Laboratory and Treatability Technician

About the role

Aquatech tackles the challenges of water scarcity and complexity by leveraging technology, expertise, and financing to deliver comprehensive solutions that reduce carbon and recycled water footprint. As a leading global provider of water and process technology solutions, we help the world's most recognized companies achieve their sustainability and operational goals through innovative approaches for water reuse, desalination, minimal and zero liquid discharge, and critical minerals recovery.

This full-time, non-exempt Laboratory and Treatability Technician position is based at our Creekside or Canonsburg, PA lab location.

Responsibilities

• Develop operating procedures and perform tests for various water and wastewater treatment operations, including:
  • Jar tests for determining and optimizing chemical dosing
  • Settling tests (e.g., SVI)
  • Bench and pilot-scale evaluations for anoxic, aerobic, and anaerobic biological treatment
  • Columns and batch testing for ion exchange resins, carbon adsorption, activated alumina, etc.
  • Filtration systems (conventional, membrane, ceramic)
• Prepare synthetic solutions to simulate customer wastewater for preliminary characterization
• Collect and record data, including pumping rates, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP), temperature, and pressure
• Operate and perform light maintenance on small-scale equipment such as pumps, heaters, and mixers
• Prepare samples and reagents for testing
• Perform laboratory tests, including:
  • pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Color, Temperature (T), Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP)
  • Volatile Organic Acids (VOA), M & P Alkalinity (ALK)
  • Calcium & Magnesium Hardness, Total Hardness
  • Oil & Grease, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Volatile Suspended Solids (TVSS)
  • Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Oxygen Uptake Rate (OUR)
  • Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
  • Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Turbidity
  • Phosphorus/Phosphate, TKN/Ammonia/Nitrite/Nitrate
  • Biogas Measurement
• Pull samples for third-party laboratory analysis
• Maintain reagents, lab inventory, calibration records, and MSDS documentation
• Manage and communicate data effectively
• Maintain cleanliness of lab equipment, glassware, and operating areas

Requirements

• BS degree in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, or a related field
• Minimum one (1) year of experience in an industrial laboratory specializing in industrial wastewater characterization
• Mechanical aptitude and technical background
• Experience/training in bench-top wet inorganic chemistry analytical procedures
• Proficiency with standard laboratory instruments (e.g., pH and conductivity meters, spectrophotometers, centrifuges, analytical balances, microscopes)
• Ability to work precisely in solution making, data handling, and instrument operation
• Detail-oriented and non-colorblind
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word
• Strong communication skills for collaborating with team members and following precise chemical data and procedures
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated initiative and willingness to learn and grow in responsibility

Physical Demands

• Lifting, carrying, and moving up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to climb ladders and work at heights
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while on site
• Extended periods of sitting at a desk
• High degree of concentration in a busy area

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off and company-paid holidays
• 401K plan (eligibility-based)