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Laboratory Technician
Description
THE POSITION:
You are:
The ideal candidate is committed to supporting public health and environmental protection through precise, reliable laboratory work. They demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, work effectively within a team, and contribute positively to organizational culture. They uphold high standards of accuracy, communication, and professionalism while advancing the mission of safe and sustainable wastewater management.
Essential Duties
What you will do:
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
Collects and preserves plant samples, prepares chemical solutions, reagents and bacteriological media.
Takes representative grab and composite samples of sewage and sludge, as well as samples of landfill leachate and groundwater wells.
Performs a variety of physical, chemical and biological analyses of water and wastewater in accordance with standard test methods and established procedures. Prepares and analyzes sewage, sludge, industrial waste, and potable water samples.
Analyses include testing for, pH, solids, 5-Day CBOD5, oil and grease, coliform, chlorine residual, conductivity, salinity, sulfide, metals, cyanide, ammonia, anions, mercury, heterotrophic plate count, and special analyses as required.
Participates in the Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program, and advises the Lab supervisor or the Chemist of unusual test results and problems. Maintains quality control to assure analytical accuracy and precision of test results. Compiles and records onto standardized worksheets, logs and forms, performs calculations and transfers data to computer.
Follows all safety rules and protocols included in the Injury and Illness Prevention Program; takes appropriate action as required to identify and correct safety hazards and report safety concerns to the Lab Supervisor.
Cleans and maintains laboratory equipment, glassware and instruments; operates, calibrates, and makes minor repairs to laboratory instrumentation and equipment such as pH meter, analytical balance, UV-visible spectrophotometer, autoclave, distillation units, ovens and balances. Assists in calibrating and maintaining various field monitoring and sampling equipment.
Assures the quality of laboratory data which includes but is not limited to maintaining accurate records of sample collections, chains of custody(s), log-in, order forms and log analyses, reports and computerized records. Assists in completing technical reports. Maintains laboratory inventory, reorders chemical stocks and supplies.
Assists in the training of Water Pollution Control Plant employees in the safe and proper method of performing tasks in the laboratory and ensures that a safe working environment is maintained in the laboratory.
Serves on committees within the plant and for special projects. Prepares written reports, correspondence and reviews data prepared by lower level staff. Maintains the Quality Assurance program as specified by CDHS/ELAP and other regulatory agencies; plans and conducts laboratory operations in accordance with the state Chemical Hygiene Plan; develops good personal chemical hygiene habits and uses prudent and careful work practices to ensure the safety of laboratory personnel.
Assists in the preparation, organization, and completion of monthly, quarterly, and annual wastewater discharge and bio-solids reports; prepares primary and secondary standard solutions; and prepares written reports.
Organizes and maintains the work area in a clean and safe manner.
Performs related duties as required.
Link to full job description: Laboratory Technician Classification Specifications
CORE COMPETENCIES
Knowledge of:
Basic water and wastewater laboratory methods, test procedures and techniques, equipment and safety practices.
Commonly used laboratory apparatus and procedures.
Care and maintenance of laboratory glassware, equipment and apparatus.
Basic mathematics, including algebraic calculations and statistical analysis.
Wastewater treatment methods and procedures.
General laboratory safety procedures.
Pertinent local, state and federal regulations related to wastewater pollution control.
Uses of computer applications in a laboratory and their use in routine record keeping procedures.
Ability to:
Discriminate visually among colors.
Understand and carry out written and oral instructions pertaining to analytical procedures, reagent preparations, quality assurance and quality control.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other employees.
Use standard laboratory testing and analysis equipment.
Understand and interpret verbal and written instructions.
Use proper personal protective equipment while working daily with wastewater.
Read labels and hazardous materials Safety Data Sheets for chemicals and other written materials.
Safely lift and carry standard sampling equipment.
Perform testing with a high level of precision and accuracy.
Safely prepare reagents.
Apply and implement principles of basic laboratory safety, maintain the laboratory facility and equipment in a clean, orderly and safe manner.
Properly assemble and operate testing apparatus and equipment.
Establish and maintain a positive customer service attitude and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Assemble data and prepare detailed records and reports.
Act as lead person on special projects and provide for full function of laboratory activity in the absence of the Chemist.
JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications
You have:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
One (1) year of experience working in an analytical laboratory or in a wastewater treatment plant laboratory.
Education:
Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in chemistry, biology or a related field of study.
Licenses & Certificates:
Posses and maintain a valid Class C California driver's license. Possession of a Laboratory Analyst Grade I Certificate issued by the California Water Environmental Association (CWEA) no later than six (6) months of appointment.
Supplemental Information
BENEFITS AND REWARDS:
Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:
- Alternative Work Schedule
- Vacation - 80 hours minimum
- 15.5 Paid Holidays
- Generous employer contribution for Health, Dental and Vision coverage
- CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members) - No Social Security participation.
- Life and Disability Insurance and Paid Leave
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Health and Wellness Reimbursement
- Professional Development Reimbursement
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)
SELECTION PROCEDURE
Apply - submit a completed City of Hayward job application, license, and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire, which fully describe the nature of their professional experience and qualifications.
Application Review -
B. Completion of the supplemental questionnaire
Department Interviews - Actual hire depends on success in the departmental selection process.
Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City should expect to undergo an employment background/reference check that may include, but is not limited to: employment history verification, medical evaluation, confirmation of educational credentials and degrees, licenses including driver's license, registrations, certificates, and other credentials as part of the appointment process. Some positions, depending on the nature of the work, also require a credit check and a review of Summary Criminal History obtained from the State Department of Justice through Live Scan Fingerprinting.
Applicants will be notified electronically via Government Jobs as to their status in the selection process. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they can receive email notice from Neogov/Government Jobs and the City of Hayward.
APPLICATIONS
Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user to the system. Our on-line application system is provided by Government Jobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact the Government Jobs Help Desk at (855) 524-5627.
Benefits Overview
This summary provides a brief overview of the benefits available to regular full-time City employees. As indicated in the 2025 Benefit Summary, some employee groups have different benefits based upon negotiated agreements. Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:
- Your choice of CalPERS Medical Plan (with generous employer contribution)
- CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members)
- Dental Insurance (plans available through Delta Dental or United Concordia)
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Paid Leave
- Paid Holidays
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Health and Wellness Reimbursement
- Professional Development Reimbursement
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)
- Other Employee-Paid benefits include pet insurance and discount plans, pre-paid legal, etc.
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