City of Tampa

This is responsible professional work involving biological and chemical research, testing, and analysis of environmental samples and/or wastewater.

An employee in this class is responsible for performing scientific field and laboratory tests and analyses involving specialized biological and chemical studies of natural water and municipal wastewater. Of importance are planning, organizing and initiating research projects related to environmental assessment of effects of wastewater discharge on the aquatic environment. Under direction, assignments are of more than average difficulty and require exercise of reasonable initiative and independent judgement in the selection of work methods and formulation of recommendations for consideration by supervisors and other high level departmental employees. Work is reviewed while in progress and upon completion through conferences, oral and written reports, and results obtained.

Plans, reviews, and participates in performance of physical, chemical, and microbiological tests; plans, reviews and participates in examinations or analyses relating to municipal wastewater operations; performs physical and chemical analyses on water, wastewater, stormwater, seawater, or groundwater, and records results; conducts research on treatment processes and procedures developing special techniques to improve or replace present chemical analysis methods; determines the cause of water pollutants using chemical and microbiological examinations.

Plans, reviews and participates in performance of specialized biological and chemical studies and research projects related to determination of effects of wastewater effluent on bays and surrounding areas; scuba dives for samples, as well as operates and maintain a municipal boat and related equipment utilized in such studies, where required.

Independently conducts specialized field studies, records data, and prepares reports on species of animals, plants, insects, or marine life in their natural surroundings; collects animal and plant life and water samples; performs specialized laboratory analyses concerning the history of animals, plants, insects, and marine life being studied.

Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots scientific instrumentation such as spectrometers and other analyzers.

Prepares standard solutions and reagents; studies, recommends, modifies and implements procedures for more efficient laboratory or unit operation; initiates and carries out specialized research on various treatment procedures and their effects on the environment; collects samples and performs technical analyses for specialized projects.

Trains technical and/or professional personnel engaged in complex and specialized research projects; prepares and submits manuscripts of a scientific nature.

Coordinates the preparation and presentation of reports of findings and recommendations to department personnel and municipal officials, represents department, as required, in discussions with regulatory agencies, officials and the general public; meets with personnel from agencies, industries and other municipal departments for the purpose of reporting on scientifically related matters.

Performs calibration, operation, downloading, and maintenance of multi-probe water quality instruments; maintains computer databases and prepares submittals of databases to state and local agencies.

Acts as team leader on a project basis in order to facilitate project completion.

Measures water for pH, BOD, COD, temperature, color, chlorophyll, turbidity, nutrients, alkalinity, hardness, calcium, magnesium, chlorides, and specific conductivity; calculates data in order to calibrate instrument systems; performs all necessary back up analyses in compliance with the State of Florida and EPA rules and regulations; performs quality control checks of lab analyses.

Utilizes Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to track sample backlogs, issue reports, and for sample handling; ensures upkeep and proper use and care of equipment; operates a lightweight motor vehicle.

Maintains records and prepares reports on testing procedures and results, including information required by municipal, state and federal regulatory agencies; meets with personnel from such agencies as required; orders laboratory, field and sampling equipment, chemicals, and testing supplies.

Performs related work as required.

Considerable knowledge of: principles, methods, practices, terminology, and procedures used in biological and chemical laboratory and field work; biological research and qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques, as well as current literature in assigned area.

Working knowledge of: modern equipment and scientific instruments used in biological and chemical testing and analysis of wastewater and environmental samples.

Ability to: apply scientific and technical knowledge accurately and with professional judgement in completion of laboratory tests and examinations; perform laboratory analyses requiring precision and accuracy, and evaluate test results; prepare and submit accurate and complete reports of laboratory findings, both orally and in writing and for presentation to the public; perform minor adjustments and repairs to laboratory and field instruments and equipment; scuba dive and operate and maintain a municipal boat and related equipment, as required; perform tasks requiring physical strength and endurance as required; train personnel; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials and the general public; operate a lightweight motor vehicle.

Skill in: use of laboratory and field instruments and equipment; use and care of scuba diving and boating equipment, where required; use of scientific computer systems and software.

Graduation from an accredited college of university with a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry or a related field, and one (1) year of experience in biological or chemical research and laboratory analysis.

Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license. Appropriate diver’s certification may be required.

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.