Source Water Quality Scientist I - Temp

Job Summary:

The Source Water Quality Scientist I (Temporary) is a skilled position responsible for performing basic and advanced source water data collection, data management, statistical analysis, and data reporting. Analysis duties include field and quantitative/statistical data analyses, as well as some laboratory work. Quantitative/statistical analysis will involve organizing data, database management, compiling data, performing standard (e.g., t-test, regression, ANOVA, etc.) and more advanced (e.g. bootstrap, random forest, Bayesian regression etc.) statistical tests, interpreting the results of statistical tests, and writing interpretive reports. Work involves collecting samples and performing laboratory and field analyses at various locations in the treatment facility, and areas within the watershed. Primary tasks include data analysis and management, field sampling, data entry, report generation, and scientific project management.

The salary range for this position is $31.84 - $44.58 per hour with a hiring range of $31.84 - $38.21, depending on qualifications and experience.

This opportunity will be available to applicants until August 8, 2025, 12:00 PM MST.

This is a 40-hours per week, temporary position for up to 10 months.

A current resume is required, and a cover letter is preferred.

Please view our video Working at Loveland to learn more about our exceptional Loveland community and the benefits of working for the City.

Essential Functions:

• Ensures safety of public health and environment by demonstrating compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations
• Manages, summarizes, and quantitatively interprets source water quality data
• Manages, oversees, and participates in special projects and studies
• Leads and participates in field surveys, in-stream measurements, reservoir and watershed analytical monitoring programs
• Aids in monitoring program design and evaluation in response to current and future regulatory and water quality needs
• Maintains and develops water quality databases as appropriate
• Develops and implements data collection and/or statistical analysis of existing data to aid in understanding and quantifying known and emerging issues related to source water.
• Research functionality and deploys appropriate remote data collection instrumentation.
• Performs basic analyses on water and source water samples by strictly following prescribed analytical methods and established protocols
• Maintains, calibrates, troubleshoots, and repairs both laboratory and field instrumentation and equipment
• Compiles, enters, and reviews technical data using laboratory database software
• Presents data study findings and provides recommendations for process improvements
• Researches and evaluates new laboratory instrumentation, equipment, statistical techniques, and software applications
• Maintains a safe working environment and adheres to all established safety protocols.

Other Job Functions:

• Responds to plant operations staff questions
• May provide functional leadership in the absence of supervisor including, but not limited to programmatic back-up and regulatory reporting
• Participates in internal and external committees and workgroups, as assigned
• Attends meetings, conferences, and training sessions to keep current with changes in regulatory and industry protocols as assigned
• Participates in personal growth opportunities, and attends trainings designed to enhance capacity to bring new skills and ideas to the job and the organization
• Aids in establishing and processing contracts and agreements with external parties
• Keeps up to date and knowledgeable of current regulations and future regulatory changes applicable to source water (e.g. Regulations 31 and 85)
• Works to continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service or product being delivered
• Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job, other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City's discretion
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Required: 4 Year/Bachelors Degree with Course work in Quantitative Ecology, Statistics, Water Resources Management, Limnology, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or related field.
• Preferred: Graduate Degree with Course work in Quantitative Ecology, Statistics, Water Resources Management, Limnology, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or related field.

Experience:

• Preferred: 3 Years Experience in a water, wastewater, or commercial laboratory.
• Some experience conducting aquatic field and laboratory studies and surveys.

Certifications:

• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Clear understanding of biological, physical, and chemical watershed processes
• Knowledge of the scientific method, laboratory procedures, and mathematical operations including quantitative analysis and statistical evaluations
• Clear understanding of the water/wastewater process is desirable
• Strong understanding of data management and statistical analysis techniques
• Working knowledge of database software (e.g. MS Access) and statistical software (e.g. R, Systat, SAS etc)
• Working knowledge of state and federal drinking and surface water regulations and standards
• Able to work in a team-oriented environment to monitor the quality of the raw and treated drinking water, wastewater discharge and process sludge, and support treatment operations projects and activities
• Demonstrates knowledge of hazards and safety precautions required in the laboratory and field
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and data management software
• Demonstrates integrity and builds trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, and ethical behavior
• Demonstrates support for team efforts by accepting new roles and responsibilities, and helping others achieve objectives
• Exhibits pride in self, the department, the city, and the community; conducts self in a professional manner
• Values diversity; demonstrates an awareness of differences; demonstrates sensitivity, and adapts behaviors and communication to accommodate these differences

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Frequent: Minimal physical effort typically found in clerical work. Primarily sedentary, may occasionally lift and carry light objects. Walking and/or standing as needed and minimal.
• Occasional: Moderate to considerable physical effort that includes working from ladders in awkward positions. Frequent use of light or medium weight objects (e.g., 25-50 lbs) and use of medium weight tools.

Working Environment:

• Frequent: Exposure to routine office noise and equipment.
• Occasional: Exposure to marginal to moderate conditions that are unpredictable and may lead to injury.

Additional Working Demands / Conditions:

Work is technical in nature and requires a great deal of mobility and dexterity to gather samples, as well as sufficient physical strength and stamina for:

• Constant sitting for computer work
• Occasional standing and walking over uneven terrain in various conditions when gathering samples
• Occasional squatting, bending, and kneeling to collect specimens
• Occasional climbing, balancing, reaching overhead and below shoulder, and twisting to perform lab and field functions,
• Frequent light grasp with frequent firm grasp, fine manipulation and handling to properly, and safely use lab and field equipment,
• Occasional stepping up/down to safely enter, exit and operate vehicles
• Normal near/far acuity and hearing to properly perform lab and field tasks and communicate with staff
• Occasional lifting from ground to waist or push/pulling of sampling equipment weighing up to 50 pounds

Work is performed indoors and occasionally outdoors with frequent exposure to extreme temperatures and variable weather conditions. This is a highly analytical position where samples are collected out in the field, primarily by other staff, analyzed in the laboratory, and the resulting data is interpreted in an office environment. Work performed may pose potential exposure to chemical, microbiological, and outdoor hazards. Office work will require remaining in stationary positions for periods of times.

City trucks and passenger vehicles, boat, personal computer, field meters and sampling equipment, auto-samplers, lake profiler, data-loggers, in situ monitoring equipment, , balances, ion selective electrodes, spectrophotometers, microscopes, and standard laboratory equipment.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

Apply today to join more than 800 employees who work to meet the core values of: Accountability & Integrity, Transparency & Honoring the Public Trust, Collaboration, Innovation, Safety, Excellent Service with Courtesy and Kindness. The City of Loveland is a diverse and welcoming community organization, and our employees enjoy a competitive benefits program, various opportunities for growth and development, and an exceptional work-life balance.

A vibrant community, surrounded by natural beauty, where you belong!

Non-Benefit Eligible Benefits Package Includes:

• Retirement - 457 Plan (employee funded plan)
• Medical Leave - Accrue 1 hour of leave per 30 hours worked (up to 48 hours)
• Employees working more than 30 hours per week are eligible to enroll in one of our 2 Medical plan options (per the ACA)

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

City of Loveland job descriptions are designed to describe the general nature and level of work necessary to perform well in the job; they are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, and qualifications. City of Loveland job descriptions may be updated periodically, and additional activities, duties or responsibilities may be assigned by management as deemed appropriate.

The City of Loveland provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.

The City of Loveland participates in E-Verify. In accordance with E-Verify requirements, upon your date of hire the City of Loveland will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. E-Verify Notice of Participation.Learn more about your right to work. Visit E-Verify.gov for more information.

Employment offers will be conditional on the successful completion of a driving record and criminal history background check.

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• City of Loveland

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