Laboratory Technician II

Laboratory Technician II

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Laboratory Technician II

Salary

$27.85 - $35.53 Hourly

Location

Employment Services, FL

Job Type

Full Time Regular UWUA

Job Number

6043-09

Department

Water Utilities

Division

Laboratory Analysis 1502420000

Opening Date

05/27/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

WU

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

This is a skilled and technical position that involves performing various standard chemical, bacteriological, and physical tests on water, wastewater. Assignments are received from professional or administrative supervisors with some latitude for independent judgment. An employee in this position is responsible for sampling and analyzing water, wastewater, and related substances in accordance with prescribed standard operating procedures and methodologies. Work is reviewed through the evaluation of laboratory results, performance samples, and the supervisor's observations of work performed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Plans worksheets and daily workload on samples to be analyzed.

• Familiarity with the equipment, electronics, and setup of the equipment used for the tests to be performed.

• Prepares samples for digestion and analysis and determines dilutions of standards and samples for the tests performed.

• Troubleshoots equipment and analyzes equipment problems.

• Maintains an orderly and clean workplace.

• Satisfactorily performs laboratory analysis, including quality control as required by regulatory agencies.

• Participates in National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) audits.

• Performs mathematics and statistics to arrive at accurate sample results.

• Prepares reagents for analytical analysis.

• Prepares and submits reports to regulatory agencies.

• Collects samples from plant areas, water distribution systems, or wastewater collection systems utilizing proper sampling techniques.

• Maintains Dead End Flushing Program.

• Utilizes Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) spectrometry for the elemental analysis of wastewater samples.

• May be required to participate in and/or facilitate training to support departmental or City initiatives and requirements.

• May be required to work overtime, or alternate hours, as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.

• Position is designated as Mission Critical.

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE)

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Life Sciences, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or Physical Sciences.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

• Must possess and maintain a valid telephone number.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE:

• Standard laboratory principles, terminology, equipment, and materials.

• Safety regulations, occupational hazards, precautions, and safety promotion.

• Basic chemistry and biology principles.

ABILITIES:

• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

• Work independently and manage both time and equipment resources.

• Maintain equipment.

• Work with computerized equipment and various software packages.

• Work safely with hazardous materials and in hazardous areas.

• Establish and maintain effective, harmonious working relationships with co-workers, other city employees, and the general public.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Extensive work in the field, particularly opening and shutting fire hydrants.

• Sedentary work with occasional walking or standing, exerting up to 20 pounds of force regularly, and routine keyboard use.

• Exposure to chemical and biological hazards in air, water, and wastewater samples.

• Normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify or assign additional responsibilities as needed.

All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview, and/or any combination). Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone. Please check your e-mail and telephone messages regularly, including "junk" folders. Test times and locations to be announced.

THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE

City of Lakeland

2026 Summary Sheet

Annual Leave

Annual leave is accumulated bi-weekly and based upon years of service as follows:

Annual leave may be taken as earned by employees hired after January 1, 1989. Employees hired prior to that date use annual leave within the calendar year following the year the leave is earned. All employees may carry over up to a maximum of twenty (20) days at the end of the calendar year. Regular part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue annual leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.*

Sick Leave

Sick rate is accrued biweekly based upon years of service and standard hour classification. Eligible for use as soon as earned. Regular part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue sick leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.

*NOTE: REGULAR employees with a working day other than eight (8) hours, please contact your supervisor regarding these policies.

Sick Leave Pool

Allows employees to receive sick leave benefits in cases involving catastrophic or long-term illnesses or injuries after all personal leave time has been depleted. Regular full-time employees contribute eight (8) hours and Regular part-time employees contribute four (4) hours on an annual basis. Employees must have completed one full year of service on or before December 31st of the calendar year enrollment; and have accumulated at least forty (40) hours of sick time (twenty (20) hours for Regular part-time employees). Participation in this program is voluntary.

For more information contact Amanda Kaiser at 834-8768

Family & Medical Leave

Federal legislation guarantees up to twelve (12) weeks per year off work under certain circumstances outlined in the policy manual. The employees must have been employed by the City for at least twelve (12) months and have at least 1,250 hours of service during the 12-month period before the requested leave. The City will continue its group life and health insurance for an employee on leave at the same level and under the same conditions that existed while the employee was working.

For more information contact Dawn Justice at 834-6038.

