Water Quality Laboratory Operations Specialist

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Job Title:

Water Quality Laboratory Operations Specialist

Department:

FAES School of Environment and Natural Resources

The Ohio State University is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced professional to support water testing, monitoring, and reporting programs administered through the Soil Water Environmental Lab (SWEL) and the Soil and Environmental Mineralogy Lab. This role involves field sampling, laboratory analysis, data reporting, and coordination with lab staff to ensure high-quality results and efficient workflow.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct field sampling and water quality testing following established procedures.

Manage laboratory workflow and integrate processes into existing systems.

Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including quality control protocols.

Supervise and mentor student workers and research assistants.

Prepare and analyze data sets to support research and project goals.

Contribute to the development of study objectives, publications, and new analytical processes.

Implement procedures for sample preparation, analysis, and interpretation.

Communicate findings in both scientific and lay formats.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, soil science, chemistry, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

At least 2 years of relevant experience in laboratory or field-based environmental testing.

Strong organizational and communication skills.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.

Willingness to travel between Wooster and Columbus campuses as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

2–4 years of experience in water quality analysis or environmental lab coordination.

Experience developing SOPs and managing lab operations.

Familiarity with data analysis tools and scientific reporting.

Additional Information:

This job profile is a Laboratory Research Operation Analyst 2 (S2 level) position on the career roadmap.

The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, unit’s available budget, and the candidate’s qualifications

Location:

Food Agriculture and Biological Engineering (9401)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

As required by Ohio Revised Code section 3345.0216, Ohio State will: educate students by means of free, open and rigorous intellectual inquiry to seek the truth; equip students with the opportunity to develop intellectual skills to reach their own, informed conclusions; not require, favor, disfavor or prohibit speech or lawful assembly; create a community dedicated to an ethic of civil and free inquiry, which respects the autonomy of each member, supports individual capacities for growth and tolerates differences in opinion; treat all faculty, staff and students as individuals, hold them to equal standards and provide equality of opportunity with regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

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