Laboratory Data Administrator

Job Description:

Laboratory Data Administrator

Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The District:
Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Values

Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

The position
The Laboratory Data Administrator is responsible for administering, monitoring, and maintaining the District’s Technical Information Management System (TIMS), ensuring quality assurance and quality control of data. This involves collaborating with internal staff and external vendors. The incumbent is responsible for creating, maintaining, and integrating any applicable software applications to support the delivery of data and ensures compliance with any reporting requirements.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Water Quality Manager. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

DISTINGUISHINGCHARACTERISTICS

A Laboratory Data Administrator performs advanced professional duties and technical administration of the TIMS database while ensuring the quality and accuracy of all laboratory data entered and reported. Incumbents are expected to have strong TIMS operating system knowledge to effectively complete assignments and maintain the District’s TIMS database. Assignments are broad in scope, requiring significant independent decision-making and impact on the department’s success. The Laboratory Data Administrator is distinguished from the Water Quality Manager in that the incumbent in the latter class has management responsibilities for the entire Water Quality Department and has broader financial planning, recordkeeping, and administrative duties.

This position is 100% in-office, meaning employees are expected to work from our Operations Center full-time, without the option for remote work.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on Monday, June 2, 2025. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early. Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Administers, monitors, and maintains the District’s Technical Information Management System (TIMS).

Ensures that the TIMS is operating correctly and is utilized correctly by the staff for all required quality control/quality assurance (QA/QC) procedures, including documentation, sample tracking, data analysis, data evaluation, and data transfer. Manages user access and permissions.

Works with Water Quality Manager and external TIMS vendors to lead TIMS projects that relate to TIMS database or system upgrades or patches.

Formulates and defines the scope of work for upgrades to TIMS through research and fact finding combined with an understanding of applicable systems and laboratory requirements.

Uses SQL Server Management Studio, Visual Studio, SQL, C#, Crystal Reports and other approved development tools and programming languages to make updates to TIMS reporting capabilities or functionality. This work includes developing forms, custom report templates, and interfaces for data entry into TIMS.

Utilizes available tools to prepare data queries, reports, and other information objects to retrieve and display needed data from the TIMS databases.

Initiates, monitors, and oversees contracts for vendor TIMS programming or upgrade services.

Provides TIMS user training to new and current employees as needed. Develops TIMS user manuals and other TIMS-related documentation.

Assists in developing TIMS policies and procedures; and reviews and makes recommendations regarding the development of quality assurance and quality control procedures related to LIMS.

Provides front-line technical support and troubleshooting to TIMS users throughout the District.

Responsible for data quality, integrity, and validation databases, software, customizations, or integrations developed in-house.

Maintains documentation and version control for TIMS customizations.

Stays current on advances in the data processing field, TIMS enhancements, various sample collection and laboratory procedures and environmental regulations.

Develops and conducts training programs and presentations for District staff.

Prepares and presents research, data, and technical projects for internal and external stakeholders.

Comply with safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Computer Science or a related field.

Experience: Six (6) years of professional level, analytical laboratory and computer system or application administration experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Experience at a water/wastewater agency is desired.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of software design, computer programming principles, databases, techniques, and procedures for business and technical system applications, programming languages and utilities used by the District in relation to TIMS.
• Scientific principles, familiarity with Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Microbiological environmental water analysis, and the regulatory framework that governs this testing and drives much of the demands placed on the TIMS.
• Use of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Quality Assurance/Quality Control Protocols for TIMS applications.

• Relevant Federal, State, and local environmental regulations pertaining to laboratory or QA/QC practices to be performed using TIMS.

