Wastewater Lab Technician

Collect samples and perform routine and regulatory laboratory analysis on various matrices according to prescribed methods to assess water quality as required by State and Federal regulations and/or internal requirements. Receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise.

Responsibilities

• Collect samples at prescribed intervals or as requested form the water distribution system, wastewater treatment plants, streams, or commercial and residential establishments for laboratory analysis.
• Conduct physical and bacteriological laboratory analysis as applicable to water, wastewater, or industrial analysis, including but not limited to: alkalinity, phosphates, BOD, COD, TOC, total/dissolved/suspended/settleable solids, dissolved oxygen, chlorine residual, fluoride, pH, temperature, turbidity, total/fecal coliform via membrane filtration, MPN, P/A, conductivity, chlorides, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, and TKN.
• Perform data entry in required formats to include:
  • Analytical results
  • Observations/corrective action
  • Quality Control
  • Maintain various records and daily logs to include:
  • Analytical calibrations
  • Preventative/corrective maintenance
  • Chains of Custody
  • Reagent/standard preparation
  • Chemical inventories
• Responsible for integrity of all analytical results and corresponding quality control/assurance.
• Maintain the working order and proper calibration of field/laboratory materials and equipment.
• Maintains State Drinking Water Laboratory Certification (if applicable) by maintaining logs, pure culture controls, and general laboratory QC and record keeping.
• Attend safety classes, reinforce and comply with company safety policies.
• Work harmoniously with peers, supervisors, and the public and comply with company policies.

Qualifications

Requires completion of a standard high school education or its recognized equivalent supplemented by courses in chemistry, biology and math. Must have a valid driver’s license in the state employed. Must be available for 24 hour call and weekend rotation. Must obtain State Board of Examiners Wastewater/Water Laboratory Analyst Certification within one year of employment.

Knowledge of:  Laboratory techniques and water analysis methodology; Water and wastewater plant operations

Skill in:  Operation of laboratory equipment including spectrometer,microscope, pH meter, fluoride meter, conductivity meter, ISE probe, incubator, titrator, analytical balance, DO meter and TOC analyzer.

Ability to:  Understand and follow oral and written instructions; Lift a manhole cover when placing samplers in manhole

Working conditions:  While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and inside/outside conditions; to include potentially hazardous pollutants and industrial operations, dirt, grease, moving mechanical parts requiring the use of protective devices. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. Some tools and equipment require a high degree of dexterity. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.

Must be willing to work non-standard and overtime hours as required.

The position requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, hearing, and depth perception.