Laboratory Service Water Quality Analyst

Laboratory Service Water Quality Analyst

Salary

$63,585.60 - $78,998.40 Annually

Location

WPC- 7525 Bertram Rd SE Cedar Rapids, IA

Job Type

Full-Time

Department

Utilities

Division

Water Pollution Control

Opening Date

09/30/2026

Closing Date

10/14/2026 11:59 PM Central

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

AFSCME

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Join a team that protects Cedar Rapids' most essential resource-clean water. The City's Utilities Department is looking for a detail-oriented and dedicated Lab Services Water Quality Analyst to perform environmental monitoring and analytical testing that helps maintain safe, high-quality drinking water and wastewater treatment. From sample collection to lab analysis and data entry, your work will directly support public health and environmental stewardship in our community every day.

About our Organization

At the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community's diverse backgrounds and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community. We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job. If you are an individual with similar experience listed here please consider applying. Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation.

About our Community

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city. Cedar Rapids - Why you should live here!

About the Position

Provides environmental monitoring and analytical services to sustain the continuity of water quality programs at the wastewater and drinking water treatment facilities. Work is performed under general supervision, with the ability to exercise discretion in selection of work method and schedule.

The City of Cedar Rapids does not offer sponsorship for employment authorization.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Participates in sampling program assignments which consists of manual collection of samples from specified point sources and samples delivery to the designated laboratory for processing;
• Performs a variety of analytical determinations, physical measurements and bacteriological assays;
• Utilizes laboratory instrumentation and other equipment as related to work assignments;
• Calibrates and maintains on-line process analyzers;
• Prepares chemical reagents/standards and bacteriological media;
• Keeps and maintains work records pertaining to respective assignments and related QA/QC protocols;
• Enters daily data pertaining to work assignments into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS);
• Performs peer review of fellow analyst analytical data output;
• Participates in training and cross training activities and related practices;
• Communicates shortages of laboratory supplies to the Laboratory Services Manager;
• Documents and reports to the Laboratory Services Manager unusual problems and/or safety issues encountered on any work;
• Performs housekeeping tasks as assigned;
• Adheres to work schedule, assignments and analytical procedures and related protocols;
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies and follow established rules and regulations;
• Adheres to prescribed safety practices, wears and properly uses safety equipment including personal protective and gas detection equipment;
• Participates in staff meetings and training sessions;
• Attends work regularly at the designated place and time;
• Supports continuous process improvement initiatives;
• Performs related work as required.

Qualifications

Acceptable Experience and Training:

• Two years of post High School education in chemistry, biology or general science and a minimum of one year experience in analytical laboratory procedures preferably in the field of water quality analyses; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Required Special Qualifications:

• Valid U.S. Driver's License upon appointment.

Supplemental Information

Mon - Fri 7am - 3:30pm with rotating weekends and holidays

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement

The City of Cedar Rapids is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All job applicants will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history).

Applicants with Disabilities

We respect and value people with disabilities and are committed to providing a workplace culture of disability inclusion. People with disabilities are supported during the hiring process and are encouraged to apply for employment with the City of Cedar Rapids. In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to those in need of assistance with the application and interview process. To request an accommodation, contact the Citys Human Resources department by phone at 319-286-5000 or by email at hr@cedar-rapids.org.

We offer benefits and beyond for our employees and their families!

The City of Cedar Rapids provides outstanding pay, benefits, time off, including:

• Medical co-insurance for participating providers of 90% plan / 10% employee
• Competitive pay
• Iowa Public Employee's Retirement Pension plans (IPERS) with a 9.44% City contribution and 6.29% employee contribution
• 457 deferred compensation employer match program (City will match up to 0.05% of your annual income each calendar year-learn more here.)
• Flexible Spending (Health Care and Dependent Care Accounts- learn more here)
• An average of 11 paid holidays per year
• Up to $3,000 per year in educational assistance
• 4 weeks of paid parental leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - (The PSLF program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See more info here. )
• Annual pay increases
• Fiscal year pay increases as determined by bargaining contract
• Employees are eligible for longevity pay after 5 years of continuous service
• 100% City paid basic life insurance
• Dental, vision, long-term disability, and supplemental life insurance
• View our Bargaining Benefits Summaries
• Expansive job growth opportunities
• Commitment to professional development
• Private health & wellness coaching partnerships

01

How many years of experience do you have performing analytical laboratory procedures?

• Less than 1 year of experience
• At least 1 year of experience
• At least 2 years of experience
• At least 3 years of experience
• At least 4 years of experience
• At least 5 years of experience
• More than 5 years of experience

02

Please briefly share your experience in performing analytical laboratory procedures.

03

Which of the following best indicates your highest level of education?

• I do not have a High School diploma or GED
• High School diploma or GED
• Some college (at least the equivalent of 1 year)
• Associates degree or vocational equivalent
• Bachelors degree or higher

04

Do you possess a valid Drivers License?

• Yes
• No

05

Please select any of the following experiences you have: (Select all that apply)

• Understanding of basic chemical, physical, and biological principles
• Familiarity with laboratory safety procedures and best practices
• Experience performing mathematical and basic statistical calculations related to analytical data
• Knowledge of safety protocols and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• None of the above, but I have other similar experience.

06

Briefly describe your experience working collaboratively with diverse groups of people.

Required Question

Employer City of Cedar Rapids

Address 101 1st Street SE

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52401

Phone 319-286-5000

Website http://www.cedar-rapids.org/