Ability to:

• Organize, plan, and complete projects efficiently and collaborate with teams.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established guidelines.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including the preparation of clear, concise and comprehensive correspondence, reports, proposals, studies and other written materials.
• Provide technical support and guidance on specialized software/hardware and TIMS-related issues.
• Ensure TIMS data quality and data integrity.
• Perform TIMS maintenance via configuration, modification, and data updates.
• Develop forms and instrument/TIMS interfaces for data transfer.
• Train personnel in TIMS.
• Operate computer systems to program for initial TIMS troubleshooting and effectively communicate more complex programming support needs to internal IT staff or external vendors.
• Operate computer systems at an advanced level and utilize enterprise software, spreadsheet applications, and other standard business tools to support daily operations, enhance productivity, and streamline workflows.
• Create reports from the TIMS database to summarize data quality and trends.
• Manage external vendors and consultants.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a laboratory and standard office setting and use laboratory instruments and standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials, laboratory instruments, and a computer screen; color vision to read and interpret laboratory results; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas is required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate laboratory instruments and standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

Employees work primarily in a laboratory environment with moderate to excessive noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and exposure to dust, fumes and/or allergens, biologic/infectious agents, hazardous chemicals, and unpleasant odors. Employees also work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Oral Interview Examination : will assess candidates’ experiences, qualifications, and abilities that are crucial for success in this role. During this examination, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their background, including education, training, and relevant professional experiences. This in-person interview will allow evaluators to assess the candidate’s interpersonal communication skills and evaluate their overall qualification for the position.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.

IRWD offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; anda variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status. This benefits overview is intended to be a summary, is not intended to be all-inclusive,and may not be applicable to all employees.

Retirement
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013:
The District, in compliance with the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2012 (PEPRA), implemented a third tier for new employees hired on or after January 1, 2013. New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have not been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system within 6 months of hire date will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at a 2 percent at age 62 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefits of 2.5 percent at age 67. Final compensation calculations will be based on the highest three-year average of regular recurring pay. The District pays the employer's share of these costs. The employee share of the pension cost of 7.50% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula.

Employees hired on or after September 29, 2012 or "Classic" PERS members hired on or after January 1, 2013:
On September 24, 2012, the IRWD Board of Directors approved the addition of a second tier to the CalPERS retirement benefits. New employees hired on or after September 29th through December 31, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system, will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at 2 percent at age 60 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefit of 2.418% at age 63. The District pays the employer share of these costs and the employee share of the pension cost of 7% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula. Final retirement compensation calculations are based on the highest three-year average of regular, recurring pay.

IRWDdoes not participate or pay into Social Security except for the Medicare portion.

Medical Insurance
IRWD contracts with CalPERS for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from a variety of PPO and HMO plans. The employee and District contribution for health insurance varies by plan.Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Dental Insurance
IRWD contracts with Delta Dental for dental coverage.IRWD pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Vision Insurance
IRWD contracts with the EyeMed for vision coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for vision coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Life Insurance
Elgible employees are provided with life insurance coverage equal to three or four times their annual salary, depending on their level of compensation. Eligible dependents are also covered for a flat benefit amount. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Deferred Compensation
Participation in adeferred compensation plan is available through Empower Retirement. Enrollment is voluntary and contributions are employee-paid and subject to IRS limits. The District matches employee contributions up to 3% of base pay after 1 year of employment.

Paid Vacation
Eligible employees begin accruing vacation benefits at the rate of 80 hours per year for the first 5 years of employment. Employees accrue 120 hours per year after 5 years of employment and 160 hours per year after 10 years of employment.

Paid Holidays
The District offers 11 scheduled paid holidaysplus one personal holiday per year.

Sick Leave
Eligible employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave annually.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible employees may elect to participate in the District's Flex Advantage program. This program allows employees to deposit pre-tax dollars into special accounts to be used for a variety of purposes, including paying for qualified miscellaneous health care expenses and dependent care expenses. IRWD contracts with a third party administer to process payments from employee accounts using claim forms or a Flex Spending debit card.

Educational Assistance
The District will share in the pre-approved educational costs of tuition and books for employees who wish to attend college or take certification classes.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$110,790.60 - $153,408.00 Annually