Laboratory Technician

Summary

Responsible for Laboratory analytical test results on routine operational control and permit compliance testing for drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, industrial pretreatment water, biosolids and performs water distribution system sampling in accordance to the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) standards.

Essential Functions and Other Important Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. DUTIES

• Performs routine operational control and permit compliance testing for the City of Denton's Water Production Division, Wastewater Treatment Division, Industrial Pretreatment Department, and the Watershed Management Department
• Performs BOD, CBOD, TSS, pH, NH3, Total Coliform, Fecal Coliform, E. Coli, turbidity, conductivity, and general wet chemistry test analyses as well as all QA/QC preparatory work within allowable acceptance criteria in accordance to NELAP standards
• Reads, comprehend and implement specialized technical Standard Method procedures and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) documents
• Successfully maintains NELAP certification requirements for all appropriate analyses including successfully passing Proficiency Tests (PTs) annually
• Prepares laboratory materials, glassware, chemical reagents, and standards required for analytical testing
• Records daily temperature data and checks for proper operation of laboratory equipment in accordance with NELAP and laboratory Quality Assurance / Quality Control requirements
• Performs maintenance functions in the laboratory work area, i.e., cleaning laboratory facility, changing the oil in vacuum pump and compressor, changing air filters, etc.

MICROBIOLOGY

• Collects distribution samples for the City of Denton public water system as well as samples from various locations in the City of Denton for public health protection, regulatory compliance, and general pollution abatement and control
• Produces monthly distribution reports as well as the monthly Nitrification Action Plan report

SUPERVISORY/BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES

• None.

OTHER DUTIES Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Job Requirements

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• An associate degree or two years of college in chemistry, biology, environmental science or related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in an environmental, water, or wastewater laboratory.

OR

• Any combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job.

MICROBIOLOGY

• Must currently have or be able to obtain a TCEQ Class D Water Distribution License within one year of employment.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The list below represents the knowledge, skill, and/or ability to perform this job successfully:

• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and Local Government laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Skill at the basic level, working with applicable Microsoft Office 365 products, and other software systems to complete work.
• Skill in providing exceptional service to internal and external customers.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and perform analytical techniques dealing with environmental laboratory methodologies and their requirements as specified by the EPA, TCEQ, Standard Methods, and laboratory Standard Operating Procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in oral and written forms, for the needs of the audience.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to handle records and complex situations of a confidential nature.
• Ability to successfully analyze Proficiency Testing (PT) samples and pass two consecutive PT studies with acceptable results.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must have and maintain a valid Class "C" Driver's License and valid state required minimum automobile liability insurance prior to employment (must obtain Texas Class "C" driver's license and state required minimum automobile liability insurance within 90 days of hire per state law)
• Must pass a drug test, driver's license check, criminal history background check, employment history verification, and social security number verification.

MICROBIOLOGY

• Must currently have or be able to obtain a TCEQ Class D Water Distribution License within one year of employment.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

SAFETY

• Ensure equipment is in safe operating condition; perform preventive maintenance on tools and equipment, as appropriate and/or notify leadership immediately of needed repairs.
• Follow established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting and climbing; operate tools and equipment according to established safety procedures.
• Promptly report unsafe conditions in the work area and/or any conditions that are not immediately correctable to leadership.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Safety Sensitive (Subject to random drug testing): Yes.
• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals; work with laboratory ecological and environmental testing and monitoring equipment and operates motor vehicle; wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting. During field work; frequent stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Lifting no more than 50 pounds, carry up to 25 pounds
• Environment: Works in a laboratory setting and outside with exposure to sun, heat, cold, humidity, and inclement weather, noise, dust, no/low light, insects, poison oak/ivy, debris, confined spaces, mold, chemicals, odors, heights, potentially hazardous conditions, steep slopes, uneven ground, and rough terrain; occasionally requires irregular and/or prolonged hours.
• Travel: Travel to City of Denton buildings and professional meetings as required.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position. Must be able to work after normal business hours, holidays, and weekends, as needed.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

CORE VALUES

• Inclusive
• Collaborative
• Service-Oriented
• Strategically Focused
• Fiscally Responsible

TOP TIER BENEFITS

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage in addition to life and disability insurance plans
• Employee Health Clinic
• Paid Vacation Days and Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan

EEO STATEMENT The City of Denton is an equal opportunity employer. It is the City of Denton's policy to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any protected class, status, characteristic, or activity. All employment decisions, including decisions regarding recruitment, selection, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, advancement, discipline, discharge, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment are made without regard to any lawfully protected class, status, characteristic, or activity. ADA/EOE/ADEA This job description is not an employment agreement, contract agreement, or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

E-Verify: The City of Denton participates in the federal E-Verify program in order to verify a new employee's authorization to work in the United States. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.

Benefits

The City of Denton maintains competitive benefit options. Details are available here.