Water Treatment Plant Lab Tech I

Johnston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Description

The mission of the Public Utilities Department is to provide citizens of Johnston County with efficient, affordable, and friendly services of Water Supply, Wastewater Collection and Treatment, Reclaimed Water, and Stormwater Management.

The Public Utilities Department is seeking a full-time Laboratory Technician I. This class is the first level in a three-level Laboratory Series devoted to providing technical and professional sample collection and laboratory field analysis of water and wastewater.

Under the supervision of the Laboratory Manager, an employee in this class performs collects water samples required by the compliance and operational monitoring program. They will do a variety of chemical and biological tests designed to produce safe potable water or wastewater effluent within permitted levels in a state certified laboratory. Work includes the collection of samples, completion of necessary reports, maintenance of records and files, testing in the field and in the lab, monitor plant equipment for calibration, perform wet chemistry analysis, and maintain laboratory supplies. Assignments are given in specific terms and are subject to frequent review while in progress and upon completion, except where tasks are well defined by established standards, policies, and procedures. As experience and proficiency are gained, assignments become progressively more diversified and difficult with less supervision.

The employee is subject to hazards associated with water treatment and chemical work including exposure to electrical current, and chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and poor ventilation.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Collects and preserves a variety of water samples; may conduct specific analysis in the field.
• Plans field routes and monitors effects of environmental conditions; gather supplies and required resources for planned testing; reviews equipment needs and ensures equipment standardization and calibration is complete.
• Prepares field documentation and submits/receives samples for analysis.
• Prepares samples for transport, storage, and laboratory analysis; prepare sample collection kits as needed.
• Prepares solutions and reagents.
• Performs routine and specialized laboratory testing of water samples in both the field and in laboratory setting which may include: pH, chlorine, turbidity, microbiological, water hardness, conductivity and/or other testing processes; troubleshoots equipment issues causing non-standard results; reviews compliance of samples with established parameters.
• Performs wet chemistry analysis and bacteriological analysis; ensures precautions are taken to maintain safe working conditions.
• Interprets laboratory tests and prepares required reports; communicates results to operations staff.
• Maintains an inventory of chemicals, solutions, culture media, required forms, and other laboratory supplies; places orders as needed.
• Cleans and prepares laboratory glassware and apparatus for use.
• Performs quality control program on equipment and supplies to assure reliable test results; maintains laboratory equipment in proper operating order; calibrates equipment as needed.
• Assists chemist on assigned analytical projects.
• Conducts knowns and unknowns testing for state certification.
• Performs other related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• General knowledge of modern laboratory techniques, materials, and equipment, including those used in standard chemical and biochemical analysis of water and/or wastewater.
• General knowledge of the principles of organic and inorganic chemistry, biology, environmental science and related mathematics.
• Working knowledge of the use of computer database and spreadsheet applications and skill in their use.
• Ability to prepare laboratory reagents and assemble laboratory apparatus for chemical and biological analysis.
• Ability to take water and perform the necessary laboratory tests.
• Ability to prepare and keep accurate records and prepare reports.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, superiors, and contracting agencies.

• Must be able to perform the basic life functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally; and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Must possess visual acuity necessary to inspect schematic drawings, prepare and analyze figures and data, perform extensive reading, and operate a computer terminal.
• The nature of the work may also require the incumbent to use power tools and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles and heavy equipment and enter confined spaces.

Desired Education and Experience

• Graduation from an accredited community college with a degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or related field and some related laboratory experience or treatment plant operations experience
• or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Class C- Surface or Class 1 Wastewater Analyst certification required or obtained within 12 months of hire

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties may be assigned.

Important Pre-Employment Information:

• If the position requires a degree, official transcripts must be submitted within 30 days of hire.
• A pre-employment reference check will be conducted.
• A background check may be required and may include criminal history, motor vehicle records, sex offender registry checks, pre-employment drug screening, SBI fingerprinting, and, if applicable, a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) check.
• A conviction record does not automatically disqualify you from employment, unless otherwise required by state law. Each situation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.