Pension Plan

Provision for retirement income requiring mandatory participation for full-time regular employees.

Defined Benefit Plan:

Plan C Employee 4.52%

Employer 15.54%

OR

Defined Contribution Plan:

Executives, New Hires aged 52 and older, and Fire/Police Recruits

Employee 8.5% or 11% per election upon hire

Employer 15.54%

Deferred Compensation 457 Plan:

A voluntary plan that is invested in mutual funds. The Employees' Pension Board performs the due diligence on the mutual funds. Employees may reallocate their account at any time.

Maximum contribution for 2026 is $24,500; employees age 50 or older can also add a "catch-up" amount of $8,000; employees age 60-63 can also add a "catch-up" amount of $11,250.

Additionally, a match of up to 5% of salary is offered by the City in Plan C.

Holidays

Twelve (12) holidays, includes one (1) personal floating holiday to be used at any time after three (3) months of employment and prior to the end of the calendar year.

Funeral Leave

Up to three (3) days off with pay due to death of an immediate family member (as defined in the policy manual). Up to four (4) hours off with pay may be obtained through supervisor approval to attend local funeral services of persons other than immediate family.

Jury/Witness Duty

Employees required to serve on jury duty will be relieved of responsibility for their regular work shift or portion thereof and receive full pay while serving. All fees received for such service may be retained by the employee. Employees subpoenaed to any civil or criminal court proceeding, which employee is not personally or monetarily interested, shall be paid as if engaged in regular work activities.

Military Leave

Allows for up to 240 hours in any one calendar year for annual military training without loss of pay or benefits for any employee in some type of reserve status for the United States Armed Forces. (see policy manual for additional information).

Maternity Leave

Refer to Family & Medical Leave for those employees who qualify. Others may take up to three (3) months leave of absence available upon approval of the Department Head. Employees may opt to utilize any combination of paid (sick or annual leave) or unpaid leave.

Leave of Absence Without Pay

Written requests are subject to approval by Department Head and City Manager or designee for less than ninety (90) days. Requests for more than ninety (90) days also require Civil Service Board approval for employees in a Civil Service classification.

Longevity Pay

Tuition Reimbursement

Program provides employees up to $2,500 per fiscal year (October 1 through September 30) for reimbursement of tuition of approved college, university, vocational, or correspondence classes upon completion with a grade of "C" or better in credit courses only. Full reimbursement is given for courses and fees, upon approval. The program does not include reimbursement for cost of books, supplies or other related expenses.

For more information, contact Melissa Yelnick at 834-6844.

Suggestion Awards

A program designed to provide a consistent and organized method for employees to submit and be rewarded for constructive ideas for improvement. Maximum award is $1000.

For additional information, contact Employee Engagement and Development at 834-6837.

Direct Deposit of Paycheck (refer to handout in new employee folder)

An account must be established with the institution of your choice prior to signing up for direct deposit.

Uniforms/Equipment

Uniforms issued at no cost to employees for those job classifications which require them. Equipment is issued to employees at either no cost or discounted cost depending upon job classification.

Parking

Free while at work.

Break Periods

Employees may be permitted two (2), fifteen (15) minute breaks during the workday. The time shall be at the discretion of the supervisor.

For Information on Health Insurance, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance please contact Benefits at 834-6797.

For Information on Retirement Benefits, contact the Retirement Services at 834-8765 or 834-8797.

For Information on Firefighter and Police Officer Retirement Benefits, contact Foster & Foster at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

01

Do you possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Life Sciences, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or Physical Sciences?

• Yes

• No

02

If you have a college degree, please indicate the area of study for your degree. If not, please type N/A.

03

Please indicate and briefly describe your experience working with wastewater systems, treatment processes, or related operations. If none, please type N/A.

04

Are you currently a member of UWUA - Water?

• Yes

• No

05

By clicking "Yes" below, I understand that all relevant work experience MUST be entered in the "Work Experience" section on my application. In addition, all current City of Lakeland employees must list all previous City of Lakeland work experience in the "Work Experience" section of the application. Failure to complete the "Work Experience" section will disqualify you from the application process.

• Yes

• No

Required Question

Employer

City of Lakeland, Civil Service

Address

500 N Lake Parker Avenue Lakeland, Florida, 33801

Phone

View phone number on click.appcast.io

Website