Laboratory Assistant

Job Title

Laboratory Analyst

Job Description

Assist the manager and technician with the daily operations of the laboratory. Perform chemical, microbiological and bacteriological tests. Subject to being on call, including nights, weekends and holidays. Respond to emergency situations.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The following examples do not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent.

1. Assist the Manager by performing laboratory tests and performing other duties as assigned.
2. Maintain laboratory equipment by performing calibrations on equipment, washing glassware, sterilizing equipment and cleaning up chemical spills.
3. Perform clerical duties by entering data into the computer, logging test results and compiling various reports.
4. Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Experience, and Abilities

Education, Certification and Experience Required:

• Possession of a High School diploma or equivalent
• Possession of a valid Texas Class C driver's license
• Possession of a Grade D Laboratory Analyst certification, or obtain within one year of employment
• Possession of a Grade C Surface Water or Groundwater or Water Distribution certification, or obtain within two years of employment
• Possession of a Class C Wastewater certification or Class II Wastewater Collection certification, or obtain within two years of employment
• Bacteriological Examination certification preferred
• Experience in the use of computers, including word processing and spreadsheets, and database maintenance
• One-year direct or related experience preferred

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the practical use of chemical and bacteriological laboratory equipment and ability to perform tests on water and wastewater samples in conformance with accepted standards.
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of chemistry and biology as they apply to the analysis of water and wastewater.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations of the TNRCC and USEPA relating to the water and wastewater industries.
• Good mathematical aptitude as required performing simple laboratory calculations.
• Ability to work an on-call schedule, including evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids:

• Analytical balances, PH meters, hot water baths, autoclaves, microscope, spectrophotometer, sample collection devices, pipettes, computer and related software, fax machine

Special Requirements:

• Position requires ability to work an on-call schedule, including evenings, weekends and holidays.

Physical and Environmental Conditions

Duties are generally performed in a laboratory setting, and within the city. This position is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, including cold, heat, and potential hazards. The employee is exposed to personal risk while conducting laboratory tests and working with potentially contaminated substances. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Travel within the community from one city facility to another occurs as necessary.