General Statement of Duties:

Under the supervision of the Laboratory Coordinator, performs technical, professional work of routine to moderate difficulty in the analysis of water, wastewater, and biosolids; performs work to provide control testing data necessary for determining the efficiency of the various processes of wastewater treatment facilities and industrial discharges; performs non-routine and more complex analyses for environmental compliance purposes; participates in methods development and the generation of SOP’s; performs related work as required.

Examples of Work:

• Perform specialized testing following written methods.
• Set up, calibrate, operate, and maintain various laboratory equipment.
• Responsible for properly operating and maintaining laboratory equipment for assigned analyses.
• Identify and troubleshoot instrument malfunctions and anomalous results.
• Prepare reagents for assigned analyses.
• Document results of laboratory tests in laboratory notebooks and enter data in LIMS.
• May participate in the development of methods and the generation of SOPs.
• Keep lab area, equipment, and supplies clean.
• Observe basic safety practices.
• Perform related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Demonstrates good knowledge of the basic principles and practical applications of chemistry, analytical chemistry, and biology; of standard laboratory equipment and analytical techniques; basic mathematical calculations used in laboratory analysis and statistics; some knowledge of analytical, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry. Experience with UV-vis spectrophotometry, chromatography, metals analysis, or FIA a plus.

Working skills in conducting chemical and physical analyses of water, wastewater, and biosolids; familiarity with laboratory glassware, equipment, instrumentation, and computers. Experienced with Microsoft and LIMS software.

Must be able to communicate well and follow complex verbal and written instructions.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

The work environment for this position involves working with wastewater samples, hazardous materials, and chemicals and with fumes or airborne particles. May occasionally have to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Minimum Qualifications / Experience:

A bachelor’s degree in STEM field with five (5) years of water or wastewater laboratory experience. 

After successfully completing a District training program, one must demonstrate the ability to perform representative test procedures properly.