Laboratory Technician
Date Adopted by City Manager
12/01/02
Comp. Code
9420
SEIU - Trades & Crafts
Classified
Job Title:
Laboratory Technician
Definition
Under supervision, to perform a variety of tests on potable and wastewater to determine sanitary and mineral conditions on a routine basis in maintaining the normal operation of a sewage treatment plant; perform related assignments as necessary.
Typical Duties
Perform tests on domestic and industrial wastewater as they are necessary to protect and control treatment processes and to determine plant efficiencies; responsible for testing samples, preparation of standard solutions and reagents, and use of laboratory instruments; prepare a variety of technical reports; perform a large variety of laboratory tests; operate computer equipment and software; develop and recommend solutions to discharge problems and to help insure compliance with the State discharge permit requirements; maintain laboratory records; provide technical and analytical assistance to plant operation and industrial waste program personnel; maintain and repair laboratory equipment; maintain basic laboratory supplies at appropriate levels and reorder as necessary; perform related work as required.
Tools and Equipment Used
Personal computer, including word processing, spreadsheet, and data base software; pipe locator, pressure gauges, testing equipment, engineering calculator; motor vehicle; phone; mobile or portable radio.
Physical Demands
Work is performed in field settings. Considerable outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments, construction sites, or public works facilities. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate testing instruments, computers and various pieces of office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of
Modern laboratory techniques and procedures as related to the analysis of sewage and water; the care, maintenance, operation and calibration of a variety of laboratory equipment and apparatuses; microbiological techniques and procedures applicable to public water and wastewater systems; proper sampling and sample preservation techniques; computer operations and applications; methods and processes of wastewater treatment.
Ability to
Prepare technical reports; communicate effectively orally and in writing; order chemicals and laboratory equipment; repair and maintain laboratory equipment; perform routine and complex laboratory tests and analysis; learn to operate computer equipment and software.
Experience
Some work experience in the performance of commercial or municipal lab testing work preferably including work experience in performing wastewater lab technician assignments.
Education
Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, microbiology, biology or a related field including specialized courses in chemical laboratory analysis; successfully complete certification as a Grade 1 Laboratory Analyst by California Water Environment Association within twelve months of appointment. Experience performing responsible related work may be substituted for up to two years of the required Bachelor’s Degree.
Additional Requirements
Possession of a valid California Driver License.