Description

Position
Under the general supervision of the Water Quality Supervisor, a Quality Assurance/Quality Control Specialist maintains the water quality laboratory’s quality assurance program, including performing compliance and audit activities in support of water quality laboratory accreditation.

The recruitment process will consist of an application review, 1st round (structured) interview, and 2nd round (selection) interview. The tentative date ranges for the interviews are listed below:
1st Round Tentative Interview Date Range: August 3 - August 7, 2026

2nd Round Tentative Interview Date Range: August 17 - August 21, 2026

Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment process via e-mail.

 
Essential Duties
 

Develops, implements, and maintains water quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) practices and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including the laboratory’s accreditation to The NELAC Institute (TNI) standards.

Reviews analytical and QA/QC data generated by laboratory staff to ensure compliance with the laboratory’s quality system.

Administers the laboratory’s QA/QC internal audit program; performs audits and prepares corrective action reports; evaluates findings and identifies trends and opportunities for correction; develops and implements corrective actions.

Establishes, maintains, and updates various laboratory documents, including the laboratory quality manual, master list of documents, and laboratory worksheets.

Coordinates and oversees the annual Environmental Lab Accreditation Program (ELAP) proficiency testing for state certification; participates in ELAP on-site assessments and coordinates with the Water Quality Supervisor in responding to assessment findings.

Trains laboratory staff on QA/QC policies and procedures and tracks and maintains training records; oversees laboratory staff’s demonstrations of capability and tracks Initial Demonstration of Capability (IDOC) and Ongoing Demonstration of Capability (ODOC) records.

Performs data entry, database management, and development and maintenance in the quality control modules of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for QA/QC purposes.

Develops, reviews, and revises laboratory standard operating procedures; identifies, recommends, and assists in implementing improvements to methods, procedures, and document control; investigates new analytical method development and implementation for use in the laboratory; provides technical expertise in statistical evaluation, experimental design, and troubleshooting.

Performs laboratory sampling and analysis as needed for processes independent from QA/QC duties.

 
Qualifications
DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE OF AND PERFORMANCE IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

Federal, state, and local laboratory regulations and standards pertaining to water and wastewater testing;
The NELAC Institute TNI 2016 Standard;
Principles and practices of providing effective training;
Principles of chemistry, biology, microbiology and related sciences;
Water treatment and wastewater treatment processes;
Procedures and materials used in chemical, biochemical and bacteriological tests and analyses;
Safe handling of toxic and otherwise dangerous materials;
Laboratory techniques pertaining to safety equipment and materials care and maintenance;
Basic algebra and principles of data analysis.

ABILITY TO:
Coordinate and perform multiple QA/QC projects and functions simultaneously;
Provide effective training to laboratory personnel;
Review analytical data and draw inferences and make recommendations;
Perform a variety of chemical, biochemical and bacteriological tests;
Safely and efficiently operate and maintain laboratory equipment and materials;
Conduct chemical analyses and draw sound conclusions;
Maintain records and prepare reports;
Operate office equipment, including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database applications;
Understand and carry out oral and written technical instructions with a minimum of supervision;
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
Learn and adapt new techniques to current situations;
Perform work in a safe manner at all times, in compliance with applicable safety and health policies, procedures, and practices;
Work independently but maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:
Sufficient eyesight to read fine statistical reports and standard text and data on computer terminal screens;
Ability to speak and hear at normal conversational levels in person and over the telephone;
Manual dexterity to write legibly and to use computer terminal, laboratory equipment and instruments; 
Withstand periods of physical exposure to fumes, odors, and dust, without incapacitating adverse effects;
Ability to lift and carry up to approximately twenty-five pounds; and to reach, bend, or crouch to use files and records.

Requirements

Training and Experience Guidelines
Any combination of training and experience, which demonstrates attainment of the required knowledge and ability to perform the required work (with reasonable accommodation, if needed), typically:

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or a related field in the sciences.

EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years of analytical laboratory experience conducting chemical analyses in a drinking water or wastewater laboratory, preferably including one (1) year of experience performing quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) functions.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:
A valid California class C driver’s license must be maintained at all times.
A California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Laboratory Analyst Grade II certification is required.

DESIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:
Certification as a TNI Environmental Laboratory Quality Management Systems Professional and California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Laboratory Analyst Grade III certification are desirable.

It is the policy of the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District to ensure equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, mental or physical impairment, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, or age (except where a bona fide occupational qualification). The District will act to ensure equal treatment to all persons in matters affecting recruitment, hiring, promotion, discipline, compensation, assignment, benefits, training, and layoff practices, and any other matters affecting employment with the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District. The same policy applies to all qualified Vietnam- era veterans, disabled veterans or other persons with disabilities that are capable of performing a particular job with reasonable accommodation to their disability.

In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance in the selection process please notify the Human Resources Division, in writing, upon applying.