Wastewater Lab Analyst Trainee

Under general direction of the Water Reclamation Compliance Superintendent, primary responsibilities include analyzing samples from HCWA’s Water Reclamation Facilities according to 40 CFR 136, as required by the NPDES and LAS permits. Additional sampling and laboratory analysis of water quality in local lakes, streams, and industrial sites is also required to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Analyzes samples from lakes, streams, and HCWA water reclamation facilities, biosolids, and industrial sites to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. Performs a variety of chemical and microbiological tests and documents test results. Immediately notifies Water Reclamation Compliance Superintendent of any compliance issues related to the WRF’s NPDES and LAS permits.
• Performs chemical, bacteriological, and biological tests; documents test results and reports data to the Water Reclamation Compliance Superintendent.
• Collects samples resulting from a spill or overflow from any water reclamation facility or sewage line which may result in additional hours in the work week.
• Maintains routine documentation including lab bench sheets, discrete analyzer sample login, results and data validation, sample documentation, and chain of custody forms. Ensures all data generated is legally defensible. Performs mathematical calculations and statistical analysis for test results. Records data precisely and accurately. Must be able to interpret the data.
• Assist in preparing QA/QC reports including control charts for matrix spikes, laboratory fortified blanks, standards, and duplicates. Contributes to root cause analysis of any QA/QC issues and develops corrective actions to address lab deficiencies or nonconformities. Reports results to the Analyst I.
• Participates in performance and system audits, including DMRQA’s on an annual basis and proficiency testing to ensure adherence to written methods and that quality control measures are being followed.
• Cleans and sterilizes lab containers and utensils; calibrates and cleans equipment used in wastewater testing; maintains equipment used in the plant, keeps daily log on equipment, and performs calibration checks. Responsible for cleanliness and organization in the lab at all times.
• Prepares monthly and weekly sample bottles for compliance testing.
• Performs routine quality control checks on reagents, media, and data generated specific to permit compliance.
• Assists in training new lab personnel on methods and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures.
• Assist in instrument detection limits, method detection limits, and calibration on all instrumentation.
• Participates in special projects as needed due to regulation, emergency, or research.
• Assist in sampling machine maintenance at all facilities. This includes ensuring the programing is correct and the machines are in good operating condition.
• Responsible for knowing permit requirements.
• Stays current on new method update rules.
• Conducts monthly safety checks and reports any deficiencies. Uses safe laboratory practices following HCWA’s safety regulations and chemical hygiene plan.
• Maintains Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and ensures that all documents in the digital SDS files are up to date.
• Assists in the preparation of the lab for the annual GAWP QA/QC Award.
• Works and coordinates with the Industrial Monitoring and Biosolids staff for sample collection.

Education and/or Experience: High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required. Bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related field and/or at least five years related experience or training strongly preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Valid Georgia Driver's License required. Georgia Wastewater Laboratory Analyst license strongly preferred. Starting pay will vary based on certifications and/or licenses.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Applications for this position will not be accepted after

5:00 p.m. Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Henry County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.