Laboratory Technician

Utilities Administration PositionBecome part of our Great Hometown and Join the Village of Wellington's Utilities AdministrationThe Village of Wellington is a "Great Hometown" that strives to provide high-quality services that create economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Our Wellington vision balances a unique hometown, family atmosphere with an attractive natural environment and recreational, cultural, and educational activities and facilities for all ages. The Village of Wellington is a family-oriented community located in Western Palm Beach County and is a great place to live, work, and play.JOB SUMMARY: Employees in this position perform senior-level specialized work in field sampling and laboratory-related duties for the Village of Wellington's Utility Regulatory Compliance Division. The Village's Microbiology Laboratory is certified by the Florida Department of Health and follows all elements of the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP). The position requires technical knowledge of proper water and wastewater sampling techniques including instrument calibration, use, and maintenance that complies with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Work is performed under the general supervision of the Regulatory Compliance Manager with moderate latitude.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The list of essential functions as outlined herein is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this position. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed here if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.Performs field testing and sampling of raw, potable, and waste water according to the DEP Field SOPsMaintains documentation, records, and logbooks for quality control and regulatory complianceAssists in maintaining good working order of field and laboratory equipmentAssists in maintaining detailed and accurate inventory of suppliesAssists in preparing reports and graphs for submission to management and regulatory agenciesCommunicates with other personnel and departments to coordinate work activities and maintain the schedule for required routine samplingInteracts with customers concerning water quality mattersAssists with laboratory bacteriological testing as neededComplies with all safety protocolsShares in responding to after-hours emergency call-ins for hurricanes or other critical events such as sewage spills, boil water notices, and hurricanesMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Associates Degree from an accredited college or university with focus on physical or natural science, andfour (4) semester hours of general microbiology (or equivalent), andone (1) year of experience in a laboratory environment involving sampling, analysis, and regulatory reporting; OR an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, or experience.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor's Degree in science-related studies3 or more years of microbiology experienceExperience in water quality sampling or testingCERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:Must possess and maintain a valid State of Florida Driver License and the ability to drive a Village owned vehicle per established policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:Knowledge of technical laboratory proceduresKnowledge of regulatory rules relating to sample collectionSkill in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, and Excel) and applicable department and organization specific software and ability to learn and become proficient in the use of other specialized software as may be requiredSkill in the use of lab equipment and measuring devicesSkill in basic math including but not limited to adding, subtracting, multiplication, division, practical algebra, and mathematical statisticsAbility to multi-task while working with tight deadlines and shifting prioritiesAbility to follow oral and written instructionsAbility to read, update, and maintain various records and files in numerical, alphabetical, or chronological sequenceAbility to effectively communicate (verbally and in writing) with residents, coworkers, supervisors, administration, and vendorsAbility to communicate during emergency situations effectively, promptly, and accurately or to avoid hazardsAbility to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service, or diverse cultural and linguistic backgroundsPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Depending on functional area of assignment, tasks involve the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work and may require occasional lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of heavy objects or materials (up to 50 pounds). Tasks that require moving objects of significant weight require the assistance of another person and/or use of proper techniques and moving equipment.ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS: Tasks are mostly performed outside where potential exists for exposure to adverse conditions including; dirt, dust, pollen, odors, fumes and/or poor ventilation, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature, noise extremes, machinery and/or moving vehicles, vibrations, electric currents, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, gases or chemicals, oils and other cutting fluids, violence and/or disease, or pathogenic substances.SENSORY REQUIREMENTS: Tasks require sound and visual perception and discrimination. Tasks require oral communications ability. Must have manual dexterity and be able to perform repetitive motions of the wrists, hands, or fingers. Must be able to perceive color and depth. Tasks involve prolonged eye use and/or fine visual ability; computer work, reading text, visual inspections, or measurement devices. Must be able to follow visual cues or signals.The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Village of Wellington and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. The Village of Wellington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with United States Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines and the Americans with Disabilities Act, this organization provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.