Environmental Lab - Laboratory - Laboratory Technician Trainee - Environmental Lab

General Description

Under general supervision, performs technical laboratory work involved in collecting water and wastewater samples and performing a variety of standard and specialized chemical and microbiological tests.

Supervision Exercised

This position exercises no direct supervision.

Important and Essential Duties

• Trainee
• Collect samples and prepare for testing, including water, wastewater, and sludge.
• Calibrate, maintain, and set up equipment for various laboratory operations.
• Calibrate, maintain, and set up equipment for the Water and Wastewater Plant mini laboratories.
• Clean laboratory equipment and facilities.
• Perform chemical and mathematical calculations.
• Prepare and maintain quality control records, report files, and daily logs of samples and testing procedures.
• Conduct standard and specialized chemical and microbiological examinations of routine and special samples of raw and treated water, wastewater, and industrial waste.
• Prepare samples for shipment to other laboratories.
• Operate a City vehicle daily to travel to various water treatment plants, pump stations, storage tanks, lakes, sampling locations (including the entire water shed), and vendors.
• Laboratory Technician I, II
• Oversee and participate in conducting a variety of standard and specialized chemical analyses and microbiological examinations of regular and special samples.
• Supervise the preparation of specific laboratory equipment and standard reagents.
• Prepare and maintain necessary records and reports.
• Prepare and maintain quality control records, report files, and daily logs of samples and testing procedures.
• Aid in the establishment and implementation of laboratory procedures.
• Collect and prepare samples.
• Train new personnel.
• Respond to public concerns.
• Order and maintain necessary laboratory equipment, materials, and supplies.

Other Job Related Duties

Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned. Assists with the investigation of public concerns raised by citizens, as well as performing field samples when assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of: Laboratory techniques, practices, and procedures, including the operation and maintenance of standardized laboratory equipment.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in a laboratory environment.
• Safe driving principles and practices.
• Skills: Use various types of laboratory equipment. Operate office equipment, including a PC and Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, and Excel, and Google Suite. Safely operate a vehicle.
• Ability: To perform chemical and microbiological tests. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.

Experience and Training Guidelines

• For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels.
• Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:
• Laboratory Technician Trainee Experience: Previous experience in technical laboratory work is preferred.
• Education/Training: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in any of the following fields: microbiology, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, medical technology, or a physical or natural science is required. At least 24 hours of chemistry or 16 hours of microbiology, or 16 hours of biology, including 4 hours of microbiology, are required. (Dual credit, placement hours, leveling courses, and online courses in Chemistry and Microbiology do not count towards fulfilling this requirement.)
• License or Certificate: A Class “D” Water License or a Class “D” wastewater license within twelve (12) months of employment is required. A Texas driver's license is required within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is necessary.

Special Requirements

• Exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, and confined space work.
• Exposure to chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards.
• Ability to travel to different sites.

Essential Duties

• Standing: E
• Sitting: M
• Walking: I
• Lifting: M
• Carrying: M
• Pushing/Pulling: A
• Overhead Work: A
• Fine Dexterity: A
• Kneeling: A
• Crouching: A
• Crawling: A
• Bending: A
• Twisting: I
• Climbing: E
• Balancing: E
• Vision: Y
• Hearing: Y
• Talking: Y
• Other: As per specific job duties.