Laboratory Specialist

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state footprint, ranging from field workers and customer service representatives who are on the front lines working with customers, to scientists and engineers who help ensure we're delivering reliable water and wastewater services to our communities. If you're looking for a rewarding career helping improve our environment and protect our natural resources, we encourage you to join our team!

About Essential Utilities

Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities.

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities.

We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S.

Are you looking for a fantastic career at Aqua? We have a great opportunity for a Laboratory Specialist in the Westerville, OH area!

Oversees, performs, and coordinates routine chemical, physical, and bacteriological examinations of water samples; Plans, oversees, and coordinates activities associated with assigned programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Plans, prioritizes, oversees, coordinates, and participates in routine chemical, physical, and bacteriological examination of water, wastewater, and various sludge and solids samples in accordance with associated regulatory requirements; Oversees and/or prepares chemical reagents, bacteriological media, and other routine daily functions;
• Provides day to day oversight for assigned laboratory staff; Provides advice and guidance to less experienced employees and acts as a subject matter expert by responding to escalated issues and concerns.
• Collects samples from various locations around the treatment facility; Analyzes and interprets results for determination of regulatory compliance as well as process operation control measures; Confers with Certified Operator, and/or Wastewater Supervisor concerning analytical findings; oversees grease trap program and performs various related environmental compliance duties.
• Plans, oversees, and coordinates activities associated with assigned programs, such as: Quality Control and Quality Assurance, Certification for bacteriological analysis of wastewater samples, and Contract Laboratory Services; Compiles data and prepares various reports for submittal to regulatory agencies.
• Inspects equipment for proper operation, cleans and maintains equipment and work area; Assembles equipment and instruments for analytical work.
• Determines equipment and supply needs, prepares requisitions and procures services, equipment and supplies; Monitors departmental expenditures and assists in the development of annual budget.
• Prepares, coordinates, and implements training associated with laboratory techniques, processes, and procedures
• Coordinates and participates in the assignment of laboratory services for holidays and weekends as required; Responds to after-hours contacts for services during emergency situations
• Performs in strict compliance with IOSHA safety standards, company policies and procedures, as well as applicable Federal, State, and local codes, regulations, and requirements.
• Participates in and promotes positive public relations and customer service, responds to inquiries and/or complaints, conducts tours of the facility, attends interdivisional meetings, and coordinates with internal and external entities providing support and assistance as required.
• Maintains current knowledge of analytical techniques and procedures as well as environmental regulations, technologies, trends, techniques, and processes through ongoing training, study, and continuing education
• Performs other related activities as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function(s).

QUALIFICATIONS (Required Experience, Education, Licenses, and Certifications)

• A high school diploma or GED. Associate degree in chemistry or a related subject preferred
• A minimum of 3 years lab-related experience, preferably in the water/wastewater industry.
• A valid Ohio state Driver's license or ability to obtain upon residency;

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: (Examples below)

• A broad understanding of the current principles, standard methods, practices, and application, of environmental laboratory procedures and techniques and associated environmental regulations;
• Familiarity with general Industry standards for workforce safety and general office practices and procedures, including proficiency in software applications such as MS Office.
• Basic knowledge of business and management concepts such as budget development and management; coordination and management of resources;
• Effective customer service skills
• Effective communication; Interpersonal interaction; Leadership; Organization; Reasoning and problem solving; Comprehension; Multi-tasking; Self-Motivation
• Listen to and understand technical information and ideas presented through oral and written communication; Quickly recognize unusual or threatening circumstances and initiate proper response; Establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Effectively respond to conflict, contacts, inquiries, and complaints; Effectively lead and motivate individuals and groups; Effectively work independently or as part of a team; Apply knowledge of principles, standards, and practices as defined above

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• May be subject to extreme temperatures, noise, wet and/or humid conditions, mechanical, electrical, gas exposure hazards, fumes, dusts, mists, gases and /or poor ventilation atmospheric conditions.
• Regularly required to work at a lab bench and travel to remote locations throughout the facility; is frequently required to maneuver and navigate uneven surfaces, steps, stairs, ladders, platforms, and restricted isle-ways and walk-ways; may be exposed to extreme weather conditions including: heat, cold, wind, rain, sleet/snow;
• Occasionally required to perform manual labor including lifting of up to 50 pounds

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.
Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-877-271-9012).
To maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest due to employment and/or assignment of family members and personal referrals, specific guidelines apply to the hiring and assignment of these individuals including, but not limited to:

• Family members cannot result in a supervisor/subordinate reporting relationship
• Family members cannot work in the same department.