Laboratory Technician

Overview LOTT Clean Water Alliance is a regional wastewater treatment utility serving Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, and Thurston County. We are proud to be a leader in protecting public health and the environment, and we are looking for a Laboratory Technician to join our team. As part of our Water Quality team, you’ll perform routine laboratory testing, collect samples, and provide accurate data that keeps our treatment processes running safely and efficiently. This hands-on role offers variety, working both in a modern lab and occasionally outdoors, and plays a part in safeguarding the environment. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, safety-minded science professional who thrives in both laboratory and field environments and is committed to producing accurate, reliable data that supports LOTT’s mission to protect water quality. Position Details Open until filled Include resume and letter of interest Best to apply by: February 15th What to Expect Application screening: 3rd week of February If selected, preliminary interview: 4th week of February If selected, Interview: 1st or 2nd week of March Position Description Under general supervision, responsible for collecting and preparing samples, performing routine laboratory tests and analyses in accordance with standard practices and for the accurate recording of findings at the LOTT Clean Water Alliance (LOTT) Wastewater Treatment Facilities. Assigned duties include, but are not limited to the following: Responsible for performing routine chemical (organic and inorganic), physical and microbiological tests and analyses for all plant processes, waste stream flows, water, sediment and environmental samples; Perform conventional analytical techniques and sampling, including quality control; Prepare, standardize and document preparation of testing solutions; Assemble test data and maintain accurate and accessible records; Report data utilizing various computer programs, such as spreadsheets, database and word processing; provide Operations staff with timely information and results; Compile physical data from Operations staff to calculate necessary information; Ensure that all hazardous materials are stored, received, used and disposed of in accordance with treatment plant, state, and federal plans and regulations; With guidance, operate, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair laboratory instruments and equipment; Responsible for complying with laboratory safety procedures, cleaning laboratory equipment, and performing general housekeeping to maintain laboratory cleanliness; Maintain logs, files, manuals and procedures in accordance with laboratory requirements; Responsible to be constantly aware of safety requirements; Safely operate a vehicle to and from offsite facilities, inspection locations, or other location necessary to perform assigned work; Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance; and Perform other duties as assigned. Working Environment Laboratory Technicians work in the LOTT Water Quality Laboratory, located at the Budd Inlet Treatment Plant. The facility is designed to optimize working and safety conditions, but hazards are present when working with chemical agents, biological samples and laboratory equipment. Technicians may be required to collect samples in an outdoor environment for on-site and off-site facilities. The laboratory operates seven days per week and must be staffed daily, including holidays. Weekend and holiday shifts may require a single technician or analyst to ensure proper laboratory functioning. Contacts, Supervision, and Accountability Contacts: Laboratory Technicians have extensive contact with coworkers, Water Quality Analysts and LOTT Operations staff to share information and resolve technical problems. They may also coordinate with other LOTT staff as needed. Supervision: May serve in a training capacity for Apprentice Operators and Operators. Accountability: Laboratory Technicians are accountable for the accurate and timely performance of duties in compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Laboratory tests support proper plant functioning and compliance with operating permit limits. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge: The principles of chemistry (organic and inorganic), microbiology, biology, physics, and algebra; quality assurance/control techniques; environmental laboratory analytical instrumentation; Industry publication: "Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater"; operation of personal computers and database/spreadsheet/word processing software; laboratory hazards and MSDS; wastewater treatment plant functions and sampling procedures. Skills: General laboratory testing, analytical methods including wet chemistry or conventional methods; performing complex mathematical calculations; written and verbal communication. Abilities: Employ safety precautions; operate and maintain laboratory instruments; work independently and as part of a team; work in hazardous environments; lift, bend, climb and stand; maintain accurate records; maintain effective working relationships. Qualifications Associate degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or closely related field and one year of work experience performing qualitative and quantitative analyses of environmental samples required. Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or closely related field may be substituted for work experience. Additional experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis. Work experience in an accredited or certified laboratory preferred. Washington State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification is desired. Additional Requirements Must possess a valid Driver’s License. Must participate in LOTT’s Health and Safety Program. #J-18808-Ljbffr