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Microbiologist I

Employer
WaterOne
Location
Shawnee Mission, Kansas, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Jul 16, 2021

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Sector
Academic / Research
Field
Conservation science
Discipline
Other
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Full time
Overview:
WaterOne is an independent public water utility. Weve been proudly serving the Johnson County, Kansas area since 1957. Every day, nearly 455,000 customers rely on WaterOne to provide fresh, clean water on demand. Its a responsibility we deliver on.Our passion is water because water touches everything we care about: family, health, safety, and community. We serve our community by bringing award-winning water to their homes, businesses, and public places.Summary/ObjectiveThe purpose of this position is to perform routine and difficult biological, microbiological, chemical, and physical analyses of water, particulates, and other materials; performs complex analyses using advanced instrumentation and lab procedures; and assists the in the development and direction of special projects or applied research. The Microbiologist may assist in training and review of less experience microbiologists or technicians.

Responsibilities:
Essential FunctionsReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Performs complex biological/microbiological and related analyses on environmental samples, especially drinking water & source waters.Collects environmental samples from a variety of locations.Sets up, calibrates, operates, and performs maintenance and repair to a variety of complex laboratory instruments and equipment; may establish maintenance schedules for instruments and equipment.Interprets analytical data and recognizes potential or actual problems in analytical procedures or processes; determines cause of problems and recommends and implements corrective measures.Assures compliance with quality assurance standards and safety programs; implements improvements to work procedures, methods, and forms.Makes calculations, completes forms, maintains records, and prepares oral and written reports of work performed.Enters data into and uses output from a laboratory information management system (LIMS).Implements a variety of analytical programs relating to water treatment operations, pilot plant studies, investigative studies, and research projects.Other DutiesProvides necessary information and evaluation on process control changes in order to improve efficiency or product quality.Assists in developing specialized applied research projects, designing or modifying experiments, creating monitoring programs, and recommending goals and timetables.Aid as requested in the evaluation of laboratory services and equipment and may assist in creating specifications and selecting equipment. Maintains an inventory of laboratory equipment and supplies; assists in developing recommendations for the purchase of equipment and chemicals.Assists in implementing, monitoring, and evaluation of section quality assurance, maintenance, and safety procedures.Prepares periodic technical reports for clients and regulatory agencies. May prepare research papers for presentation at conferences or for publication.Assists in responding to emergency situations as assigned, which may include field testing and biological/bacteriological testing.Confers with other WaterOne employees, government representatives, customers (commercial or private), and others on matters relating to the work.Perform all duties pertaining to hazardous waste operations in accordance with all applicable requirements.Performs other job duties as assigned.Customer Service CommitmentWaterOne employees shall continuously strive to meet or exceed the expectations of both their internal and external customers. Questions and concerns shall be acknowledged on the same day whenever possible, but no later than the next business day. Issues shall be resolved as promptly as possible, with the goal of maximizing customer satisfaction.

Qualifications:
Required Education, Skills & ExperienceBachelors degree in Microbiology or closely related field.General knowledge of principles of water treatment; environmental regulations affecting analytical programs and requirements; data acquisition, processing and evaluation procedures as applied to the solution of laboratory problems; biological characteristics of and standard methods for the analysis of environmental samples.Skill in performing basic chemical and advanced biological/microbiological analyses of environmental samples; interpreting laboratory and plant operating data; data mining; report generation; reaching sound conclusions and making appropriate recommendations; planning and performing special applied research projects.Ability to adapt analytical methods and equipment to obtain accurate test results; make accurate calculations; keep accurate records; make clear and concise reports; prepare media and reagents to exact specifications.Read and interpret technical operations manuals; develop new methods of analysis; write standard operating procedures; or adapt existing methods to new or unusual problems.Make quality decisions under demanding circumstances and to continuously demonstrate good judgment.Adhere to and provide recommendations to improve process control and laboratory quality assurance programs.Ability to train others in their work; communicate effectively with WaterOne employees and other agencies; prepare clear, complete and accurate records and reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships with department staff and other WaterOne personnel. Have experience with or have the ability to learn and apply all applicable requirements pertaining to hazardous waste operations and drinking water regulations.Communicate well, both orally and in writing. Must be a good listener.Knowledge of personal computer technology and applications (i.e., Excel, Access, Word, Outlook, and Windows). Demonstrated proficiency with spreadsheets, word processor is required.Ability to work in a team setting or individually; ability to work effectively with the public.Possess a valid driver's license and continuously meet WaterOne driving standards.Availability for emergency call-out, work scheduled overtime as needed, and work periodic weekends and holidays according to an assigned schedule.Must pass post offer medical exam, including drug screen and background verification (may not apply to current employees).Preferred Education, Skills & ExperienceThorough knowledge of analytical methods for the analysis of drinking water; sample management procedures; equipment and instrumentation used for the analysis of water samples; methods for statistical analysis; laboratory safety practices.Experience with enterprise resource planning software such as SAP.Experience with a laboratory information management system.Experience with analytical method development.Core CompetenciesThese key core competencies are expected to be demonstrated by each employee at WaterOne:Communicates Effectively Demonstrates ability to listen and express oneself effectively and shares information as appropriate for the position needed to perform the job effectively.Conscientiousness Expresses the motivation to perform one's job in a careful, thorough way that adheres to the standards of honesty and integrity.Customer Focus Demonstrates a concern for satisfying both internal and external customers and builds collaborative relationships with customers and stakeholders.Interpersonal Savvy Demonstrates the ability to effectively coordinate with others to achieve goals and solve problems by maintaining flexibility and open mindedness.Problem Solving/Drive for Results Demonstrates the ability to find solutions to complex problems and consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances.Position CompetenciesIn addition to the core competencies, these key competencies are expected to be demonstrated by each employee in this position:Development and Continual Learning Displays an ongoing commitment to learning and self-improvement.Job Knowledge Understands the purpose of the position and demonstrates knowledge by staying current with changes impacting their job.Planning, Organizing, and Scheduling Effectively prioritizes, plans, and schedules work while maintaining focus on mission.Safety and Security Focus Adheres to all workplace safety and security policies, standards, and practices.Working Independently Makes decisions in own area of responsibility and takes initiative in identifying and completing tasks.Physical RequirementsThe 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 may occasionally lift/or move up to 75 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. The employee must be able to use a computer for multiple hours a day. The employee must be able to move occasionally from one location to another or be able to remain in a stationary position for up to several hours a day. The employee must be able to use office productivity equipment such as a personal computer, calculator, printer, and copy machine. The employee must be in possession of a licenses and be able to operate a vehicle at any given time. The employee must be able to occasionally position self to collect samples, perform analytical procedures and be able to work in outdoor weather conditions. The employee must meet qualifications for using air purifying and air supplied respiratory protection. The employee must be able to distinguish colors.Work EnvironmentThe 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.Protective equipment, including but not limited to personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers, may be required and shall be maintained in the sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards of process or environment, chemical hazards, or mechanical hazard encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact.WaterOne provides a total compensation package that includes:Competitive base payMedical, dental, vision, life, AD, and LTD insuranceFlexible spending accountVoluntary deferred compensation savings accountMandatory cash balance planComprehensive wellness programEducational assistance programA variety of other benefit programs and activitiesEqual Opportunity EmployerWaterOne is an equal opportunity employer and upholds a non-discrimination policy. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, military status, or marital status in making employmentand business decisions. We also prohibit harassment and retaliationin the workplace and in our dealings with the public. We encourage and welcome diversity of backgrounds in our workforce. WaterOne complies with the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA).

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