Biologist

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Manager, Laboratory Services
Laboratory Supervisor
Water Quality Supervisor
Quality Assurance and Security Coordinator
Chemist, Senior
Biologist, Senior

POSITION SUMMARY
This position performs complex chemical and routine biological analysis on drinking water, surface water, wastewater, and solids samples using advanced equipment and techniques with minimal supervision. Other duties may include performing population and identification studies, maintaining accurate logs and files, and remaining current with state and federal requirements pertinent to water and wastewater.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Prepares media and culture materials for microbiological analysis, including a selection of the best-suited method of analysis.

2. Performs multiple biological testing methods, biochemical oxygen demand testing, and other methods of water analysis.

3. Performs membrane filter and presence-absence techniques for coliform analyses and maintains the laboratory pure water system.

4. Prepares and analyzes heavy metal samples by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Performs testing assignments using techniques and instrumentation in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.

5. Performs field sampling and field investigations, which include sampling for litigation purposes, aquatic vegetation control measures, and non-routine chemical analysis.

6. Prepares technical reports on a wide range of biological activities. May present these at state and regional meetings.

7. Responsible for daily preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment so it is in compliance with state, federal, and NELAP accreditation.

8. Maintains Quality Control File on a daily basis including data quality review and entry into appropriate data files.

9. Responsible for maintaining and accurately documenting chemical and analytical supplies.

10. Employees assigned to this position are classified as essential personnel.  Essential personnel are required to report to work when scheduled during departmental and/or emergency situations including, but not limited to, extended periods of inclement weather when travel may be difficult.  This position is essential because in the absence of sufficient personnel, the plant cannot operate safely.

WORK LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
This position does not regularly provide work leadership or full personnel management to any employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION
Bachelor's degree in biology with a minimum of 16 hours in chemistry, limnology, ecology, or other environmental sciences.

EXPERIENCE
One year of work experience in a related field is required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Valid Texas driver's license. State certification in Water and Wastewater desired. Laboratory Analyst Certification preferred.

KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of physical, chemical, and biological analysis procedures as related to water and wastewater is needed. Preferred knowledge of basic laboratory equipment such as analytical balance, dissolved oxygen meter, pH meters, etc.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Must possess mechanical abilities to operate and maintain complex lab equipment. Must be able to document work accurately as well as perform data entry into a computer software system.

GUIDANCE RECEIVED
Follows general instructions and established precedents. Follows general supervisory instructions, as well as policies and precedents open to judgment in some areas and more specific guidelines, policies, and procedures in others. Based on knowledge of policies, precedents and procedures may regularly assist others with standard work methods and problems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position requires moderate physical exertion with lifting requirements up to 10 pounds daily and up to 25 pounds weekly in order to carry samples, equipment, and chemicals. Individuals must be able to measure, weigh and visually analyze substances as required by various tests while documenting work.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Duties are almost always carried out in a laboratory or office environment. Working conditions include exposure to odors, chemical hazards, and fumes.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Ultra-violet, visible, infra-red, and atomic absorption spectrophotometers, colorimetric auto-analyzer, incubators, sterilizers, inverted biological and light microscopes, total organic carbon analyzer, microcoulometric titration system, basic laboratory equipment and glassware, analytical balance, specific ion probes and autoclave; and office equipment including computer, and calculator.