Senior Environmental Scientist

An employee in this class has major responsibility for planning, coordinating, and overseeing a wide variety of assignments of considerable difficulty which include scientific field and laboratory work in connection with the production of potable water. Under direction, the employee is required to exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment in the selection of work methods and work assignments. The employee will participate in the formulation of recommendations for consideration by supervisors and other high-level department employees. The position requires contact with the public in response to water quality inquiries. Work is reviewed while in progress and upon completion through oral and written reports and results obtained.

Plans, coordinates, assigns and oversees the work of staff engaged in the testing and analysis of potable water production; identifies, develops, and implements appropriate analytical procedures for water quality parameters; coordinates and conducts departmental research on various treatment processes and procedures; develops special techniques to improve or replace present methodology.

Identifies differences in analytical methods and is able to support the selection of an appropriate method based on matrices, detection limits, interference, and laboratory capabilities; performs selected analyses with proven accuracy and precision.

Operates and utilizes the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

Understands how to minimize/eliminate possible sources of error and interference; is able to identify problems with existing methods and procedures.

Troubleshoots instrumentation; performs minor adjustments and repairs to laboratory instrumentation and sampling equipment; provides knowledgeable information of trends in instrumentation.

Plans, prioritizes, and assigns laboratory work to meet necessary deadlines for analyses and results; oversees maintenance of laboratory records and prepares reports on laboratory procedures and results.

Evaluates vendors and products based on quality, price availability, and service for appropriate laboratory supplies; prepares, receives, and verifies supply orders.

Provides training on instrumentation and monitors cross-training opportunities.

Reviews data for precision and accuracy; is responsible for appropriate implementation of quality assurance/quality control procedures and documentation for selected analyses; oversees and performs method detection limits and state and/or EPA performance evaluations, as necessary.

Understands, implements and enforces appropriate safety and good laboratory practices; operates a lightweight motor vehicle, as necessary.

Responds knowledgeably to customer inquiries regarding water quality issues.

Performs related work as required.

Knowledge of: principles, practices, terminology, and procedures used in the laboratory analyses of water as well as the current literature and research in related fields, practices, methods, tools, and equipment utilized in laboratory testing analysis of water samples; sampling, testing, and analysis techniques; water quality monitoring procedures; federal, state and local rules, codes and ordinances relating to water quality; occupational hazards, appropriate precautions, and methods of promoting safety; city policies and procedures; the LIMS; distribution system service area; effective customer service techniques.

Ability to: apply scientific and technical knowledge accurately and with professional judgment; complete and interpret scientific tests and examinations; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; prepare clear, legible, accurate reports; operate and maintain laboratory testing and analysis equipment; interpret advanced scientific data; troubleshoot equipment and analyses; perform adjustments and repairs to laboratory and field equipment; assign work, oversee and train other employees; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public; operate a lightweight motor vehicle.

Skill in: the operation and maintenance of laboratory testing and analysis equipment; supervision; training staff on instrumentation and methodology.

Mostly sedentary, indoors, requires extended use of computer, typing and viewing monitor.

Graduation from an accredited university or college with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or a related field, and three (3) years in laboratory experience in the testing and analysis of water and wastewater samples, and one (1) year in lead experience; OR

Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license is required.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

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