Laboratory Technician

Primary Role

The laboratory technician is responsible for the analysis and quality control associated with the daily operations of Pennsylvania American Water WWTP's and the Principal elements of Operational Analysis, Biosolids Analysis, Contract Analysis, and Sampling of Processes.

Key Accountabilities

• Maintain and record all data in the computer, operational logs and task sheets
• Assist in training of new employees
• General Laboratory Responsibilities include but not limited to: Ability to perform any of the procedures being used in the control Laboratory, i.e., wet chemical analysis, instrumental analysis, physical characterizations and new sample coordination. Preparation of necessary reagents used in performing analytical methods which include standardizations and trace check samples. Assuring the flow of samples through the laboratory is both smooth and speedy as required. Informing supervisor when the analytical results on particular samples appear to be inconsistent with the predecessors.
• Clean autoclave and coliform incubators to insure proper QA/QC
• Change desiccant in desiccator when needed and recharge used desiccant.
• Instrument Calibrations to include but not limited to analytical balance, pan balance, ammonia-nitrogen meter, Nitrate meter, BOD meter, spectrophotometer, and pH meter.
• Record temperature data as required to include but not limited to BOD incubator, sample refrigerator, reagent refrigerator, fecal incubator, drying oven, muffle furnace, and dry incubator.
• Dropping off and picking up of Samples when required.
• Assisting the IPP staff with lab analysis and other IPP duties when required.
• Complete monthly Lab Safety Inspections and enter into Lab Survey Monkey by the 28th of every month.
• Participate in Scheduled Staff meetings
• Participate in weekly safety talks
• Operational Analysis, Biosolids Analysis, Contract Analysis and Industrial Analysis processes to include but not limited to: Sampling to include but not limited to: Raw Influent, Primary Influent, Primary Effluent, Final Effluent sampling, additional PAWC WWTPs compliance samples, CSO, Pump Station, Water Quality any other samples collected within the Pennsylvania American Water Systems. Assists with Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) Testing. Following of chain of custody procedures Strictly follow all PA Chapter 252 requirements. Successfully complete proficiency testing as required PA Chapter 252 Analytical laboratory result interpretation Recognize, evaluate and trouble shoot when a process is not performing accurately Take corrective action to return the system to proper performance within specification.
• Must fill out Purchase Requisitions for General Laboratory Inventory
• Perform sampler and lab equipment maintenance as needed.
• Aid in completing reports for DEP and EPA regarding laboratory operations
• Work and assist community organizations and other area wastewater facilities as needed
• Aid IPP Staff when needed or per management’s discretion.

Knowledge/Skills

• Computer literate required to be proficient, MS Office Suite and all operational, laboratory, and other relevant software.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations with fractions, decimals, percentages and the metric system.
• Ability to detect odors and colors indicative of laboratory test points and potentially hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to work at night, weekends or holidays.
• Attend seminars as required to keep current in profession.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment within the limits of the position.
• Must be familiar with CSO locations, pump stations and sampling.

Experience/Education

• Must possess a degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or equivalent combination of education and / or experience.
• Must possess a driver’s license valid in the State of Pennsylvania.
• Obtain a PA “A-1” Operators Certification; refer to Appendix C within the CB.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet with exception of usage of certain machinery. The employee will be required to work in proximity to biological, chemical, electrical and mechanical hazards.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

PPE When Required: Safety Eyewear Latex Gloves Lab Coat Hard Hat (when collecting samples) Protective Boots (when outside of the Lab / Administration Building) Safety Vest (when outside of the Lab / Administration Building)