Austin Water - Water Quality Scientist Senior

About This Position

 

ABOUT AUSTIN WATER:
For more than 100 years, Austin Water has provided safe, reliable, high-quality and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve more than 1 million people across 544 square miles in the Austin metropolitan area.

Austin Water consistently ranks among the best in the country when it comes to water quality. We also treat, return, and recycle wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources. Austin Water exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance at our water and wastewater treatment plants.

 

Job Description:

Purpose: 

Using comprehensive knowledge, perform chemical, physical and microbiological analyses, using EPA approved qualitative and quantitative techniques in one or more of the following areas: water, wastewater and environmental samples. 

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: 

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Drive to various sites throughout the city including schools, wastewater plants and area water ways to train staff in sample collection protocol  

• Develop and conduct technical training for division staff and other laboratory customer

• Review and approve work of other analysts.

• Research, develop, implement, and maintain QA/QC and standard operating procedures.

• Prepare and analyze water, wastewater or environmental samples.

• Evaluate samples to determine appropriate methodology for analysis.

• Maintain Chain of Custody process. 

• Follow strict analytical and documentation protocols.

• Evaluate, verify, interpret, and prepare detailed reports, verbally and in writing. Notify appropriate staff of non-compliant or out of spec results. 

• Perform trend analyses and notify appropriate staff in the case of unusual changes.           

• Operate, maintain, calibrate and troubleshoot analytical/miscellaneous instrumentation. Research and develop specifications for technical instrumentation.

• Perform proficiency tests and other quality assurance procedures.

• Coordinate and ensure the performance of proficiency testing and QA procedures by staff.

• Prepare reagents and/or media.

• Assist in evaluating bid proposals.

• Conduct Corrective Action investigations for PT and QA/QC failures/lapses. 

• Develop and implement new analytical methods.

• Assist in development and participate in engineering studies and/or research projects.

• May be required to testify regarding analyses performed.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: 

Provides leadership on work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others. Function as technical lead and/or coordinator of activities to meet project guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of the theory and application of organic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry and instrumental analyses including Gas Chromatography, Mass/Emission Spectrometry, Ultraviolet analysis and other instrument analyses.

• Knowledge of water quality analyses.

• Knowledge of applicable regulatory mandates.

• Knowledge of Federal, State and local laws.

• Knowledge of city practices, policy and procedures.

• Skill in interpreting and analyzing data.

• Skill in problem solving.

• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.

• Skill in using computers and related software.

• Skill in communicating verbally and in writing.

• Ability to lead others.

• Ability to deliver training.

• Skill in planning and organizing

• Ability to establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other agencies and City departments.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Chemical, Environmental, or Biological Sciences, plus four (4) years of progressive experience in a field related to water quality testing.

• A master’s or doctoral degree in one of the above disciplines may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

• For Organics and Metals Testing Specialty: Major coursework must include 24 semester hours of Chemistry.

• For Microbiology Testing Specialty: Major coursework must include 16 semester hours of Biology and Microbiology combined with a minimum of one hour of each to fulfill the combination and 16 semester hours of Chemistry.

• For Wet Chemistry Testing Specialty:Major coursework must include the educational requirements stated in either one of the above specialties.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Valid Texas Class “C” Driver License.

• For Analysts in the Water Quality Laboratory: must obtain a Class D Water Operator License TCEQ within six (6) months.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a laboratory setting including troubleshooting laboratory equipment, preventative maintenance, method development, and analytical training of lab personnel.

• Knowledge and experience of regulations as they pertain to the drinking water/wastewater/biosolids industry.

• Experience reviewing quality assurance / quality control requirements in a TNI accredited laboratory.

• Experience working with laboratory databases such as Horizon or another LIMS database.

• Prior experience working in an Austin Water laboratory or other water /wastewater / biosolids utility laboratory.

