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Do you enjoy applying your laboratory skills to generate high quality data that helps restore and protect the environmental health of Long Island Sound? Save the Sound is seeking a Laboratory QAQC Specialist for our dynamic team, working collaboratively to collect important data on the health of Long Island Sound – Join us! 


Who We Are

Save the Sound leads environmental action in your region. We fight climate change, save endangered lands, protect the Sound and its rivers, and work with nature to restore ecosystems. We do this in many ways, from legislative advocacy and legal action to engineering, environmental monitoring, and hands‐ on volunteer efforts. For more than 50 years we’ve been ensuring people can enjoy the healthy, clean, and thriving environment they deserve—today and for generations to come.


Our Water Quality Science Team advocates for the health of Long Island Sound through community organizing; data collection, analysis and visualization; legal and legislative advocacy; engaging and informative storytelling; and targeted pollution reduction campaigns. Our growing team brings a variety of backgrounds, characteristics, and skillsets together to produce tangible outcomes that improve the environs of Long Island Sound. We are highly collaborative, nimble, and innovative in our approach to achieving our shared mission of clean and life-filled waterways.


For more information on our mission and programs, visit www.savethesound.org.


The Position

The Laboratory QA/QC Specialist is a member of the Water Quality Team, based out of the Westchester office. This position will assist with quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) tasks, help maintain compliance with New York Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (NY ELAP) accreditation standards and provide organizational support for laboratory operations. While this role may involve some analytical work, the primary focus is on carrying out QA/QC tasks, ensuring data integrity, and supporting day-to-day laboratory functions under the guidance of the Laboratory Manager.


Types of lab analyses currently conducted include, but are not limited to, pathogen indicator bacteria, nutrients, total suspended solids, chlorophyll-a, and microbial source tracking/eDNA (qPCR).


The Laboratory QAQC Specialist reports to the Laboratory Manager and is based out of our Westchester office in Larchmont, NY. This position requires in-office attendance 4-5 days per week.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist with maintaining laboratory quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) systems to support compliance with NY ELAP accreditation requirements.
  • Perform data entry checks, review QC results, and flag any potential issues to the Laboratory Manager.
  • Carry out routine QA checks on calibration records, logbooks, and analytical results.
  • Conduct calibration of laboratory equipment and thermometers as required.
  • Perform and document daily temperature checks of freezers, refrigerators, incubators, and ovens.
  • Monitor and track equipment maintenance schedules to ensure services are completed on schedule.
  • Prepare and maintain reagent stocks and chemical solutions following established procedures.
  • Track and manage laboratory inventory.
  • Perform general laboratory housekeeping to ensure a clean, safe and organized workspace.
  • Provide technical support to laboratory staff as needed, including occasional assistance with water quality analyses.
  • Assist in data QA/QC, storage and online posting for the water monitoring programs.
  • Provide guidance and assistance in the training of water quality interns and volunteers on lab QA/QC procedures.


Desired Qualifications & Characteristics

  • Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or related field; or equivalent laboratory experience.
  • Familiarity with quality assurance/quality control practices in a laboratory setting.
  • Understanding of NELAC, NY ELAP or other regulatory/accreditation standards (preferred but not required; training provided).
  • Experience working in an environmental, analytical, or research laboratory, with familiarity in water quality analyses such as nutrients, chlorophyll a, pathogen indicator bacteria or qPCR.
  • Hands-on experience calibrating and maintaining laboratory equipment, thermometers, and balances.
  • Strong organizational skills for managing documentation, inventories, and maintenance schedules.
  • Familiarity with environmental field equipment such as multiparameter sondes, and ability to assist with calibration and maintenance.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel or similar tools for data entry, review, and QA checks.
  • Comfort working in fast paced environment and on multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Dependable, collaborative, and motivated to contribute to science-based environmental advocacy.

 

Terms & Compensation

This is a grant driven, at-will, full-time, salaried, exempt position, with a salary range of $50,000 to $60,000 annually, commensurate with skills and experience. Our comprehensive benefits package includes company sponsored health insurance, dental and vision insurance, 403(b) with company match after 1 year, life and long-term disability insurance, a generous time off package and opportunities for professional development.



This position is contingent upon the continued level and availability of funding for work organizationally. Save the Sound reserves the right to modify or terminate employment if funding is reduced or unavailable. 


To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and list of references to the posting on our jobs page. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed as they are received. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.


We are a thoughtful and thorough organization. We will be in touch to acknowledge receipt of your application and to schedule selected applicants for an interview. Our hiring process can take from 7 to 10 weeks. You will be informed when the hiring process is complete. Please be patient.


Additional Details Common to All Positions

Save the Sound’s Commitment to Equity and Diversity - Save the Sound is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on age, color, disability, marital or parental status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.


Our organizational leadership and staff are working to deepen Save the Sound’s diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek to attract a more diverse applicant pool, and to add and retain more outstanding Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to all levels of our team. We work in diverse communities and landscapes and are actively working to increase our focus on driving environmental justice and equitable outcomes through our work.

Shared Organizational Job Responsibilities

  • Maintaining positive and productive working relationships with all Save the Sound staff members, including providing and receiving constructive feedback;
  • Participating in building productive relationships with Save the Sound's members, external partners, policy makers, and the general public; and
  • Completing all administrative work on time, such as timesheets, purchase orders, project reports, and planning documents.