Lab Analyst 1

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website. 

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.  

Join an award-winning wastewater industry leader in protecting our environment! Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) operates and maintains the wastewater collection and treatment system in the Twin Cities metropolitan region.  It also provides coordinated long-range water resources and supply planning, and air and water quality monitoring to meet future needs. MCES treatment plants consistently earn state and national awards for complete compliance with their environmental permits. MCES received a Governor’s Award as a Great Place to Work.
 
To find out more about the Environmental Services division, please click on the link: https://metrocouncil.org/Wastewater-Water.aspx.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
The Lab Analyst 1 applies academic scientific knowledge and gains hands-on laboratory experience while performing analyses, processing samples, operating laboratory instrumentation, conducting basic analytical troubleshooting, and performing routine data interpretation/reporting.

Notes: The Metropolitan Council Environmental Services Division has two (2) Laboratory Analyst 1 vacancies. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin. This posting will establish a 6-month eligible list to fill future vacancies.

• Achieve competency and obtain Demonstration of Capability (DOC) for assigned Essential and/or Core Wastewater analysis.
• Prepare, organize, and plan lab tasks prior to conducting assigned Essential and Core Wastewater analysis.
• Perform analytical testing, for which the incumbent holds a DOC, to generate data in support of stakeholder/customer needs.
• Report and review laboratory data to ensure accuracy and quality of data released to stakeholders/customers using established reporting and review tools.
• Follow Quality Assurance (QA) practices to ensure compliance with lab certification and method requirements by following established SOPs and QA protocols.
• Effectively utilize and enhance knowledge and proficiency in Laboratory Information Systems (LIMS, Business Intelligence, instrument software, etc.) in order to perform analytical testing and generate data/information for stakeholders/customers.

Education: Bachelor's degree in biology, Chemistry, or another related field.
Experience: There is no experience requirement for this position.

OR

Equivalency: High School Diploma or GED AND two (2) semesters of college-level chemistry and three (3) years of laboratory experience within MCES laboratory.
  
WORKING WEEKENDS REQUIRED: This position will require you to work one (1) weekend day per week (either Saturday OR Sunday) from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The workweek will be either Tuesday through Saturday OR Sunday through Thursday. Weekday shifts are typically 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  
What knowledge, skills, and abilities you should have to be successful in this job: 

• Basic knowledge and understanding of laboratory procedures and underlying scientific principles.
• Proficient skill in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to perform routine repetitive tasks and tasks which involve fine motor skills.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow instructions and written procedures without deviation.
• Ability to work in a team atmosphere as well as independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to complete analytical data analysis using calculations, graphs, and tabulations.
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and multitask.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Bachelor's degree in biology, Chemistry, or another related field.
• One or more years of full-time analytical laboratory experience.
• Environmental laboratory experience.
• Experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive environments.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a good work/life balance.

Union/Salary Grade: AFSCME/ Grade E
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No 
Work Environment: Work is performed in a laboratory environment and in the field. The position is regularly exposed to wet, humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals in the performance of job functions. There is frequent exposure to outdoor weather conditions when collecting samples. There is occasional exposure to extreme cold (walk-in coolers). Some chemicals handled can be explosive when not handled correctly. The position is exposed to moderate noise.
  
Physical Requirements:  
 Regularly required to stand, walk and sit, speak, hear normal conversational telephone ring tones, operate office and laboratory equipment, reach with hands/arms, frequently above chest height and occasionally overhead, must regularly lift/carry/push/pull up to 30 pounds and occasionally up to 30 pounds, and must have adequate close vision for reading and computer work. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position. Regular attendance is an essential responsibility.
  
What steps the recruitment process involves: 
 
  1.    We review your minimum qualifications.
  2.    We rate your education and experience.
  3.    We conduct a structured panel interview.
  4.    We conduct a selection interview.
  
 Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety-sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history.  A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job.  If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor, and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety-sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety-sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards.  A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.

Salary : $68,078 - $110,490