 

Notes to Candidate:

Benefits:

Working with Austin Water provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more – click HERE for more information. Additionally, this position offers a career progression plan, which provides a unique opportunity to promote without having to go through the competitive process. As employees go through on-the-job training to develop new skills and abilities and obtain the appropriate license, they are eligible to submit for Career Progression, which allows them to demonstrate knowledge and skills without having to interview for the promotion.

The Austin Water Laboratory Services Division (LSD) is a multi-site, NELAP-accredited municipal laboratory whose mission is to provide accurate, timely, and cost-effective water quality data to City data end users. The LSD performs analytical testing to support the City’s water and wastewater operations and regulatory requirements while also providing data to other City departments, including Austin Energy, Aviation, and Public Works. The LSD is comprised of 42 dedicated and talented professionals with roles in technical science, quality assurance, and leadership and management, performing or overseeing work in wet chemistry, microbiology, metals, and organics.

Position Overview:

The Water Quality Scientist Senior position is responsible for leading and training employees; coordinating the assignment and collection of samples and analytical testing; reviewing and validating data; troubleshooting instrumentation; preparing reports; developing and implementing new analytical methods; and performing analytical testing on water and/or wastewater samples in a TNI (The NELAC Institute) accredited laboratory.

Pay Range: $33.02 – $41.28 per hour

Retention Incentive Bonus:

This position may be eligible for an Incentive Bonus of up to $3,000!

$500 after 90 days.

$500 after 180 days.

$1,000 after 1 year.

$1,000 after 2 years.

Location(s): This vacancy is located at the Water Quality Laboratory, with the possibility of a future vacancy at any of the three (3) locations listed.

Water Quality Lab
14050 Summit Drive, #121
Austin, Texas 78728

Wastewater Process Lab
Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant
2210 S FM 973
Austin, Texas 78725

Environmental Analytical Services Lab

Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant

7113 FM 969

Austin, Texas 78724

All three (3) Austin Water LSD laboratories are scheduled to be consolidated into a centralized location at 712 E. Huntland Dr, Austin, TX 78752, in early 2027.

Days and Hours:

Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., plus scheduled holidays and weekends work as assigned.

Critical Employee:

This position has been designated as critical for the City of Austin. Critical positions are necessary and vital and support activities that impact City or department operations. Work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees may be reassigned to another area to provide essential services to support any extraordinary situations or emergency conditions.

Technical Licensure:

If assigned to the Water Quality Lab, this position may require employees to obtain a Class “D” Water Operator License from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) within six (6) months of employment. TCEQ may restrict granting an occupational license to individuals with certain criminal convictions. To review TCEQ’s criminal conviction guidelines, go online to TCEQ.

 
Driving Requirement:
This position requires a valid Texas Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin Driver Safety Standards requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position.

• Provide each job title and accurate employment dates for all jobs included on the application.

• Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment and computer software used.

• A cover letter is required. In the cover letter, candidates should describe in concise detail their interest in this position and highlight any prior experience that is relevant to this position.

• A resume is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Please do not use “see resume” or refer to other documents to complete your application.

• Statements such as “see resume” will be considered incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• Please include contact information from previous employers.

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.

• And are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.

Secondary Employment:

• All Austin Water employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.

• Austin Water must review all secondary employment.

• Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with Austin Water, as well as current Austin Water employees considering secondary employment.

90-day Provision:

This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies that occur within the department.

All Austin Water worksite locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any AW worksite – including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.

Electronic Notification to Applicants:

• Applicants will be notified via e-mail to communicate information related to the status of their application as part of an ongoing effort to increase operational efficiency, promote a green environment and minimize delays and costs.

• Ensure that the email address and contact information you provide are current, secure, and readily accessible to you. The City of Austin/Austin Water will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive email communications, fail to check your inbox, or fail to respond in a timely manner.

IMPORTANT NOTE TO APPLICANTS:

• Postings close at 12:00 a.m. on the listed End Date. All application steps – including document uploads and final submission – must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the End Date.

• We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

Please note this posting may close any time after 7 days.

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

 

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

 

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

 

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.