Laboratory Specialist
About this Role
Protect the drinking water of a region of 410,000+, one sample at a time!
Newport News Waterworks, owned and operated by the City of Newport News and serving more than 410,000 people across Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, York County, and part of James City County, is hiring a Laboratory Specialist to collect and analyze water samples that keep our drinking water safe and compliant. If you have a science background and want hands-on lab work with real public-health impact, this is a great place to start or grow your career.
Key Responsibilities
What you will do:
Collect water samples at prescribed locations across the distribution system, water treatment plants, and source waters, following EPA and Virginia Department of Health methods
Perform water analysis including pH, alkalinity, turbidity, solids, total chlorine, total coliform, E. coli, heterotrophic plate count (HPC), fluoride, Legionella, and Enterococcus faecalis
Maintain accurate records of sample collection, data analysis, and QA/QC requirements using lab data systems
Review data against Quality Assurance and Quality Control limits to ensure compliance
Operate lab instruments such as pH and ISE meters, colorimetric photometers, UV/VIS spectrophotometer, turbidimeter, analytical balance, and conductivity meter
May mentor student science projects
Qualifications
What you bring:
Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field, with 1 to 2 years of experience collecting and analyzing water quality samples (or an equivalent combination of education and experience)
General knowledge of chemical and bacteriological analysis principles and drinking water treatment processes
Familiarity with laboratory instruments and safe sample handling
Strong data, math, and computer skills for recording and analyzing results
Completion of Initial Documentation of Capabilities (IDC) per Virginia regulations (12 VAC 30-45-730) within 90 days of hire
A valid driver’s license with an acceptable record
Respirator clearance is required
Benefits
Why Newport News Waterworks ?
Join a recognized regional leader in water service, known for water quality, customer service, financial stewardship, and environmental protection. We back our people with a benefits package built to support you and your family:
Virginia Retirement System (VRS) pension, plus a Retirement Health Savings Account and an optional Empower 457(b) deferred comp plan
Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage, with HSA and FSA options and your choice of coverage start date
Generous paid time off: 19.5 personal days, 9 medical leave days, and 12 paid holidays per year
Tuition reimbursement and ongoing training
Life and short and long term disability insurance, plus an Employee Assistance Program and free Calm Premium
RENEW employee wellness program, fitness center member rates, and an employee discount program
A clear path to grow, with room to advance in water quality and regulatory compliance and opportunities across 30 plus City departments
For details about employee benefits, please visit: https://www.nnva.gov/498/Benefits
How to Apply Now!
Interested candidates should apply online through the City of Newport News job site. Please be sure to complete all sections of the application, including your work history and education. We look forward to learning more about you.
Apply here: https://www.nnva.gov/193/Apply-for-a-Job