E. Elaine Shepherd

• Coordinated projects involving multiple departments or facilities to achieve shared objectives efficiently and effectively.
• Improved staff competency through continuous training programs and performance evaluations.
• Developed strong relationships and communication with vendors, ensuring timely delivery of supplies and cost-effective procurement practices.
• Contributed to the development of new tests or methodologies through collaborative research efforts with colleagues or external partners.
• Maintained compliance with regulatory requirements by staying current on industry standards and updating policies accordingly.
• Mentored junior staff members to foster professional growth, skill development, and career advancement opportunities within the organization.
• Promoted collaboration among team members through regular meetings, open communication channels, and team-building activities.
• Assisted with development and administration of laboratory budgets.
• Scheduled preventive maintenance for laboratory equipment, resulting in reduced downtime and repair costs.
• Prepared employee schedules according to individual needs and skills, as well as coverage requirements.
• Oversaw in-depth laboratory inspections and contributed to favorable outcomes.
• Provided technical guidance, troubleshooting and training to laboratory staff.
• Educated employees on hazardous waste management, emergency response and safe work practices.
• Implemented safety policies and procedures to promote workplace safety.

• Analyzed drinking water, wastewater, industrial waste, storm water and lake water using various analytical methods to ensure city compliance with State & EPA mandated regulations.
• Participated in regular audits to maintain compliance with regulatory standards.
• Researched and contributed to the development of standard operating procedures, enhancing reproducibility and consistency across experiments.
• Troubleshot/made minor repairs to meters/instruments.

Sucessional Training with Lab Supervisor (2012-2018)

• Trained to verify analyst data entry and submit to state.
• Online entry and submittal of quality control samples for state certifications.
• Coordinate with other divisions in scheduling upcoming tests.
• Assist in research of new technology and implementation.

Sectional Leader/Mentor Trainer (2004-current)

• Assisted in the training and mentoring of junior analysts, fostering a positive work environment and promoting professional growth.
• Assist Lab Supervisor with method development in various sections of the lab.
• Verify accuracy of peer/junior analysts data entry on state reports as well as for accuracy, integrity and compliance.
• Attended training school on new instrumentation.

Purchasing Officer (2008-2019)

• Assisted supervisor to maintain and organize yearly fiscal supplies/chemical budget, blanket purchase orders and regular purchase orders.
• Met with vendors and distributors to negotiate pricing of laboratory chemicals and supplies and acquire quotes.
• Aid supervisor in specs, pricing and purchasing capital equipment.
• Trained in procurement card policies and allocation of monthly procurement card purchases.

• Performed Bacteriological testing, including total coliform, quantitray, HPC, E.coli verification, Colilert 24, alkalinity, UV254, fluoride, and media/equipment sterility tests.
• Continue culture maintenance and analyzed quality control checks on laboratory autoclaves.

• Conducted routine analyses of water and wastewater samples as well as the proper quality control standards to ensure compliance through the state of North Carolina.
• Completed training in the following sections of the lab; BOD, COD, total suspended solids, total solids, total volatile solids, settleable solids, pH, conductivity, oil & grease, fecal coliform by membrane filter and Colilert 18.