Water Quality Scientist II - Wastewater

Job Summary:

The Water Quality Scientist II is a highly skilled analytical chemist position responsible for developing and performing complex chemical, physical and bacteriological analyses on water, wastewater, source water, and treatment process sludge samples. Incumbents in this position are managers of the Organic, Inorganic, Quality Control, and Laboratory Operations programs. Tasks include statistical evaluation and reporting of analytical data, research and development of new analytical methods for inorganic and organic testing, and incorporation of advanced instrumentation for routine and specialized analyses. Additional tasks include analytical program and certification management, advanced scientific project management, and providing technical expert representation on intergovernmental scientific working groups.

This position may work evenings, weekends, and holidays. As a result, the position is eligible for Continuous Floating Holiday.

The salary range for this position is $40.99 - $55.34 per hour with a hiring range of$40.99 - $48.17, depending on qualifications and experience. This opportunity will be available to applicants until Monday October 12, 2026, at 12:00 P.M. M.S.T.

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

Essential Functions:

• Ensures safety of public health and the environment by demonstrating compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations.
• Manages individual laboratory operations to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Manages and oversees advanced analytical programs including, but not limited to, bacteriological, inorganic, and organic programs.
• Acts as QA/QC program manager, Laboratory Chemical Hygiene and Safety Officer, and oversees laboratory building specific support contracts.
• Manages hazardous waste and seeks to reduce and/or eliminate laboratory hazardous waste generation through the incorporation of green chemistry principles.
• Responsible for obtaining and maintaining analytical compliance certifications for all applicable programs.
• Manages advanced analytical equipment and programs including but not limited to: GCMS, ICPMS, and IC.
• Develops, leads, and oversees internal and external monitoring practices and programs.
• Develops and oversees the implementation of Sampling and Analysis Plans (SAPs) for assigned studies and projects.
• Develops new methods and procedures for organic and inorganic testing using advanced analytical instrumentation.
• Manages contracts for assigned projects and programs.
• Performs advanced chemical and microbiological analyses on water, wastewater, source water, and sludge matrices.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable quality control protocols to provide legally defensible analytical results, including establishing and updating method specific quality control charts.
• Compiles and interprets data to produce advanced analytical reports and provides regulatory/process improvement recommendations.
• Statistically evaluates and approves analytical data for regulatory and non-regulatory reports and presentations.
• Responsible for the development and implementation of organic and inorganic training programs for lower-level staff.
• Provides technical expertise, training, and high-level analytical support to operations staff at all treatment plants for plant optimization and special studies.
• Schedules and procures adequate chemicals, equipment, and instrument supplies for corresponding analytical programs.
• Maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs advanced instrumentation.
• Generates, interprets, and presents analytical data to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Represents the utility by providing scientific expertise for various panels, workgroups, watershed associations, and participates in regulatory based stakeholder group meetings.
• Oversees regulatory special purpose projects and sampling as assigned.
• Communicates with customers to relay analytical results and address customer inquiries as needed.
• Maintains a safe working environment and adheres to all established safety protocols.
• May be required to respond to emergency situations, including water quality incidents, spills, or treatment upsets, and may occasionally be required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays.

Other Job Functions:

• Serves as a mentor and/or provides cross training and guidance to other water quality staff.
• Attends meetings, conferences, and training sessions to keep current with changes in regulatory and industry protocols as assigned.
• Maintains comprehensive records of sampling and analytical activities.
• Assists or leads efforts to publish project results in scientific journals with the goal of contributing to the body of water quality knowledge and promoting Loveland Water to the larger scientific community.
• Participates in personal growth opportunities, and attends trainings designed to enhance capacity to bring new skills and ideas to the job and the organization.
• Works to continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service or product being delivered.
• Demonstrates a high level of customer service; encourages others to focus on the customer; fosters an environment where customer service is a priority.
• Acts as an ambassador by understanding and fostering the organization's mission and vision.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Level and Management Expectations:

• There are no manger/supervisor expectations for this role.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Required: 4 Year/Bachelors Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or related field.
• Preferred: Graduate Degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related science.

An equivalent combination of education and or experience may substitute for education requirements on a year for year basis.

Experience:

• Required: 5 years' experience in water or wastewater municipal or commercial laboratory performing complex organic and or inorganic analysis using a GC-MS and/or ICP-MS.
• Preferred: Experience acting as a laboratory QA/QC officer.
• Preferred: General knowledge of the water and wastewater treatment processes.
• Preferred: Thorough knowledge of Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act analytical methods.

Certifications:

• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of the scientific method, laboratory procedures, and an understanding of both water and wastewater treatment processes.
• Demonstrates an advanced knowledge of analytical chemistry, organic/inorganic chemistry, quantitative analysis, and statistical/mathematical operations.
• Demonstrates knowledge of hazards and safety precautions required in the laboratory and field.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and data management software (LIMS).
• 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.
• Exhibits pride in self, the department, the city, and the community.
• Always conducts oneself in a professional manner.
• Demonstrates integrity and builds trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, loyalty, and ethical behavior.
• Addresses difficult or contentious issues in a constructive manner.
• Supports/promotes change; demonstrates flexibility and takes calculated risks when appropriate.
• Demonstrates support for team efforts by accepting new roles and responsibilities and helping others achieve objectives.
• Values diversity; demonstrates an awareness of differences; demonstrates sensitivity and adapts behaviors/communication styles 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: Light to moderate physical effort that includes frequent standing or walking or maintaining arms and hands in the same position for repetitive tasks. Frequently works with light objects and light hand tools.

Working Environment:

• Frequent: Exposure to routine office noise and equipment.
• Occasional: Exposure to hazards that are predictable or well protected against.
• Occasional: Exposure to heat and noise along with working outside in the elements.

Additional Working Demands / Conditions:

• Work is performed indoors and frequently outdoors with frequent exposure to extreme temperatures and variable weather conditions.
• This is a highly analytical and active position where samples are collected out in the field and analyzed in a laboratory setting.
• Work performed may pose potential exposure to chemical, microbiological, and outdoor hazards.
• Limited office work may require remaining in stationary positions for periods of times.
• 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 to analyze samples.
  • Frequent standing and walking over uneven terrain in various conditions when gathering samples.
  • Frequent squatting, bending, and kneeling to collect specimens.
  • Occasional climbing, balancing, reaching overhead and below shoulder, and twisting to perform lab and field functions.
  • Constant light grasp with frequent firm grasp, fine manipulation, and handling to properly, and safely use lab and field equipment.
  • Frequent 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.

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

Benefit Eligible Benefits Package Includes:

• Two (2) Medical plans, Dental, Vision (for self/ spouse/ children)
• A Dedicated, exclusive Employee Health and Wellness Center
• Discounted Chilson Center passes
• Paid vacation, holidays, floating holidays, and medical leave
• Flexible spending including Dependent Care
• Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-term and Long-term disability, and voluntary Critical Illness Coverage
• Retirement 401a, 457, Roth (pre-& post tax) and company match
• A Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary 529 College Invest program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Personal and Professional Development opportunities
• Employee Recognition Program
• Exceptional work-life balance
• Market based pay & regular performance reviews
• Local Government employment is eligible for Public Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

Hybrid Remote Work Eligibility

This position may be eligible for up to two days per week working remotely. Probationary employees (within the first six months of employment) may not be eligible. Subject to change based on business needs and performance expectations.

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