About Company
Mutoko Rural District Council is dedicated to fostering sustainable development and improving the quality of life for all residents within the Mutoko district of Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe. Our mandate encompasses a wide range of essential public services, including infrastructure development, environmental management, public health, water and sanitation provision, and local economic development initiatives. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and community participation in all our endeavors. As a critical arm of local governance, we strive to create a vibrant, healthy, and prosperous environment, ensuring access to clean water, effective waste management, and robust health monitoring for our communities. Our team is composed of dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to meet the evolving needs of our growing population, upholding the highest standards of public service. We believe in empowering our employees and providing an environment that encourages professional growth and impactful contributions to the community we serve. Joining Mutoko RDC means becoming a part of a mission-driven organization that directly shapes the future well-being of thousands of people in the heart of Mashonaland East, contributing to a better future for all.
Job Description
The Mutoko Rural District Council is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Laboratory Analyst to join our Environmental and Health Services team. This vital role is central to our commitment to public health and environmental safety, primarily focusing on ensuring the quality and safety of our water resources and monitoring various environmental parameters within the district. The Laboratory Analyst will be responsible for performing a comprehensive range of chemical, physical, and microbiological analyses on water samples collected from boreholes, dams, treatment plants, and distribution networks. You will play a crucial role in detecting contaminants, ensuring compliance with national and international water quality standards, and providing critical data to inform public health interventions and environmental protection strategies. Beyond water, this position may also involve analyzing soil samples, agricultural products, or waste materials to assess environmental impact and ensure regulatory adherence. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in laboratory techniques, excellent analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. You will work independently as well as collaboratively with environmental health technicians, engineers, and other council departments, providing expert insights and maintaining accurate records. This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the health and sustainability of the Mutoko community, contributing directly to the well-being of its citizens through scientific rigor and public service in a challenging yet rewarding environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform routine and non-routine chemical, physical, and microbiological analyses on water samples.
- Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments in accordance with standard operating procedures.
- Ensure strict adherence to quality control procedures, safety protocols, and national/international analytical standards.
- Accurately record, interpret, and report analytical results, maintaining comprehensive laboratory documentation.
- Investigate anomalous results, troubleshoot technical issues, and implement corrective actions as needed.
- Assist in the development and validation of new analytical methods and procedures.
- Prepare reagents, media, and other necessary solutions for laboratory tests.
- Participate in inter-laboratory comparison programs and proficiency testing.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the laboratory environment.
Required Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
- Minimum of 2 years of practical experience in a water quality or environmental testing laboratory.
- Proficiency in standard laboratory techniques, including titration, spectrophotometry, microscopy, and culturing.
- Knowledge of water quality parameters, analytical methods, and relevant national and international standards (e.g., WHO guidelines).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Proficiency in using laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or similar data management software.
Preferred Qualifications
- Post-graduate diploma or Master's degree in a relevant scientific discipline.
- Experience with advanced analytical instrumentation (e.g., ICP-OES, GC-MS).
- Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation standards.
- Prior experience working within a public sector or municipal laboratory environment.
- Knowledge of environmental sampling techniques and protocols.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs.
- Pension scheme contributions.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- Supportive and collaborative work environment.
- Meaningful work contributing directly to community health and well-being.
- Paid annual leave and public holidays.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting a detailed Curriculum Vitae, a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role, and certified copies of academic certificates and national ID. Please ensure all documents are compiled into a single PDF file.