%). In addition to the City of Modesto employment application, applicants must complete and submit online responses to the supplemental questionnaire . Only the applicants who meet the minimum qualifications by the final filing date will become candidates and their supplemental questionnaire will be rated and scored. This exam will evaluate the relevance, level, and progression of a candidate's education, training and experience. Therefore, your responses to the supplemental questionnaire should be thorough and complete because the exam score will determine your ranking on the eligible list for this position. When completing the supplemental questionnaire, please note :

• Responses to the supplemental questionnaire must be submitted online; paper questionnaires will not be accepted.
• Incomplete supplemental questionnaires will not pass the review process; omitted information cannot be considered or assumed.
• A resume will not substitute for the information required in the supplemental questionnaire.
• Any work experience described in your supplemental question answers MUST also be found under Work Experience on your application.

The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.

ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following :

Essential Functions :

Reviews laboratory quality control and sampling procedures; makes recommendations for adjustments to processes and procedures related to laboratory testing and compliance consistent with TNI (The National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) Institute) standards.

Develops, reviews, updates, and maintains the laboratory's Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Management System consistent with TNI standards.

Develops, adheres to, ensures compliance with, and monitors quality assurance (QA) standards and safety protocol of the laboratory; maintains and reviews quality control databases, charts, detection limits, and action levels for laboratory analyses; recommends improvements and modifications as necessary.

Analyzes, interprets, and validates data; recognizes data abnormalities as they relate to process control and analytical testing; determines the causes of problems and makes appropriate recommendations to take corrective action; prepares and submits corrective action and investigation reports as necessary.

Performs quality control and assurance program administration activities; compiles data to prepare reports and summaries; maintains databases; submits periodic and special reports to appropriate regulatory agencies.

Coordinates or performs quality assurance system audits of laboratory performance using samples provided by regulatory or commercial agencies; prepares or reviews the preparation of calibration standards and quality assurance check samples for internal laboratory use.

Performs a variety of quality assurance and quality control analyses of qualitative and quantitative tests of water and wastewater; monitors and evaluates laboratory test results to ensure all reported data meets minimum acceptance criteria.

Monitors state and federal regulations relating to laboratory quality assurance; evaluates impact on laboratory practices; identifies changes required to comply with regulation and assists with City responses as appropriate.

Trains employees in work principles, practices, methods, policies, procedures, and applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations; trains employees in work methods, use of tools and equipment, and relevant safety precautions.

Assists in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and work standards for the division, including recommending improvements.

Performs chemical and biological analyses to assist in troubleshooting water and wastewater plant issues; conducts and participates in special studies as assigned.

Prepares reagents, chemicals, bacteriological media, and standard test solutions; performs mathematical calculations and statistical analyses for test results.

Operates and uses monitoring equipment, operates portable lab equipment, and performs field analyses as necessary.

Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.

Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.

Marginal Functions :

Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of :

Chemical, biological, and physical characteristics of various environmental matrices including water and wastewater.?

Principles, practices, techniques, equipment, and materials required for basic chemical, biochemical, biological, microbiological, and physical analysis of samples of potable water and wastewater.

Sampling techniques and related statistical analysis.

Laboratory and wastewater plant safety procedures and equipment.

Principles and practices of work planning, assignment review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.

Basic principles of water and wastewater treatment and practices for distribution / disposal.

Data collection procedures, record keeping, analysis, and technical report preparation.

Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.

Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and / or generate documentation.

Ability to :

Provide technical and functional supervision over assigned staff; effectively train staff.

Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.

Perform complex troubleshooting of problems that result from laboratory testing procedures and recommend appropriate solutions.

Perform basic chemical, biochemical, biological, microbiological, and physical analyses of various matrices including potable water and wastewater.

Make accurate chemical, arithmetic, and statistical computations.

Understand, interpret, explain, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.

Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.

Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

Experience and Training Guidelines :

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be :

Experience :

Three years of increasingly responsible experience performing water and / or wastewater analysis. Quality control experience is desirable.

