Shpresa Alka
Wolcott,Connecticut
Summary
Quality Assurance professional proficient in quality assurance operations, policies and procedures. Organized and analytical with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Laboratory Technician
Town of Wallingford WPCF
Wallingford, CT
06.2016 - Current
- Analyze water, wastewater and other byproducts of wastewater treatment process to ensure plant effluent complies with water pollution control requirements.
- Testing includes settleable solids, suspended solids, total solids, pH, chlorine, digestions, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total phosphorus, fecal coliforms, E. Coli, turbidity, volatile acids, hardness, conductivity, and chloride.
- All wastewater testing done in compliance with Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations.
- Knowledgeable in state and federal wastewater permits and regulations.
- Train plant operators and interns in laboratory procedures and standards.
- Current Laboratory Safety Monitor, ensuring all laboratory safety training is completed and up to date.
- Perform microbiological tests for Wallingford’s Water Department.
- Performed routine lab and department maintenance to keep area clean and orderly.
- Operated basic laboratory equipment such as balances, pH meter, colorimeter, spectrophotometer, autoclave and evaporator.
- Registered and prepared samples for general analytical testing through data entry, weighing and physical homogenization.
- Collected and performed analytical testing on in-process product.
- Prepared and assured accuracy of standards and reagents needed for analyses.
- Completed quality documents and input and saved quality data in appropriate locations.
- Conducted analytical tests on in-coming raw materials prior to use in process.
- Performed testing and quality control using approved laboratory procedures and instrumentation.
- Calibrated and maintained instruments to keep equipment fully operational.
Chemist
City of Waterbury WPCF
Waterbury, CT
11.2012 - 06.2016
- Analyze water, wastewater and other byproducts of wastewater treatment process to ensure plant effluent complies with water pollution control requirements.
- Testing includes settleable solids, suspended solids, total solids, pH, chlorine, digestions, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, fecal coliforms, E. Coli and turbidity.
- Proficient with SmartChem 200 instrument.
- Tests performed include alkalinity, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, orthophosphate, total phosphorus, and Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen.
- Proficient with EPA testing methods and Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.
- Coordinated and performed analytical tests to comply with established standards and specifications.
- Performed technical laboratory functions in compliance with regulatory agencies and safety requirements.
- Maintained organized, safe and efficient laboratory environment to minimize accidents and prevent cross contamination.
- Cleaned and organized laboratory and kept supplies well-stocked to save time, money and promote laboratory efficiency.
- Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Proficient in Hach WIMS software and generating state MOR and DMR reports
- Responsible for calibration of equipment.
Mentor
GEAR-UP! Program, Wallace Middle School
Waterbury, CT
09.2012 - 11.2012
- Mentored students in development of skills necessary to succeed both personally and academically.
- Prepared lessons based on Gear-Up! guidelines.
- Translated GEAR-UP! paperwork into Albanian for non-English speaking parents.
- Empowered students through counseling and skill-building exercises.
- Prepared students for later educational experiences by encouraging exploration of learning opportunities and perseverance through challenging tasks.
Substitute Teacher
Wolcott Public Schools
Wolcott, CT
10.2007 - 08.2012
- Oversaw classrooms of approximately 20 students.
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Took notes and prepared reports on school day activities to provide to primary teacher.
- Organized and cleaned teaching areas after daily use to maintain high standards for returning teachers or other substitutes.
Laboratory Technician
Koster Keunen, Inc
Watertown, CT
03.1998 - 05.2004
- Formulated new products, mainly for personal care/cosmetics customers, highlighting company's raw materials.
- Responsible for quality control testing of incoming raw materials and outgoing products.
- Tests included, but were not limited to, acid values, melting/boiling points, viscosity, hardness, drop points, GC, ash content, and UV/VIS.
- Most tests followed either ASTM or USP testing methods.
- Created Certificates of Analysis and Safety Data Sheets for products.
- Responsible for maintaining all laboratory equipment up to specifications.
- Responsible for training new laboratory technicians in quality control testing.
- Handled incoming sample requests and outgoing paperwork requests for laboratory.
- Gave technical support to customers.
- Documented information by maintaining daily logs and equipment record books.
- Kept laboratory supplies prepared by inventorying stock, placing orders and verifying receipt.
- Conducted analytical tests on in-coming raw materials prior to use in process.
- Oversaw items in inventory and reordered before supplies diminished.
Education
No Degree - Teaching Certification
CT Dept. of Ed., Alternate Route To Certification
Hartford, CT05.2010
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ01.1994
Skills
- Possess NEWEA Grade II Laboratory Analyst Certification
- Completed Operations of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Volume I< California State University, Sacramento
- Completed NEIWPCC Environmental Training program in Laboratory Procedures
- Completed CT Wastewater Management Leadership Program, 2018-2019
- Currently a CT Wastewater Class I Operator-in-Training
- Current Secretary of LabACT group (Laboratory Analysts of Connecticut)
- Proficient in many Microsoft Office applications
- Fluent in Albanian
Timeline
Laboratory Technician
Town of Wallingford WPCF
06.2016 - Current
Chemist
City of Waterbury WPCF
11.2012 - 06.2016
Mentor
GEAR-UP! Program, Wallace Middle School
09.2012 - 11.2012
Substitute Teacher
Wolcott Public Schools
10.2007 - 08.2012
Laboratory Technician
Koster Keunen, Inc
03.1998 - 05.2004
No Degree - Teaching Certification
CT Dept. of Ed., Alternate Route To Certification
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
Montclair State University