Laboratory Technician/Sampler-Aide

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN or SAMPLER / LABORATORY AIDE

South Orange County Wastewater Authority

Salary: $35.89 – $55.68 per hour, DOQ

Location: Dana Point, CA

The South Orange County Wastewater Authority (SOCWA) is a Joint Powers Authority with 6 member agencies and cities that provide retail water and collection system sewer services to their residents. SOCWA operates two wastewater treatment plants and two ocean outfalls. In addition, it provides multiple programs to meet the needs of its member agencies and the requirements of the Clean Water Act and applicable National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. SOCWA’s member agencies include City of Laguna Beach, City of San Clemente, El Toro Water District, Emerald Bay Service District, Santa Margarita Water District, and South Coast Water District. SOCWA’s Board of Directors is composed of one member from each agency.

Definition

A Laboratory Technician performs water quality and other laboratory testing as needed for regulatory compliance and plant process control. The position will also be responsible for water quality sampling of ocean waters, wastewater processes, potable water systems.

The Laboratory position is primarily responsible for:    

• Perform daily compliance required testing for pH, turbidity, BOD, cBOD, total and volatile suspended solids, grease, and oil, settleable solids, conductivity, temperature, chlorine residual, microbiology and other analyses
• Collection of beach water quality samples
• Collection of wastewater and sludge samples and the analysis of sewage solids
• Collection of wastewater, recycled water, and potable water
• Responsible for the accurate entry of compliance and process control data.
• Work independently and ethically on weekends as part of a regular work schedule.
• Follow Quality Assurance/Quality Control program procedures with conformance to the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Act.
• Work efficiently and effectively with all other departments
• Comply with Agency safety rules and regulations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned and/or directed

Minimum Qualifications and Training:

• A minimum of one year of experience in a wet chemistry, microbiology or other applicable laboratory.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles of physical, chemical, and biological testing procedures of wastewater and of laboratory maintenance.
• Conventional quality assurance/quality control practices for wastewater laboratory
• The equivalent of two years of training from a university, college, or junior college of recognized standing in the physical or biological sciences with an equal level of mathematics training.
• A bachelor’s degree in the physical, chemical, or biological sciences is desirable and may substitute for laboratory training.
• Obtain, within two years of employment, California Water Environment Association, Laboratory I Analyst certificate.
• Must possess a valid California, Class C, driver’s license in good standing.
• Ability to withstand exposure to inclement weather conditions, working in wet and/or odorous areas.
• Ability to be subject to 24-hour recall, variable working hours, overtime, weekends, and holidays. May be required to perform stand-by duties and respond to plant emergencies

Some tasks may risk exposure to temperature variations, sewage, toxic agents/chemicals, noise, machinery, vibrations, electrical currents, wetness, and dust.

The Authority offers its employees a comprehensive benefit package including:

Retirement: Classic PERS members receive 2% at 55; the employee contribution is 8%. New PERS members receive 2% at 62; the employee contribution is 7.75%. The Authority does not participate in Social Security.

Deferred Compensation: Nationwide 457(b) plan is available with a designated agency matching up to $1,500 per fiscal year.

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance: Partial paid medical with dental and vision insurance coverage at 100% for employee and dependents.

Group Life Insurance: The Authority provides, at no cost to the employee, group life and AD&D insurance in the amount of $100,000. SOCWA also offers the option to purchase additional life insurance for spouse and qualifying dependents.

Vacation: 80 hours 1st through 5 years       

    120 hours 6 through 10 years

    160 hours beginning the 11th year

 Sick Leave: 80 hours per year

Personal Days: 3 days per fiscal year

Holidays: 9 per year

 HOW TO APPLY:

This position will remain open until filled with first review of applications on October 1, 2025. Please visit www.socwa.com to download an application and obtain additional information. Each candidate’s background will be evaluated based on information submitted.