Temporary Operations Specialist – Research

The Temporary Operations Specialist position in the Research and Innovation Division of Clean Water Services is an excellent opportunity to gain applied science and engineering experience working in a nationally-recognized water resource recovery agency. You’ll work with a team of process engineers and operations analysts to gain a hands-on understanding of how water resource recovery collection and treatment facilities function.

This position will gain a broad exposure to collection system operation and wastewater treatment processes while also having focused tasks related to characterizing and tracking sources of nitrate in the collection system. The position will work across multiple departments including pump station operations, gravity conveyance system operations, resource recovery facility operations, water quality laboratory and source control. Project tasks include:

• Planning and conducting collection system sampling events. This task will require coordination with multiple departments to complete.
• Maintaining and validating instrumentation to measure nitrate installed in collection system pump stations.

• Evaluating data to identify trends and draw conclusions.
  
  

Additional Information:

·       Temporary position, up to twelve months. Position evaluated after 6 months.

·       Full-time, up to 40 hours per week.

#Wastewater #Research  #Environmental Science  #Chemistry  #Biology  #Public Health  #Source Control  #Engineering

Essential Functions

(The essential functions listed below are not intended to reflect all duties that may be assigned to this classification.  CWS may augment duties and/or essential functions at its discretion.   Additionally, some incumbents may not perform all Essential Functions)

1. Assists with planning and conducting research projects as assigned.
2. Interacts with CWS personnel related to testing and correlation of research results with ongoing operations.
3. Assists with developing testing protocols and experiments based on the research objective and modifies as needed based on interpretation of results. Assists with documentation of laboratory research standard operating procedures (SOPs) as they relate to the research function for CWS.
4. Conducts data analysis and statistical interpretations to test research hypotheses.
5. Assists with the preparation of project deliverables including publications and conference presentations.
6. Manages research laboratory supplies used in the research function including consumables, inventory, ordering, receiving, and storage.
7. Conducts research projects within required budget and time constraints.
8. Maintains a positive, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture to improve the understanding and recognition of diversity and foster multidisciplinary and integrated team approaches.
9. Drives a CWS or personal vehicle for work related purposes. 

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Basic research methods of data collection and analysis 
• Wastewater treatment and industrial pretreatment principles and practices and/or theory and principles of water resource protection 
• Laboratory testing and sampling procedures and appropriate research record keeping
  
  

 SKILL IN: 

• Gathering, evaluating, and interpreting data
• Use of computers and computer software for word processing, spreadsheets, and database management
• Technical writing to develop, edit and compose SOPs, technical reports and journal articles
  
  

 ABILITY TO:

• Identify, research, and analyze processes and procedures
• Organize and operate testing of equipment, procedures or processes
• Research and identify equipment or materials needed for testing
• Develop alternatives and recommend strategies to improve reliability and cost-effectiveness of technical processes
• Establish and maintain high quality service and effective working relationships with CWS employees, representatives of outside agencies and members, or the public by providing accurate, complete and up-to-date information in a courteous, efficient and timely manner 
• Operate effectively in a team environment 
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Learn appropriate computer applications related to the research being conducted
  
  

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES:  
The following are the minimum qualifications for this position.   

2 years of experience in conducting research related to environmental engineering, chemistry, biology, microbiology, or other related science;    

College-level coursework in chemistry, biology, microbiology, quantitative analysis, laboratory methodologies, hydrology, environmental science, environmental engineering, ecology, or related fields. Bachelor of Science or Engineering preferred.  

OR  

Master of Science in engineering, chemistry, biology, microbiology, or related other science with completed graduate research thesis. 

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS:   
Upon selection, candidates must possess and maintain a valid State issued driver’s license.  

Additional Information

Reasonable Accommodation Applicants who require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any phase of the application process should contact Human Resources at 503.681.3600 or TDD 503.681.3601.   

Equal Employment Opportunity Clean Water Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, age, uniformed service, sexual orientation or disability in the admission or access to the recruitment process or any aspect of employment.