Operations Analyst 1 - Trace Organics

Salary: $39.07 - $53.72 Hourly
Location : ripl, 1585 Poplar St, Forest Grove, OR 97116, OR
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 26-64
Department: Water & Engineering Technology
Program: Research & Innovation
Opening Date: 11/13/2026
Closing Date: 12/7/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

The Position
The Water & Engineering Technology department is seeking an Operations Analyst 1 - Trace Organics. This position researches improvements in the operations of the District's programs to understand and address emerging contaminants, especially trace organics, in the District's wastewater treatment facilities, stormwater, reuse applications, and the watershed. Develops specialized analytical laboratory methods for PFAS and other trace organics, advises the Water Quality Laboratory on analytical methods related to trace organics. Conducts research projects to optimize program operations, pilot and develop new innovative treatment technologies, verifies operational data for purchase or design of new technologies, or reduces the risk of regulatory noncompliance.
Candidates who are selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be invited to self-schedule their interview. Please be sure to check your email for status updates.
Essential Functions
(This section outlines the essential functions assigned to the position. The essential functions listed below are not intended to include all duties that may be assigned to this classification. CWS may modify, add, or remove duties or functions at its discretion.)

1. Develop, plan and conduct research projects related to emerging contaminants and trace organics at bench, pilot, and field scales, as assigned.
2. Interact with District personnel related to testing and correlation of research results with on-going operations.
3. Develop new analytical methods using LC/MS/MS and other instrumentation as required for collecting appropriate data, develop SOPs, and train/support Water Quality Lab personnel on these methods.
4. Conduct data analysis and statistical interpretation to test research hypotheses.
5. Organize and coordinate the development and use of various lab research spaces at the Water Quality Lab and the Research, Innovation, Parters, and Lab locations.
6. Write research reports, journal articles, and present findings at research conferences.
7. Manage research within required budget and time constraints, maintain complete and accurate records, and maintain safety and quality standards required by the Water Quality Laboratory.
8. Follow scientific literature on emerging contaminants in wastewater, stormwater, biosolids, and surface waters, and stay abreast of new analytical developments in instrumentation and methods, treatment technologies, and regulatory developments.

Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Advanced research methods of data collection and analysis
• Advanced analytical chemistry of trace organics in water and soils
• Fundamentals of environmental engineering and science
• Laboratory testing and sampling procedures
• Research record keeping

SKILL IN:

• Operation and maintenance of complex analytical lab instrumentation including LC/MS/MS
• Gathering, evaluating, and interpreting data
• Environmental sample collection for trace compounds
• Designing and carrying out research experiments
• Use of computers and computer software for word processing, spreadsheets, and database management
• Technical writing to develop, edit and compose SOPs, technical reports and journal articles

ABILITY TO:

• Develop new and modify existing analytical methods and procedures
• Identify, research, and analyze processes and procedures
• Develop, organize and operate testing of analytical and sampling equipment
• Research and identify equipment or materials needed for testing
• Develop alternatives and recommend strategies to improve reliability and cost-effectiveness of technical processes
• Establish and maintain high quality service and effective working relationships with District employees, representatives of outside agencies and members or the public by providing accurate, complete and up-to-date information in a courteous, efficient and timely manner
• Operate effectively in a team environment
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Learn appropriate computer applications related to the research being conducted

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR LICENSES
The following are the minimum qualifications for this position.

2 years of experience in conducting research related to trace organics in environmental engineering or sciences.

A Bachelor's Degree is required in environmental engineering, engineering, or science with an emphasis on aquatic organic chemistry or needs to be obtained in the first 6 months of hire.

A Doctor of Philosophy or Master of Science degree in environmental engineering, engineering, or science with an emphasis on aquatic organic chemistry or related field is preferred.
Upon selection, candidates must possess and maintain a valid State issued driver's license.
Additional Information
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.

Clean Water Services offers eligible employees the opportunity to choose benefits and plans that meet both individual and family needs. In addition to a competitive salary, Clean Water Services offers employees a comprehensive benefit packet that includes health coverage, health reimbursement account, life and accidental death insurance, flexible spending account, Oregon Public Employees Retirement Plan (PERS/OPSRP), deferred compensation, paid vacation, holidays and sick leave, tuition reimbursement, goal sharing bonus, and more. Further information for full-time regular non-represented employees can be found

Depending on hours worked and duration of the position, temporary employees may qualify for an offer of medical benefits, deferred compensation, and employee discounts. Temporary employees are eligible for sick leave at the rate of .0334 per hour worked upon beginning employment and may carry over up to 40 hours into the next calendar year.
01

Do you have a Bachelor's degree (or higher) in environmental engineering, engineering, or science with an emphasis on aquatic organic chemistry? This is required within six (6) months of hire; the information must match the Education section of your application.

• Yes
• No

02

Please list your qualifying degree(s) OR college coursework, and the institution where studied or degree was earned. (If no applicable degree or coursework, answer N/A). This supplemental information must be reflected in the Education section of your application.
03

Do you have at least two (2) years of experience conducting research related to trace organics in environmental engineering or sciences?

• Yes
• No

04

Please briefly describe your qualifying experience related to the qualification above. This supplemental information must match the work assignments and dates of employment in your application. (If no relevant experience, enter N/A)
05

Do you have experience in the operation of LC/MS/MS?

• Yes
• No

06

(Briefly) Describe your experience in the operation of LC/MS/MS including compounds analyzed, matrices, etc. (If no experience, answer N/A.)
07

How many months and/or years of LC/MS/MS experience do you have? (If none, answer N/A.)
08

(Briefly) Describe your experience visualizing and analyzing trace organics data sets. (If no experience, answer N/A.)
09

Do you have a Doctor of Philosophy or Master of Science degree in environmental engineering, engineering, or science with an emphasis on aquatic organic chemistry or related field? (Preferred) This supplemental information must match the Education section of your application.

• Yes
• No

Required Question