Training :

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or a related field.

License or Certificate :

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Class C driver's license upon appointment.

Possession of a Grade II Laboratory Analyst certification issued by the California Water Environment Association.

The ability to obtain a Grade III Laboratory Analyst certification issued by the California Water Environment Association within twenty-four (24) months of appointment.

Failure to obtain any of the required licenses / certificates within the prescribed time may result in release from probation or termination.

Modesto Confidential and Management Association (MCMA)

Employee benefits are subject to change and are not guaranteed. For a detailed explanation of benefits currently in effect please see the Memoranda of Understanding.

PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM : CalPERS enrollment in either the 2% @ 60 or the 2% @ 62 formula is dependent on eligibility, as per AB 340. Employee pays the full member contribution. Retirement benefit is based on the employees three year final compensation average. The City does not participate in Social Security except for the required 1.45% Medicare contribution by both the City and the employee (applies to employees hired after 4-1-86).

HOLIDAYS : 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours holiday credit.

MANAGEMENT LEAVE : 80 hours per year for positions exempt from overtime.

VACATION : Accrued at the rate of two weeks during the first year, increasing to five weeks during the 21st year of service.

SICK LEAVE : Accumulated at 8 hours per month, 96 hours per year. Employees may accumulate up to 2,200 hours.

MEDICAL INSURANCE : Health, dental and vision coverage is provided. The City's monthly contribution to health, dental and vision benefits is based on a three-tier system as follows :

2,028.00 Employee Family

1,436.00 Employee 1 Dependent

718.00 Employee Only

450.00 Opt Out

The employee pays the balance. An employee who opts out of health coverage receives the amount noted above minus dental and vision premium on their paycheck and treated as taxable income. Dental and vision coverage continuation is available upon retirement.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION : With a matching contribution by the employee, the City will contribute 1.5% of salary, increasing to 2.5% at 9 years of service, to a voluntary 457 Plan.

RETIREE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (RHS) : On the first pay period following completion of two (2) full years of continuous City service, regular full-time employees shall receive a lump sum equal to 24 months of contributions deposited into an RHS account established in their name. After initial contribution, the City shall contribute a set amount bi-weekly which is $55 effective 1 / 1 / 2024.

LIFE INSURANCE : Coverage in the amount of $120,000 is provided by the City. Supplemental coverage is available at employee cost.

DISABILITY INSURANCE : Coverage is provided by the City, at City cost. This benefit pays 66 2 / 3% of the first $12,000 per month in salary.

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE : Master's Degree Pay in the amount of 5% of salary. Bachelor's Degree Pay in the amount of 2.5% of salary.

BILINGUAL INCENTIVE LEAVE : Employees who pass a review panel and are needed in this capacity by the department, will receive 3 hours of Bilingual Leave Time per pay period into their Compensatory Time Off (CTO) balance.

LONGEVITY PAY : 2.5% of salary at 10 years of service.

SECTION 125 PLAN : Providing for pre-tax deductions for employee-paid health premium and dependent care costs.

I understand that in order for my application to receive every consideration in the selection process, I must complete the following Supplemental Questions and provide concise but detailed answers. I understand these responses must match the information I provide in the Work Experience and Education sections of my application. When answering narrative descriptions of my experience, I understand that I must include the name of the employer, dates of employment, and the name and phone number of my supervisor. I certify that all information provided on this application and the Supplemental Questions is true to the best of my knowledge.

How many years of experience do you have performing water and / or wastewater analysis?

How many years of experience do you have performing quality control?

Do you possess an equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or a related field?

Do you possess a Grade II Laboratory Analyst certification, or higher, issued by the California Water Environment Association?

What is your experience level with Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) audits?

What is your level of experience with auditing in-house processes?

What is your level of experience evaluating lab analyses to QA / QC standards?

What is your level of experience in reconciling method requirements with laboratory workflow?

Required Question

Salary : $83,699 - $101,712