Laboratory Technician I/II

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

 Under direction of the Water Reclamation Facility Chief Plant Operator, plans, organizes, and reviews the programs and activities of the wastewater treatment plant laboratory; performs chemical, biological, mineral, and bacteriological tests of water and wastewater; ensures laboratory is in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations; prepares and submits a variety of reports; and maintains a variety of files.

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS

 This is a single position class responsible for providing laboratory support to the City Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) and overseeing programs and activities at the WRF Laboratory. The incumbent is expected to exercise judgment and initiative in the performance of duties. The incumbent has latitude for the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out assigned responsibilities.

 REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

 1.      Oversees programs and activities at the City’s laboratory; ensures laboratory is in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations including NPDES and DHS regulatory requirements.

 2.    Performs a variety of chemical, biological, and bacteriological analyses of samples taken to determine amounts and degree of pH, alkalinity, volatile acids, total solids, density, dissolved oxygen, organic material content, coliform bacteria, biochemical oxygen demand, residual chlorine and others.

 3.  Collects, preserves, and prepares samples for laboratory analysis; performs sample analysis and reports findings. Inform Operations staff of any deviations in data, indications of process upsets, or potential NPDES violations

 4.  Operates a variety of laboratory equipment including pH meters, balances, furnaces, autoclaves, filtrators, incubators, computers, atomic unit, and ion analyzers; troubleshoots equipment malfunctions; cleans and sterilizes laboratory glassware and equipment.

 5.   Establishes, monitors and maintains quality assurance and quality control programs; coordinates annual requirements including radiological, inhibitory residue, water suitability, tests, and other necessary requirements.

 6.    Oversees and participates in the preparation of chemical reagents used in laboratory analysis.

 7.    Performs sampling, testing, and reporting for any associated industrial waste pretreatment program.

 8.   Under direction of the Chief Plant Operator, enters necessary monthly, quarterly, and annual data to regulatory agencies in CIWQS, SMARTS, and other state and federal reporting systems.

 9.   Maintains accurate and thorough records of laboratory procedures and results; enters data onto the computer using Laboratory Management Systems (LIMS); ensures compliance with government regulations; prepares analytical worksheets and reports.

 10. Delivers and/or schedules necessary laboratory tests for pickup and analysis at outside laboratories; coordinates with labs for decontamination for special testing.

 11. Participates in the preparation of the laboratory program budget; oversees and maintains laboratory inventory; orders supplies and equipment as necessary.

 12. Assists in reviewing and updating existing analysis procedures; research, develop, and implement new analysis procedures.

 13. Assists in implementation of regulations concerning water quality testing programs and ensures compliance with the same. Investigates and resolves deviations in laboratory data and recommending corrective action

 14. Coordinates assigned activities with other departments, divisions, and outside agencies

      as necessary.

 15. Performs a variety of special projects, WRF, and related duties as assigned.

  

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

 

Knowledge of:

1. Operations services, and activities of a laboratory program.

2. Chemical laboratory techniques, materials and equipment, emphasizing those used in standard analysis of wastewater.

3. Principles of organic and inorganic chemistry.

4. Principles and practices of laboratory quality control and assurance, and laboratory safety.

5. Operational characteristics of modern laboratory instruments and equipment.

6. Procedures of sample collection, preparation, preservation, and analysis.

8. Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

9. Basic principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and control.

10. Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.

11. Principles of data collection and record keeping.

12. Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software    applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

13. Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

 

 

Ability to:

1. Safely prepare reagents, assemble and operate testing apparatus and equipment, take samples, and perform biological, chemical, microbiological and physical analysis and related laboratory work accurately and precisely.

2. Analyze, interpret, apply and report results of laboratory data, analyses, and projects. Interpret and explain laboratory policies and procedures.

3. Maintain laboratory equipment.

4. Apply regulative requirements to applicable discharges and communicate as a team member to assist in determining compliance.

5. Maintain accurate records and documents.

6. Prepare clear and concise reports.

7. Apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.

8. Observe proper safety precautions and procedures.

9. Assist in maintenance and calibration of lab equipment for performance at the level required to provide acceptable data.

10. Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

11. Work independently in the absence of supervision.

12. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

13. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing with WRF staff and other City departments as needed.

14. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN I – REQUIREMENTS:

 Education and Experience Guidelines

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. 

 Education/Training:

Highschool diploma or GED. Associate of Science degree or higher desired.

 Experience:

One year experience in sample collection and/or laboratory testing in water, wastewater, or other related environmental or industrial fields.

 License or Certificate:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver’s license. Possession of a California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Laboratory Analyst Grade I certificate within 1 year of hire. Grade II CWEA Laboratory Certificate or State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Grade II Wastewater Operations License are highly desirable. 

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN II – REQUIREMENTS:

 Education and Experience Guidelines

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. 

 Education/Training:

Highschool diploma or GED. Associate of Science degree or higher desired.

 Experience:

Four years of experience in laboratory testing in water, wastewater, or other related environmental or industrial fields. AS degree or Grade II CWEA Laboratory Certificate can substitute for 2 years of experience.

 License or Certificate:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver’s license. Possession of a California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Laboratory Analyst Grade I certificate. Grade II CWEA Laboratory Certificate or State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Grade II Wastewater Operations License are highly desirable. 

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment:

Laboratory environment, some travel to various sites; exposure to noise, dust, grease, fumes, gases, potentially hazardous chemicals, bacteria and viruses, electrical energy, and inclement weather conditions including wet and/or humid conditions; work around water or wastewater; work on slippery surfaces; work with fragile glass containers; regularly work near moving mechanical parts; and work around moderately loud noise levels.

Physical:

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting, laboratory environment, and in a field environment; to walk, stand, and sit for prolonged periods of time; to climb up or down on ladders, to reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, grasp, and make repetitive hand movements; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate assigned equipment and vehicles; to travel to other locations using various modes of private and commercial transportations; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

 Vision:

See in the normal visual range with or without correction.

 Hearing:

Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.