Biology Lab Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

POSITION: LABORATORY ANALYST

DEPARTMENT: WATER PRODUCTION

PAYGRADE: 107 (NE)

Pay Range: Min - $28.218/hour Mid - $35.977/hour Max - 43.737/hour

DEADLINE: Aug 06, 2026

JOB SUMMARY:

The purpose of this position is to collect samples from lakes, streams, and either the CCWA water distribution system or the CCWA wastewater distribution system and to conduct microbiological testing and analyses to ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Collects and analyzes water samples; utilizes advanced field and in-house equipment. Utilizes established industry methods, techniques, and standards for testing; performs quality control (QC) tests and quality assurance (QA) measures for each testing procedure.
• Prepares state reports, daily tests result reports, and keeps records of all tests, calibrations, standardizations, maintenance, and quality control procedures; prepares and submits reports to regulatory and permitting authorities as required.
• Receives and responds to customer inquiries and complaints regarding water quality; assists with giving tours of the lab to the public.
• Conducts special projects such as parallel studies and research for comparative studies in the lab to improve processes.
• Maintains inventory of related supplies, equipment, and chemicals.
• May train others on lab procedures.
• Organizes records; may review SOPs and update quality manuals.
• Operates or uses various equipment, power tools, hand tools, and supplies in order to complete work assignments; may operate and maintain membrane filter apparatus, compound microscopes, microscopes, autoclaves, pH/Cond. meters, DO probe, balances, analyzers, meters, spectrophotometers, DI units, nano pure system, centrifuges, Microtox, water baths, incubators, refrigerators, GC-MS, Quanti-Tray Sealer, Desiccator, UV lights, Hot Plate Stirrer, Vacuum Pump, Dishwasher, Burets, EXO sonde, pipettes, and other specialized laboratory instruments, tools and equipment.
• Water Production (if assigned): may perform depth sampling; collects data from reservoirs, lakes, and streams; collects, tests, and analyzes water for the presence of total coliforms and E. coli in the existing water distribution system, new water lines added to the system, and finished water produced at three filtration plants; may perform miscellaneous bacteriological tests; checks for algae taste and odor/TOC/Chlorites/ TTHMs/HAA5s; performs NPDES, PFAS, and WQP testing and analysis; may test for lead, copper, and copper sulfate; performs wet chemistry with calibration, standardizations, and spikes; performs bottle prep and reagent prep; cleans glassware; conducts enumeration and maintenance of pure cultures for QC/QA including calibration, standardization, maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment; and produces letters of potability.
• Water Reclamation (if assigned): collects data from lakes, streams, wetlands sites, stormwater, and CCWA water reclamation facilities; monitors permitted industrial customers to determine compliance with industrial user permits; conducts chemical, bacteriological and biological tests of water samples; measures VSS solids; checks for BOD, TSS, fecal, PFAS, ammonia-nitrogen, nitrates, phosphorus (ortho and total), and COD; documents results; cleans and sterilizes lab containers and utensils; calibrates and cleans equipment used in wastewater testing; maintains equipment used in the plant; conducts instrument detection limits, method detection limits and calibration curves on instrumentation; keeps logs regarding equipment and calibration checks; prepares control charts including matrix spikes, blanks, standards, and duplicates; enters data and grease trap manifests into Department computer systems; and prepares NPDES permit compliance samples.
• Performs other assigned duties.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• Associate Degree in Biology, Chemistry, or a related field if preferred; two (2) years of related work experience in laboratory operations, microbiology, wet chemistry, and sample collection; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
• Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all CCWA or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.
• Must possess and maintain either a Georgia Water Laboratory Analyst License Or Water Operator Class II or Wastewater Operator Class II (if in Water Reclamation). The certification requirements must be met within 12 months of hire.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• This position classifies the physical exertion requirements as medium work involving lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Tasks typically involve some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling; tasks may also involve some pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, taste, odor, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature, noise extremes, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, animal/wildlife attacks, animal/human bites, water hazards, disease, pathogenic substances, or rude/irate customers.
• Work is performed part of the time working in an environment where errors on this job can lead to significant physical or mental consequences for self or others.

At CCWA, it is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees, including temporary employees, and applicants for employment based on qualifications, abilities, and merit. Therefore, CCWA prohibits discrimination against employees, applicants or any other legally covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression), citizenship, genetic information, disability status, past, current, or prospective membership in the uniformed services or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to job advertisements, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits, and training.