HomeMy WebLinkAboutWW Laboratory Technician Job Description 03 07 18CITY OF MONROE
JOB DESCRIPTION
LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
Supervised by: Superintendent of Wastewater, Laboratory Supervisor for daily
assignments
Supervises: No supervisory responsibilities
Position Summary:
Under the supervision of the Laboratory Supervisor, performs a variety of chemical,
physical and biological tests on influent and effluent waste materials and local industry
discharges. Determines compliance with local, state and federal regulations and health
standards. Performs daily calculations and prepares summary reports based on findings.
Maintains laboratory equipment and a variety of records and documentation.
Essential Duties and Job Functions:
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential
functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be
expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to
perform each essential function satisfactorily.
1. Receives, collects and tests samples of influent, primary effluent, and secondary
effluent to determine regulatory compliance.
2. Prepares chemical solutions needed to test waste materials and determine
chemical, biological and physical contents.
3. Tests residual wastes in regard to contents.
4. Calculates data and prepares daily summary reports of analysis. Alerts Chemist of
any findings which indicate irregularities.
5. Runs tests on known samples to create standards and curves to maintain a quality
assurance and quality control program.
6. Participates in State testing and EPA Discharge Monitoring Report-Quality
Assurance studies for laboratory certification.
7. Provides information to the public and receives incoming service and emergency
calls, referring to appropriate sources. Monitors cell phone / phone
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communications while sewer or lift-station crews are out on emergencies.
8. Maintains laboratory, cleans and sterilizes glassware, updates laboratory inventory,
organizes work area and handles routine daily set-ups.
9. Performs specific industry testing to establish billing and/or penalty conditions.
Performs third party sample testing when approved.
10. Displays proficiency in the utilization of various laboratory equipment such as
spectrophotometer, flasks, glassware, crucibles, balances, furnaces, incubators, PH
meters, dissolved oxygen meters and various testing chemicals.
11. Works week-ends and holidays on a rotation schedule or as scheduled.
12. Performs related work as required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and
minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to
perform the job.
Requirements include the following:
• egree, or equivalent, in chemistry, environmental science or a
related field.
• Two or more years of lab work experience in a wastewater treatment facility, or
similar laboratory setting.
• A valid License, a satisfactory driving record, and the ability to
maintain one throughout employment.
• Successfully pass department field lab test/evaluation.
• Minimum score of 70% on the City of Monroe aptitude examination.
• Grade 1 Laboratory Analyst Certification available through the Michigan Water
Environment Association required within 2 years of starting employment in this
position.
• Knowledge of chemistry, mathematics and laboratory testing procedures related to
wastewater treatment plants.
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• Knowledge of the methods, tools, materials and equipment used in wastewater
treatment plant, and laboratory, maintenance and repair, and of the safety
procedures involved.
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment operations and industrial processes.
• Knowledge of current public health guidelines, government regulations, and
professional standards for wastewater treatment.
• Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite
applications and software specific to the department; and the ability to master
new technologies.
• Skill in the use and maintenance of a wide variety of laboratory equipment and
wastewater treatment plant equipment and machinery.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgement,
initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with co-workers, regulatory agencies,
and the public.
• Ability to accurately log and record information, and maintain organized files by
hardcopy and/or computer.
• Ability to work independently & make accurate mathematical computations.
• Ability to effectively communicate ideas and concepts.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are
representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions
of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate
in person and by telephone, read regular and small print, view and produce written and
electronic documents and enter data on a computer keyboard with repetitive keystrokes.
The employee must be mobile in a laboratory setting, stand, sit, stoop and kneel, use hands
to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to
accurately measure and mix chemicals using approved laboratory equipment and
techniques. The employee must lift or push/pull objects of up to 15 lbs. without assistance.
Accommodation will be made, if needed, for employees required to lift or move objects
that exceed this weight.
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The typical work environment of this job is a laboratory setting where the noise level is
quiet and sometimes moderate. Though applicable safety procedures are documented
and utilized, the incumbent may be exposed to unsanitary or unhygienic materials,
chemicals and airborne particles and odors in the course of performing required duties.
March 2018