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Applies principals of chemical and/or microbial analysis to a variety of sample matrices in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

Work is performed with independence under the general supervision of the Staff Scientist or designee. Performance is reviewed through periodic audits, observations, conferences, reports and analysis of results achieved.

Duties may vary based on area of assignment. The following are representative duties, it is not the intent to capture all duties performed by this classification.

• Supervises and serves as a technical resource to scientists, technologists, student interns, and on call scientists as needed.
• Serves as a lead scientist for method development.
• Researches, recommends and implements analytical methods and equipment to support regulatory requirements and changes in water, wastewater, and environmental testing.
• Stays abreast of current trends, laws, and laboratory functions, etc., that relates to sample analysis and environmental protection.
• Based on area of assignment, may input quality data information by manual as well as direct data link to the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for reporting.
• Coordinates, develops, manages, and supervises various studies and personnel for research and development of water quality related projects that benefit Orange County.
• Prepares complex technical reports and presentations for regulatory agencies, customers and attend technical symposia to facilitate information transfer.
• Reviews and guides laboratory personnel in preparing of reports and technical data presentations.
• Schedules and trains personnel across multiple shifts and weekends.
• Maintains laboratory section and equipment at a level ensuring continued laboratory certification.
• Ensures analytical results meet regulatory and certification requirements for water, wastewater, and environmental testing.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Sr. Microbiologist

• Performs qualitative and quantitative analysis of water, wastewater, soil, sludge or other matrices for detection of (but not limited to) total coliforms, fecal coliforms, E. coli, Giardia and Cryptosporidium.
• Performs molecular analysis of water and wastewater using real-time PCR and other techniques.
• Communicates with managers, project coordinators and clients daily.
• Reviews data obtained from testing to ensure accuracy, precision and consistency.
• Serves as lead technical staff in absence of the staff scientist for microbiological analyses.

Sr. Chemist

• Establishes MDLs and maintaining the annual verification.
• Reviews control limits to ensure they are in conformance with SOPs and EPA/Standard Methods.
• Reviews data obtained from testing to ensure accuracy, precision and consistency.
• Oversees maintenance, trouble-shooting and minor repairs of laboratory analytical equipment as necessary.
• Serves as lead technical staff in absence of the staff scientist for chemical analyses.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Environmental science or other closely related field.

Three (3) years of laboratory experience.

In lieu of the degree requirements, additional relevant experience may be substituted on a year for year basis.

Sr. Microbiologist

Three (3) years of environmental laboratory experience in analytical services, including at least one (1) year of leadership experience. The leadership experience could either be project or personnel.

Sr. Chemist

Three (3) years of environmental laboratory experience in chemical analysis. Master’s degree can be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

Master’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or other closely related field.

Experience working in a NELAP certified laboratory.

Experience in research study design and management or technical papers.