INTERNAL ONLY - Laboratory Systems and QA/QC Analyst

The Regulatory Affairs Department is seeking a Laboratory Systems and QA/QC Analyst for its Laboratory Services program. This position maintains the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), provides reports, ad-hoc response to information request and coordinates with Digital Solutions as needed to maintain or update system integrity. Applies the LIMS system to support staff and management activities in a timely and efficient manner. Optimizes the application of the LIMS system to facilitate the Quality Assurance and Quality Control programs for the lab. Under the guidance received from the QA/QC Manager responsible oversight of the quality assurance program by administering the laboratory performance testing program; reviewing and approving the lab Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and lab data; consulting with and directing laboratory personnel on data quality issues; and ensuring compliance with established quality assurance standards.  

(The essential functions listed below are not intended to reflect all duties that may be assigned to this classification. Clean Water Services may augment duties and/or essential functions at its discretion. Additionally, some incumbents may not perform all Essential Functions.)
 

1. Works with the Laboratory Systems and QA/QC Manager, department users and Digital Solutions (DS) staff to resolve complex systems problems and issues in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Works with DS to perform needed updates and customizations to the system.  
2. Analyzes and redesigns processes, translates requirements into functional specifications. Guides partners through identifying and solving system problems and enhancements. Defines alternative approaches and determines solutions to problems. 
3. Applies the LIMS to ensure efficient documentation and support to the laboratory quality assurance and quality control programs. Provides support to staff and management as needed. Generates routine and ad-hoc reports.
4. Responsible for documentation of the quality assurance/quality control program. Monitors laboratory performance. Makes recommendations to laboratory management and staff regarding data quality, sample reruns, data reevaluation, instrument calibration, and laboratory performance evaluation studies. 
5. Works directly with laboratory staff to troubleshoot problems in laboratory operations and data analysis. Serves as liaison between regulatory auditors and laboratory personnel. Performs quality control checks of data and works with users to correct data discrepancies and systemic causes.
6. Provides guidance to the laboratory staff to document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Maintains current knowledge of National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) and revises SOPs as needed.  Maintains document control and archiving.
7. Provides training and technical expertise to users. Serves as a technical expert to the workgroup for data analysis and problem solving.  

KNOWLEDGE OF: 

• Application of LIMS data management system including data and information management, generating reports, and detailed troubleshooting
• Procedures of laboratory quality assurance and quality control programs
• Contemporary, advanced principles and practices of analytical chemistry including instrumentation and computerization
• Basic principles and practices of biology, microbiology, and environmental science
• Mathematics and statistical analysis
• Laboratory analysis, data assessment and reporting
• Standard laboratory procedures, including methods and techniques used in sampling, examination, and testing of water and wastewater, environmental, and industrial samples
• Laboratory safety procedures including management of chemical and biological hazards
• Operation and capabilities of laboratory equipment.

 
SKILL IN: 

• Planning, configuration, development, and implementation of new laboratory software program operations
• Application of LIMS in support of quality assurance or other operational programs
• Interpreting and explaining laboratory methods, processes, and procedures
• Analyzing problems, projecting consequences, and recommending courses of action
• Interpreting and explaining laboratory policies and procedures
• Operating automated laboratory equipment
• Use of computers and software for word processing, spreadsheets, software application administration
• Database management, and project management

 
ABILITY TO:

• Understand and interpret pertinent policies, procedures, laws, and regulations
• Perform technical writing and data reporting
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including a variety of District and other government officials, and the general public
• Operate effectively in a team environment
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing 

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledges, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the KSAs would be:
 
3 years experience as a laboratory specialist, analytical chemist, analytical biologist, or a QA/QC specialist in a laboratory setting.
 
2 years experience in the development or the application of laboratory information management systems of providing QA/QC oversight.
 
College-level coursework in chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental science, statistics, mathematics, quality control, laboratory methodologies, or a related field.  
 



Reasonable Accommodation
Applicants who require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any phase of the application process should contact Human Resources at 503.681.3600 or TDD 503.681.3601.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Clean Water Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, age, uniformed service, sexual orientation or disability in the admission or access to the recruitment process or any aspect of employment.