Laboratory Technician

SITION SUMMARY

Performs technical laboratory analyses and technical work involving the operations of a Water Filtration Treatment Plant. Conducts required quality sampling and testing to ensure water meets high standards to protect public health and compliance testing making certain required regulations are met promptly and as required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs total coliform testing and related activities; reports results as required.

Ensures that the plant operators are proficient in general laboratory practices, process control test procedures, equipment use, calibration, and lab safety.

Maintains lab equipment and replaces dated/inoperable equipment as required.

Orders laboratory supplies from selected vendors using purchase orders; inspects supplies upon receipt, forwards packing slips to accounts payable, maintains laboratory records of purchase, and follows up with vendors in case of problems.

Tracks sampling schedules; monitors and reports requirements of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act; collects samples according to required schedules.

Organizes and maintains laboratory data as required.

Prepares analytical reagents, quality control standards, and microbiological media using standard laboratory instruments and glassware.

Trains co-workers in test procedures and laboratory equipment use and calibration, as required.

Establishes and maintains current standard operating written procedures for compliance testing based on related standard methods;

Designs/updates forms are used for recording test results and other related data; organizes and stores laboratory records.

Resolves customer complaints and responds to requests for information regarding the quality of municipal water supply; assists with answering incoming telephone calls.

Performs various chemical and microbiological analyses as needed for plant performance monitoring.

Performs quality assurance/control testing and record keeping as required for laboratory certification; represents laboratory during annual site inspection or as required.

Tabulates results of chemical and bacterial analyses.

Properly maintains laboratory equipment and cleans glassware; calibrates instruments, including dissolved oxygen meters, pH meters, and spectrophotometers; performs routine maintenance of laboratory equipment and instruments.

Coordinates the preparation and delivery of the annual consumer confidence report.

Performs other duties as requested and/or assigned.  If other duties as assigned are regularly performed or require a significant amount of time, they should be formally identified, defined, and included in the job description.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education and Experience:

Associate degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school in chemistry, bacteriology, or environmental science; and

Three years of experience in laboratory analysis relating to water treatment plants; or,

Any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of modern laboratory procedures for microbiological and chemical analysis and universal precautions.

Knowledge of operation, maintenance, and process control of a water filtration plant.

Knowledge of city, state, and federal laws applicable to environmental health and sanitation.

Skill in proper and safe use of modern laboratory equipment, instruments, and apparatus.

Analytical and mathematical practices.

Ability to interpret, apply, and establish rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Ability to follow both written and oral instructions.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other departments, employees, and the general public.

REQUIRED LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS

Must possess a valid Indiana driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Environment - Work is performed outdoors and indoors. Regularly exposed to outside weather conditions.

Physical – The work is regularly active with periods of heavy exertion and is performed in the office, field settings, and outside in varying weather conditions. Typical positions require walking and standing for long periods; climbing stairs and ladders; frequently stooping, crawling, bending, kneeling, squatting, crouching, reaching, turning, and twisting; lifting, carrying, push, to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate with others to exchange information. Frequently carry objects weighing up to 5 - 10 pounds for a continuous time. Occasionally push/pull/lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

HOW TO APPLY