Sampling Associate

DIVISION: Operations

DEPARTMENT: TRAC

UNION/GRADE: Unit 9/Grade 19

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BASIC PURPOSE:

Collects samples and flow data from industries, sewer lines, treatment plants, septage sites, sanitary landfills, beaches, and other sites as required to determine compliance with Federal, State, and MWRA regulations. Generates reports of sampling activities and maintains sampling equipment as needed.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the direct supervision of a Senior Sampling Associate and indirect supervision of the Program Manager - Monitoring.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

None.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs sampling, flow measurements and dye testing for multi-media sample types as needed.
• Cleans and maintains the field facility area in Chelsea as needed.
• Collects samples, perform field tests, preserves grab and composite samples of wastewater, industrial wastewater, sludge, septage, etc.
• Maintains inventory of monitoring equipment and supplies in assigned vans.
• Follows standard operating procedures (SOPs) as developed by the Senior Sampling Associates and the Program Manager - Monitoring.
• Assists Senior Sampling Associates with writing SOPs.
• Mandatory On Call Sampler for after-hours sampling in a rotation with other Sampling Associates.
• Completes necessary paperwork including monitoring reports, sample labels, chain-of-custody forms and sample record forms.
• Operates safety equipment, auto samplers, pH meters, colorimeters, dissolved oxygen meters and other monitoring equipment in the field as needed.
• Follows all safety practices; participates in safety drills and safety toolbox talks.
• Reviews all industrial files, PIMS, maintenance maps and other information prior to monitoring events

SECONDARY DUTIES:

• Maintains monitoring equipment and supplies as assigned.
• Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science or related field; and
• Understanding of environmental monitoring procedures, including sampling and flow measuring techniques, safety procedures, handling and preservation of samples as acquired through at least one (1) year experience performing environmental sampling or laboratory work using similar equipment; or
• Any equivalent combination of education or experience.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Familiarity with the principles of environmental sciences as they apply to municipal wastewater treatment, industrial processes, collection systems and water supply.
• Skill in the operation of the listed tools and equipment.
• Familiarity with computers/software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PIMS, Labware, etc.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Valid Class D Operators license.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Monitoring and safety equipment, mobile radio, telephone, personal computer including word processing and other software, copy and fax machines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the essential functions the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, talk, hear, sit, climb or balance.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color and peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts, and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes and airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to extreme heat, vibration and risk of electric shock. The noise level in the work environment is loud in field settings as normally associated with industrial sites and machinery.

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.