Lab Technician

About the role

The purpose of this classification is to provide laboratory support and perform routine testing and analysis of samples collected from water reclamation facilities, streams, and permitted industries. This position is essential to meet State and Federal requirements for monitoring compliance with Cobb County’s four wastewater reclamation facilities NPDES permits, the Cobb County Watershed Protection Plan and the Industrial Pre-treatment Program.

Responsibilities

• Performs chemical, physical, and bacteriological examination of water samples: collects, receives, inspects, prepares, and tests samples for established criteria; prepares all bacteriological media and reagents needed for testing; performs microbiological and physical testing and necessary calculations; reviews, analyzes and reports results; identifies trends and patterns; and prepares and submits related reports.
• Ensures compliance with established laboratory and industry policies, procedures and standards: inspects sample results for consistency with historical values; enters quality control data for batch analysis; verifies accuracy and precision of techniques; performs method detection limit study in assigned work area; informs supervisors of data errors or permit violations; and documents corrective actions.
• Maintains logs and records regarding work activities: researches, compiles, consolidates, and/or tabulates data and information; logs data and analytical information; verifies accuracy and completeness of data and information entered; and incorporates information into requested reports and other prepared materials.
• Utilizes and maintains field, testing, and laboratory equipment: calibrates equipment; performs accuracy checks; cleans and sterilizes equipment and work areas; ensures preventive maintenance; and notifies management when equipment is not working properly.
• Maintains a detailed and accurate inventory of materials, tools, equipment and supplies: records use of work materials and supplies; estimates rates of consumption and life expectancy; and initiates requests for new and/or replacement as needed.
• Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable policies and procedures impacting laboratory and testing operations: maintains and awareness of new equipment, procedures, trends and advances in the profession; participates in continuing education activities; and attends meetings, workshops and seminars as appropriate.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or related field required; previous experience in laboratory testing and techniques is preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
• Must possess certification as a Georgia Wastewater Laboratory Analyst within one year of employment.

Qualifications

• Physical Abilities: Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.
• Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
• Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as odors, wetness, fumes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, toxic agents, disease, or pathogenic substances.