Primarily responsible for providing technical supervision of laboratory procedures with technical oversight regarding: performing quantitative, qualitative, and comparative inorganic chemical and bacteriological analyses of environmental samples for the purpose of monitoring, regulating, or identifying contaminants related to the following instrumentation: GC, TOC analyzer, AA mercury analyzer, ICP, AA/furnace, Flow-injection analyzer, and Spectrophotometer. Provides coordination of sample analysis, functional guidance, and training to laboratory staff.The following functions represent the majority of the duties performed by the position, but are not meant to be all-inclusive or prevent other duties from being assigned when necessary.
 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (95% of Time):

1. Provides technical supervision of laboratory procedures, operations and methods.
2. Monitors performance data and the validity of the analyses for the laboratory.
3. Performs chemical and instrumental analysis of water samples to determine presence of inorganic materials or metals.
4. Performs bacteriological analysis of water samples.
5. Evaluates and interprets analytical results, draws conclusions, prepares reports of findings, and maintains accurate records of examinations performed.
6. Performs assembly, maintenance, and repair of laboratory instruments and equipment of moderate complexity.
7. Provides technical support to bacteriology water lab, as needed.
8. Coordinates sample analysis workload.
9.  Provides training for new laboratory staff and training updates as required to all lab staff.
10. Coordinates Drinking Water analysis data with ODEQ. 
11. Completes required training in support of duties and responsibilities of this position.
12. Assists laboratory supervisor in maintaining ODEQ certification.
13. Other duties as assigned including those required to fulfill activities in support of public health emergency operations.

 
SECONDARY JOB FUNCTIONS – NON-ESSENTIAL (5% of Time):

1. Prepares records and reports that record the Department’s compliance with requirements of Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Environmental Quality certifying agencies.
2. Confers with internal environmental departments and external environmental agencies to plan and schedule laboratory testing and determine proper test methodology.
3. Makes recommendations for the requisition of supplies and equipment.
4. Provides interpretation of test results to appropriate external agencies or internal departments.
5. Recommends chemical analytical tests which will identify specific environmental conditions.
6. Works with staff to maintain lab in an orderly condition.

 Education – Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related scientific field with at least 30 hours of chemistry preferred.
 
Experience – Seven years of experience in conducting various inorganic chemical analyses in a laboratory with at least two years in a public health laboratory preferred.

Skills – Skills in performing physical, bacteriological, and inorganic, and organic chemical analyses, and operation and maintenance of related instruments and equipment (specifically: GC, TOC analyzer, AA mercury analyzer, ICP, AA/furnace, Flow-injection analyzer, and Spectrophotometer) required. Visual, audio, olfactory, and dexterity skills are necessary to perform testing on samples.

Licenses – None.
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Internal contact to provide advice on water quality testing and sampling techniques and to provide information arising from analysis.
• External contact with other governmental agencies and individuals to provide chemical testing results and interpret results requiring ability to organize and present specific data clearly and with normal diplomacy.

PHYSICAL EFFORT:
Occasional physical effort required in moving gas cylinders, equipment, and supplies; bending, twisting, and reaching behind and around equipment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY/ACCOUNTABILITY:
Direct Supervision – None. 
Indirect Supervision – Provides technical and functional guidance to Lab staff.
Budget/Money/Material – Assists Manager with budgetary issues.
Reports to – Supervisor, EHS Laboratory. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Regular exposure to hazardous chemicals, fumes, and unknown hazardous samples that could cause physical injury or illness.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must maintain TCCHD record confidentiality unless officially authorized to release a record.
• Must possess ability and willingness to perform job-related travel. 

 
FLSA Status: Exempt.