Senior Water & Wastewater Laboratory Technician

Senior Water & Wastewater Laboratory Technician

The Public Works Agency employs Senior Water & Wastewater Laboratory Technician in the Water & Sanitation (WS) Department. WS operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to serve the public and is responsible for the administration, customer service, billing, operation, maintenance, design, construction and inspection of water and sewer systems: specifically four (4) potable water systems, seven (7) sewer collection systems, three (3) wastewater treatment plants and one (1) recycled water system.

The position under general direction, leads, oversees and participates in the more complex and difficult work of laboratory staff performing chemical, physical and microbiological analysis of portable water, wastewater, industrial water and storm water; assists the Water/Wastewater Laboratory Manager in the administration of the QA/QC program and serves as back-up "Technical Manager" in their absence; and performs a variety of tasks to ensure Water and Sanitation's compliance with state law and permits.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Maintains records of sampling and analysis procedures and results, enters test results into a computer, reviews test results and generates necessary reports.
• Performs and trains others on tests and analysis such as (but not limited to) chemical, biochemical, residues, residuals, coliform testing, colorimetric, volumetric analysis, grease/oil, chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, cyanide analysis and other related tests/analysis.
• Performs, monitors and reviews quality control and quality assurance tests and maintains quality control procedures in the laboratory.
• Prepares, reviews and maintains technical reports on results of analysis conducted; assists in the preparation of reports for submission to the State Water Resources Control Board, the California Department of Drinking Water and other regulatory government agencies as required.
• Records, interprets and reports test results utilizing the Laboratory Information Management Systems for data tracking and analysis.
• Troubleshoots and investigates deviations in laboratory data; reviews and recommends changes to tests procedures for quality assurance.
• Using standardized methods, performs chemical, physical, biological and bacteriological tests on potable water, wastewater, reclaimed water, plant influents, effluents, industrial water and other materials in support of the water distribution and wastewater treatment facilities to ensure compliance with federal, state and local compliance regulations.
• Using standardized methods, collects potable water, wastewater and reclaimed water samples from treatment plants, distribution/collection systems, groundwater wells and receiving waters.
• Prepares solutions, reagents, equipment, apparatus, accessories and other supplies needed at the lab.
• Maintains, cleans, sterilizes and calibrates laboratory equipment, apparatus and materials used in all tests and analysis; prepares microbiological media; and performs a variety of related technical tasks.
• Troubleshoots and performs maintenance on sophisticated laboratory equipment such as the Ion Chromatograph.
• Conducts inventory of chemicals, reagents, solutions and other supplies and equipment essential to laboratory operations.
• Ensures adherence to safe work practices and procedures as well as federal and state laws, rules and regulations.
• Performs Pretreatment and Source Control facility inspections and assists during pretreatment compliance audits and inspections.
• Assists in the implementation of the pretreatment/source control program.
• Responds to customer water quality complaints.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Typical qualifications include:

• Possession of a Grade II level Laboratory Analyst Certification issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) at the time of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California driver's license; and
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Skills must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

Desired:

• Possession of a Bachelor's degree with college-level coursework in biology, microbiology, chemistry or a related environmental science field of study.

Considerable knowledge of: water and wastewater treatment principles; standard laboratory procedures, terminology, equipment and techniques used in chemical, biological and bacteriological analysis; standard laboratory testing methods, modern laboratory practices, and computer equipment; principles and practices of qualitative and quantitative chemistry, mathematics, biology and microbiology; water and wastewater sampling techniques and field equipment procedures; and applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations; and laboratory safety protocols, occupational hazards and standard safety principles and practices.

Skill in: the use of calibration and maintenance of laboratory apparatus and equipment to perform chemical, biological, bacteriological and physical sample and analytical analysis, and data analysis and interpretation. Ability to: to perform and train others in standard chemical, biological, physical and bacteriological analyses; use computers and a variety of computer software programs and applications; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; prepare clear and concise technical reports; maintain effective working relationships; and lead staff and provide general direction.