Quality Assurance/Control Specialist

Job Description

Job Title: Quality Assurance/Control Specialist

Posting Start Date: 7/2/26

Job Description:

Job Information

Illinois American Water is seeking a Quality Assurance/Control Specialist professional to join our team in Woodridge, IL.

This position is a union position with starting pay at $36.58 an hour.

This position may be eligible for annual incentive pay and contracted increases as determined by the collective bargaining agreement, and you will have the opportunity for continued salary growth.

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

Work schedule:

The scheduled hours of work are forty (40) per week from 7:30 am - 4:00 pm of Sunday-Thursday (emergencies and extenuating circumstances may require temporary schedule changes). Overtime will be required for sampling and laboratory coverage on an as needed basis.

Primary Role

The successful candidate will report to Water Quality Sr Supervisor to perform the duties necessary ensuring timely and accurate environmental compliance with various government regulations pertaining to drinking water and wastewater analysis samples per the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act and to ensure reliable laboratory operation. After the initial probationary period, the successful candidate must pass an examination by an officer of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) certification unit, pass Performance Evaluation tests, and demonstrate proficiency in the skill sets listed later in this document by demonstratng proficiency during the training period.

Key Accountabilities

• Maintaining IDPH laboratory certification – by thoroughly reading, understanding, and adhering to 77 IL Administrative Code Part 465
• Prepare laboratory ahead of the biannual IDPH audit including all logs and required information
• Prepare information for the annual laboratory quality assurance reports
• Ability to read and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and develop SOPs as needed.
• Bacteriological and various chemical analysis, assessment, and reporting
• Provide technical expertise to assist in ensuring that correct interpretations are made and that there are no Notice of Violations (NOVs)
• Basic data entry skills in entering laboratory data into Microsoft Office 360 Basic data entry skills in all active applications and software, and capability to learn new programs
• Wastewater analysis of samples for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), ammonia nitrogen (NH3), fecal coliform, total phosphorus, and data reporting to various agencies and entities;
• Coordination and collection of bioassay samples, effluent metals analysis and sludge management and analysis as required under the 503 Sludge Regulations;
• Proper laboratory disposal methods such as operating the autoclave or preparing for lab packs Assist Water Quality in duties needed to direct and carry out the management of operations of process facilities to meet all Water Quality, and Clean Water Act Requirements as per National Pollutant Discharge permits.
• Perform chemical, bacteriological, and radiological sampling – independently following Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) web-schedules and Belleville Lab schedules, ensuring that there are no NOVs;
• Order and maintain inventory of bacteriological and chemical laboratory materials – adhering to the approved budget and approved vendors;
• Accurate preparation of information for IEPA monthly reports within the necessary time frame, and providing technical assistance;
• Resolve customer complaints in a timely manner with and emphasis of troubleshooting customer complaints to the root cause, to increase customer satisfaction ratings; as needed Assist quality control of new main construction – ensuring that contractors adhere to proper installation protocols, coaching contractors when necessary, along with bacteriological sampling, analysis, assessment, and reporting;
• Handle boil orders following IEPA requirements for reporting to regulatory agencies in a timely manner, update H2O online database, and communication of boil order status to State and County agencies;
• Assist plant operators with testing problems – including troubleshooting and calibrations;
• Work with laboratory couriers to ensure samples are collected and received into the laboratory on a timely basis Any other duties and special projects assigned by management. Assist WQ Sr Supervisor in the Lead and Copper sampling program
  
  

Knowledge/Skills

• Strong chemistry and biology skills, mathematical aptitude (including algebra), ability to keep thorough and accurate records, and excellent computer skills are necessary in this position.
• It is extremely important that the individual in this position be analytical-minded, detail oriented, and able to conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner.
• The individual needs to be a hard worker, strive for excellence, troubleshoot analytical methods, critical thinking skills, and employ the scientific method.
• Strong work ethic, time management, and a team builder committed to continuous development and self-improvement. Strong interpersonal and organization skills, ability to communicate well, and work with minimal supervision. Capability of walking and/or standing for extended periods of time. Aptitude for evaluation and repairing laboratory equipment. Aptitude for learning and applying chemical and bacteriological techniques, and for handling delicate equipment.
• Ability to learn advanced computer operations. Strong knowledge in the utilization of the Microsoft Office suite including Outlook, Word, and Excel Ability to lift up to 50lbs. Ability to stand for long periods of time.
  
  

Experience/Education

Bachelors degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or related science field

0-2 years in the water/wastewater industry and/or laboratory experience

Certifications/Licenses

• Valid driver's license required
  
  

Competencies

Champions safety

Collaborates

Cultivates innovation

Customer obsessed

Drives Results

Nimble learning