<p>Date Opened: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 12:00 AM</p> <p>Close Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 12:00 AM</p> <p>Department: Charlotte Water Department</p> <p>Salary: $26.00 - $27.00 Commensurate with Experience</p> <p>Welcome to the City of Charlotte</p> <p>Charlotte is America's Queen City, opening her arms to a diverse and inclusive community of residents, businesses and visitors alike. Here you will find a safe, family-oriented city where people work together to help everyone thrive. The mission of the City of Charlotte is to deliver quality public services and promote the safety, health, and quality of life for all residents.</p> <p>Our guiding principles include:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce</p> </li><li> <p>Valuing teamwork, openness, accountability, productivity, and employee development</p> </li><li> <p>Providing all customers with courteous, responsive, accessible, and seamless quality services</p> </li><li> <p>Taking initiative to identify, analyze, and solve problems</p> </li><li> <p>Collaborating with stakeholders to make informed decisions</p> </li></ul> <p>SUMMARY</p> <p>This position is responsible for optimization and validation of a MALDI-TOF method, based on existing protocols and literature, within the Microbiology Section of Laboratory Services.</p> <p>Additional responsibilities include: receipt of samples, assurance that chain of custody protocols are in accordance with state and federal safe laws and laboratory protocols, login of samples into LIMS, SDS/chemical inventory updates, and media/reagent preparation. Work involves ensuring that equipment is properly calibrated and sampling procedures follow protocols; recording observations; and informing personnel of any deviations from procedure. This position maintains an inventory of supplies in the immediate work area and maintains a clean and safe work area.</p> <p>The hourly rate for this position is $27.00/hr.</p> <p>ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Conducts assigned MALDI-TOF research within the Microbiology Section of the lab.</p> </li><li> <p>Logs in and checks in samples in the laboratory; subcontracts samples as needed; validates and maintains legal chain of custody; and records deviation from protocols.</p> </li><li> <p>Performs sample preparation and analysis according to approved methods and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)s.</p> </li><li> <p>Reviews data and procedures; verifies that procedural requirements are met and comply with the Laboratory's Quality Assurance (QA)Program.</p> </li><li> <p>Performs maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment and instrumentation.</p> </li><li> <p>Records observations, calculations, and results accurately.</p> </li><li> <p>Handles laboratory chemicals, potentially infectious microbes, samples, equipment and instrumentation according to specific sample requirements, approved methods, SOPs, QA procedures, safety protocols, and CHP.</p> </li><li> <p>Informs supervisor of any problems associated with instrumentation, equipment, and materials as well as any deviations from schedules, methods, sample anomalies, and SOPs.</p> </li><li> <p>Maintains cleanliness and organization of work area.</p> </li><li> <p>Greets clients; receives deliveries; and answers phone calls.</p> </li><li> <p>Performs other related job duties as assigned.</p> </li></ul> <p>MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Must be currently enrolled in a graduate program in chemistry or a scientific discipline.</p> </li><li> <p>Must have a Bachelor's degree in chemistry or a scientific discipline from an accredited school.</p> </li><li> <p>Prefer experience with MALDI-TOF analysis of water samples and work experience in a certified environmental laboratory.</p> </li></ul> <p>Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Software.</p> </li><li> <p>Knowledge of common office software and other pertinent computer software.</p> </li><li> <p>Knowledge of aseptic technique and handling of microbiologics</p> </li><li> <p>Knowledge of sampling and laboratory protocols.</p> </li><li> <p>Skill in calibrating equipment.</p> </li><li> <p>Skill in communicating, both verbally and in writing.</p> </li><li> <p>Skill in analytical thinking, methodical and systematic approach.</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to follow SOPs and reference methods.</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to follow instructions.</p> </li></ul> <p>PHYSICAL DEMANDS:</p> <p>The work is medium, which requires applying 30 pounds of force frequently and exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: prolonged standing and/or sitting, walking, balancing, climbing, stooping, crouching, kneeling, grasping, handling, lifting, manual dexterity, feeling, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, distinguishing among sounds, mental acuity, visual acuity in data/color/observations /instrumentation, and walking.</p> <p>WORK ENVIRONMENT:</p> <p>Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs. Work is performed in a relatively safe, secure, and stable work environment. Requires working on-call as scheduled, and working nights and weekends as needed. Requires occasional work over the 40-hour work week.</p> <p>CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT</p> <p>The City's Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.</p> <p>Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate's written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.</p> <p>Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.</p> <p>The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior.</p> <p>Our culture is to serve the community honorably.</p> <p>HOW TO APPLY</p> <p>Apply online.</p> <p>Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.</p> <p>You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby, where self-service application kiosks are available. They are located in our office at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. We are open Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.</p> <p>For questions about your application or the hiring process, please email Careers@ci.charlotte.nc.us</p> <p>The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120.</p> <p>BENEEFITS</p> <p>The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.</p> <p>Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte's benefits.</p> <p>The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.</p>