Laboratory Technician

The Position

The Laboratory Services program is seeking two Laboratory Technicians. This position collects, records, preserves, and transports samples from field locations to the laboratory. Performs basic chemical analyses and supports laboratory functions with proper cleaning, labeling, and documentation procedures. Candidates who are selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be invited to self-schedule their interview. Please be sure to check your email for status updates.

Essential Functions

This section outlines the essential functions assigned to the position. The essential functions listed below are not intended to include all duties that may be assigned to this classification. CWS may modify, add, or remove duties or functions at its discretion.

1. Collects samples and performs field analyses at industrial, stormwater, municipal wastewater, and watershed monitoring sites; labels, preserves, and splits samples; installs, programs, and maintains monitoring and sampling equipment; maintains chain of custody requirements according to prescribed procedures.
2. Performs basic laboratory analyses, including but not limited to: pH, alkalinity, conductivity, turbidity, solids, and E. coli; prepares reagents and standards according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
3. Clean, wash, and maintain laboratory equipment and glassware according to SOPs.
4. Performs data entry, sample log-in, container labeling, and documentation.
5. Adheres to established QA/QC standards and accepted laboratory procedures.
6. Trains in the performance of complex manual and instrumental analyses.
7. Drives a CWS or personal vehicle for work-related purposes.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Reagents, equipment, and protocols used in water/wastewater lab settings
• Laboratory sampling methods, techniques, and analysis
• Basic wet bench chemistry procedures
• Laboratory QA/QC
• Pertinent safety practices and procedures

SKILL IN:

• Making accurate measurements and computations
• Laboratory sampling and preservation
• Cleaning lab glassware, dishes, and equipment
• Operating laboratory testing equipment
• Use of computers and computer software for record keeping, spreadsheet applications, and database use

ABILITY TO:

• Understand and follow oral and written directions and procedures
• Recognize deviations from normal sampling and analysis conditions
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including a variety of CWS staff and other government officials, community groups, and the general public
• Operate effectively in a team environment
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR LICENSES:

The following are the minimum qualifications for this position.

6 months performing similar work in field and laboratory environments; High School Diploma or equivalent; College-level coursework in chemistry, biology, microbiology, or a closely related science is preferred. Candidates must possess and maintain a valid state-issued driver's license.

Additional Information

Reasonable Accommodation:

Applicants who require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any phase of the application process should contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or TDD View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Clean Water Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, age, uniformed service, sexual orientation or disability in the admission or access to the recruitment process or any aspect of employment.

Application Review and Certification Statement:

Applicants will be reviewed and evaluated based on qualifications including relevant skills, education, training, and work history. Supplemental materials including resumes, cover letters, and other attachments will not be considered unless specifically requested as part of the application process. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their application materials are detailed, accurate, clearly demonstrate how they meet the minimum and, if applicable, special qualifications for the position, and are complete at the time the application is submitted. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may be removed from further consideration or may result in disqualification from the application or selection process, rescinding an offer of employment, or termination of employment if discovered after hire. Application materials will be used to determine salary placement in accordance with applicable state and federal law, CWS Human Resources policies and guidelines, and collective bargaining agreements, upon extension of a job offer. Unless requested as part of the application process, supplemental materials provided will not be considered.

By submitting your application, and any supplemental materials specifically requested by CWS as part of the application process, you are certifying the information you have provided is true, accurate and complete and have read and understand the above statement.

Benefits

Clean Water Services offers qualified employees the opportunity to choose benefits and plans that meet both individual and family needs. In addition to a competitive salary, Clean Water Services offers employees a comprehensive benefit packet that includes health coverage, Oregon Public Employees Retirement Plan (PERS/OPSRP), flexible spending account, deferred compensation, paid vacation, holidays and sick leave, tuition reimbursement, goal sharing bonus, and more. Further information for full-time regular represented employees can be found here (Download PDF reader). Depending on hours worked and duration of the position, temporary employees may qualify for an offer of medical benefits, deferred compensation, and employee discounts. Temporary employees are eligible for sick leave at the rate of .0334 per hour worked upon beginning employment and may carry over up to 40 hours into the next calendar year.