Laboratory Specialist

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Job description

At Aqua, a subsidiary of Essential Utilities, Inc., we know that water is a precious resource - one that plays a critical role in sustaining life. That's why we take seriously our mission: protecting and providing Earth's most essential resource. At Aqua, we are guided by a set of principles that embody the character of our company and inspire our work together. They are embedded within our business practices and our behavior. We are proud to be united by integrity, respect and the pursuit of excellence to be the best we can be for the customers and communities we serve.

Together, the women and men of Aqua, a subsidiary of Essential Utilities, Inc. serve 1 million customers across eight states. Aqua uses science, technology, capital investments, and amazing talent to provide communities with clean, safe drinking water and responsibly return wastewater to our rivers and streams. Join our team and make a difference!

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

* Plans, prioritizes, oversees, coordinates, and performs routine chemical, physical, and bacteriological testing of water, wastewater, and various sludge and solids samples in accordance with associated regulatory requirements.
* Plans, oversees, and coordinates activities associated with assigned programs, such as: Quality Control and Quality Assurance. Responsible for the maintenance of all laboratory equipment to ensure proper operation.
* Determines equipment and supply needs, prepares requisitions and procures services, equipment and supplies.
* Prepares, coordinates, and implements audits and training associated with laboratory techniques, processes, and procedures across all Aqua Ohio laboratories.
* Prepares and maintains sampling plans. Updates sample sites as needed. Ensures all samples are collected and reviews data. Records and monitors test results in databases.
* Drafts compliance reports and compiles data for reports. Organizes and tracks compliance work for inclusion in reports and permits, including field data. Issues work orders and schedules for additional compliance work. Plots and graphs data, and tracks compliance
* Reviews inspection reports and regulatory correspondence. Shares information with others electronically and drafts response letters. Meets with operators and managers to discuss inspection reports.
* Coordinates, drafts, and issues any public notices under management direction.
* Assists in the resolution or response to non-compliance events.
* Answers customer inquiries regarding analysis results and distributing copies of results if needed.
* Assists in the development tracking of operating and capital budgets. Assists with permit reviews, renewals, and special or new monitoring requirements.
* Performs other assignments as required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function(s).

QUALIFICATIONS (Required Experience, Education, Licenses, and Certifications)

* A high school diploma or GED. Associate degree in chemistry or a related subject preferred
* A minimum of 3 years lab-related experience, preferably in the water/wastewater industry.
* Must possess a valid Driver's license or ability to obtain upon residency;
* Possession of a current Ohio Water and Wastewater Operator's Certificate II is preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: (Examples below)

* A broad understanding of the current principles, standard methods, practices, and application, of environmental laboratory procedures and techniques and associated environmental regulations;
* Familiarity with general Industry standards for workforce safety and general office practices and procedures, including proficiency in software applications such as MS Office.
* Basic knowledge of business and management concepts such as budget development and management; coordination and management of resources;
* Effective customer service skills;
* Effective communication; Interpersonal interaction; leadership; organization; reasoning and problem solving; comprehension; multi-tasking; self-motivation
* Listen to and understand technical information and ideas presented through oral and written communication; Quickly recognize unusual or threatening circumstances and initiate proper response; Establish and maintain effective working relationships;
* Effectively respond to conflict, contacts, inquiries, and complaints; Effectively lead and motivate individuals and groups; Effectively work independently or as part of a team; Apply knowledge of principles, standards, and practices as defined above

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

* May be subject to extreme temperatures, noise, wet and/or humid conditions, mechanical, electrical, gas exposure hazards, fumes, dusts, mists, gases and /or poor ventilation atmospheric conditions.
* Regularly required to work at a lab bench and travel to remote locations throughout the facility; is frequently required to maneuver and navigate uneven surfaces, steps, stairs, ladders, platforms, and restricted isle-ways and walk-ways; may be exposed to extreme weather conditions including: heat, cold, wind, rain, sleet/snow;
* Occasionally required to perform manual labor including lifting of up to 50 pounds

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements

Essential Utilities and its subsidiaries, including Aqua, Delta, and Peoples Natural Gas, requires new hires to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, where allowable under the law. To satisfy this requirement, new hires who received the one shot regimen of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine must receive the one dose shot prior to their first day of employment. Proof of vaccination must be provided on your first day of employment. For the two shot regimen of either Pfizer or Moderna, a new hire must have received at least one dose of the vaccine before their first day of employment. Proof of the second dose date must be received within the recommended timeline based on the manufacturer's vaccine received. For example, for Moderna as soon as the 28 day period has elapsed and for Pfizer as soon as the 21 day period has elapsed. Failure to provide proof of your COVID-19 vaccination status will result in the termination of your employment with Essential Utilities including its subsidiaries Aqua, Delta and Peoples Natural Gas.

If you are unable to be fully vaccinated due to a medical or religious exemption, you will be required to apply for an exemption on your first day of employment with Essential Utilities. As part of the process, you will be required to provide information and/or documentation to Human Resources about the reason(s) you cannot be vaccinated. If your request for an exemption is not approved, then your employment may be terminated.

Aqua, a subsidiary of Essential Utilities, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.

Aqua, a subsidiary of Essential Utilities, Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-).