Sr. Lab Scientist

Job Title: Senior Laboratory Scientist

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Laboratory Scientist to join our team at the Amiss Water Treatment Plant in Shreveport, LA. As a Senior Laboratory Scientist, you will be responsible for performing a variety of standardized chemical tests, physical tests, and microbiological analyses to determine required treatment of potable, industrial, wastewater, and sludge samples.

Job Details:

• Job Type: Full Time
• Job Number: 2601817
• Department: W & S - Water & Sewerage-NW Division
• WS Amiss - Water Purification-NW
• Opening Date: January 16, 2026
• Closing Date: January 23, 2026, 12:00 PM Central

Responsibilities:

• Performing a variety of standardized chemical tests, physical tests, and the interpretation of complex microbiological analyses to determine required treatment of potable, industrial, wastewater, and sludge samples.
• Operates, calibrates, and maintains laboratory equipment.
• Maintains proper quality control/quality assurance.
• Works safely and follows City guidelines for safety.
• Enters data into the LIMS system, recommends improvements in work procedures, methods, and reporting forms.
• Prepares bacteriological media, performs quality control procedures on media prepared in house and purchased commercially.
• Adheres to all federal, state, and local mandates regarding sample collection, analyses, and reporting of data.
• Prepares and maintains test data.
• Prepares and certifies standards and other reagents.
• Participates in and successfully passes proficiency testing.
• May be instrumental participant in a certified microbiological laboratory.
• Is responsible for sample collection, sample analysis, and reporting of compliance data to the EPA/DHH/DEQ.
• Analyzes waters for presence of pathogens and other bacteria.
• Coordinates with operations personnel to optimize plant performance.
• In addition, performs diagnostic and analytical analyses of a specific nature to troubleshoot situations with analytical procedures.
• Monitors and directs new and lower level employees work.
• Generates applied Standard Operations Procedures for chemical, physical, and microbiological analyses.
• Establishes and implements procedures to assure the accuracy and completeness of data generated in the laboratory.
• Coordinates laboratory activity with field crews to assure proper handling of customer requests and sampling.
• Receives and responds to citizen/customer complaints concerning water and wastewater treatment problems.
• Is responsible for the proficiency testing procedures.
• Subject to be on call 24/7.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. A bachelors degree in chemistry, microbiology, biology, or a closely related field, plus one (1) year of experience in wastewater or water treatment laboratory or related experience.
2. Facility with form perception to recognize physical and chemical differences in materials and eye-hand coordination.
3. Possess data handling skills, including facility with Microsoft Office or similar programs, generating emails, as well as laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
4. Ability to prepare written reports and perform basic mathematical calculations.
5. Valid State Vehicle Operators License.
6. Ability to become knowledgeable of quantitative laboratory analysis, including legal chain of custody and quality control.
7. Demonstrate ability to work with and direct others.
8. Amiss Plant Assignment - Hold or be able to obtain Class 4 Water Production, Water Treatment, and Water Distribution Certificates issued by the State of Louisiana, Dept. of Health and Hospitals within 3 years.

Physical Requirements:

• Tasks involve the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (10-30) pounds.
• Jobs must be performed with or without accommodations.
• Tasks require sitting for prolonged periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

Work Environment:

• Tasks are performed with risk of exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as temperature and noise extremes, wetness, humidity, animals, insects, toxic/poisonous agents, and strong odors.

Benefits:

The City of Shreveport offers many benefits, including:

• Vacation and sick leave
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year
• Long-term disability

Application Instructions:

Please answer the following questions:

1. Do you have a bachelors degree in chemistry, microbiology, biology, or a closely related field? Yes No (If no, please specify the degree and field)

2. How many years of experience in wastewater or water treatment laboratory or related experience do you have? Less than 1 year At least 1 year but less than 3 years At least 3 years but less than 5 years 5 or more years

3. Please list the name of the company where you obtained this experience and the duties that you performed and provide dates of employment. (If there is more than one company, please list each separately) Company: Duties: Dates:

4. Do you have a valid state vehicle operators license? (You must submit proof at time of hire) Yes No

Contact Information:

City of Shreveport Address: 505 Travis St, Suite 530 Shreveport, Louisiana, 71101 Phone: (318) 673-5151 Website: http://www.shreveportla.gov