Laboratory Specialist

Number of Vacancies: 1

Area of Consideration: Open To The Public

Position Status: Full-Time, Temporary

Pay Plan, Series & Grade: DS/4

Salary Range: $90,

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Location: Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC

Brief Description of Duties

The Laboratory Specialist for the Environmental Quality Testing Lab (EQTL) for the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) reports directly to the Director of the Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) within the Center for Urban Resilience, Innovation and Infrastructure (CURII) and oversees the daily activities in the EQTL. Key areas of responsibility include laboratory maintenance, samples preparation and testing and data analysis and reporting. The incumbent must be a team player, work effectively and efficiently with diverse internal and external constituencies, perform all duties with a high degree of independence and initiative, communicate effectively, work well under pressure of deadlines and be familiar (or familiarize themselves) with the rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the College, the University, the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program, and program sponsors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensures that quality system manual and standard operating procedures (SOP) for lab analysis, lab safety, cleaning and sterilizing sample, and testing devices, sampling, sample preparation, sample preservation, sample chain of custody, equipment calibration and testing methods, and recording of test results are readily available and strictly adhered to;
• Assures that the NELAC Institute (TIN) standard and appropriate lab safety standards are maintained for laboratory analysis and use of laboratory equipment with visible access to safety equipment, e.g., safety glasses, fire extinguishers, etc.;
• Successfully completes bi-annual Proficiency Test for the target compounds required for the laboratory accreditation for the laboratory accreditation;
• Successfully completes Demonstration of Capability analysis for each target analyte for the laboratory accreditation;
• Completes the limit of detection of the target analytes for the laboratory accreditation;
• Assures that appropriate safety standards are maintained for use of laboratory equipment with visible access to safety equipment, e.g., safety glasses, fire extinguishers, etc.;
• Trains or advises laboratory staff and students to ensure that all lab equipment is calibrated and in working condition prior to testing, and troubleshooting laboratory technologies;
• Keeps inventory of and ensures availability of lab supplies and reagents for use;
• Prepares chemical reagents according to formulae and assumes responsibility for accuracy in the preparation and standardization of solutions;
• Log all samples received and prepare them for analysis;
• Performs digestion/extraction of all samples according to certified method and SOPs;
• Operates and maintains ICP-MS, GC-MS, and LC-MS/MS and other laboratory instruments for accurate and precise test results;
• Follows required aseptic techniques in dispensing and disposing hazardous wastes and base media, maintains technical records and prepares reports.
• Teaches community education programs as needed.
• Works effectively and collaboratively with the Director of the WRRI and other faculty and staff within the college and UDC as required for specific projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned including research and special assignments related to the areas of responsibility as well as other needs of the college.

Minimum Job Requirements

• The incumbent is required to hold a Master’s degree appropriate to the laboratory work (soil, water, and chemical testing) within the EQTL.
• A minimum of two years of experience in environmental laboratory work and environmental regulation and as an expert witness is required.
• A doctorate degree/Ph.D. is preferred.