Job Posting TitleWastewater Lagoon Sampling & Safety TechnicianJob Description

The part-time Wastewater Lagoon Sampling & Safety Technician supports lagoon-based wastewater treatment operations by performing manual sampling, safety monitoring, field measurements, documentation, and reporting. The role ensures compliance with permits and procedures, safe handling and delivery of treatment chemicals, accurate documentation and filing, and clear communication of results to supervisors and management personnel.

Primary Work Location

Maxson WWTP (Memphis, TN) – Lagoon treatment system (primary, secondary, tertiary/polishing cells).

Essential Functions1) Lagoon & Wastewater Sampling

Collect manual grab samples from lagoon cells at designated locations, depths, and times per schedule and SOPs.
Perform vertical profile sampling (e.g., dissolved oxygen, temperature, clarity/algae, ammonia) using approved depth samplers.
Collect effluent samples from weirs/outfalls per NPDES protocols; collect biosolids/polishing-cell samples as directed.
Record sampling coordinates, environmental conditions (weather, wind), and relevant operational observations.

2) Field Measurements & Data Management

Measure pH, temperature, DO, ORP, turbidity, conductivity, and clarity using calibrated instruments.
Prepare and maintain chain-of-custody forms; label and preserve samples correctly; meet holding times.
Enter field data into designated spreadsheets or systems; maintain complete, legible field logs.
Deliver samples to the laboratory on time; resolve anomalies and document corrective actions.

3) Safety & Compliance

Follow lagoon-specific safety practices: berm stability awareness, work-near-water precautions, slip/trip/fall prevention, wildlife awareness.
Use PPE (life vest, waterproof gloves, splash protection, high-visibility gear) and portable atmospheric monitors (e.g., H2S, O₂), as required.
Comply with Hazard Communication (GHS), chemical hygiene, and PPE requirements; report hazards and near-misses promptly.
Participate in required safety training; maintain site access and driver qualification requirements.

4) Chemical Delivery & Handling

Receive, deliver, and stage treatment chemicals safely; verify labels, SDS, lot numbers, and storage requirements.
Use secondary containment and spill-prevention practices; complete delivery logs and inventory updates.
Coordinate with operators to minimize process disruption during chemical deliveries.

5) Documentation, Reporting, Filing & Communication

Complete accurate sampling records, CoC forms, and daily field reports; file and archive per SOL procedures.
Prepare concise data summaries and sampling narratives; route reports to management and client representatives as directed.
Maintain organized electronic and hard-copy records for audit readiness.
Participate in discussions with management personnel regarding findings, trends, and recommended actions.

6) Equipment Use & Maintenance

Calibrate, clean, and maintain sampling equipment, poles/dippers, depth samplers, and meters; document calibration records.
Keep sampling kits stocked (bottles, preservatives, labels, coolers, ice, PPE).
Inspect inlet/outlet structures, aerators/mixers, baffles, piping, and berms during routine rounds; escalate issues.

QualificationsMinimum

High school diploma or GED (coursework in biology, chemistry, or environmental science preferred).
Valid driver’s license and acceptable motor vehicle record.
Ability to walk uneven berms, work outdoors in all weather, lift up to 50 lb, and climb ladders as needed.
Demonstrated attention to detail, safe work practices, and clear written/verbal communication.

Preferred

Experience in lagoon or wastewater operations and manual field sampling.
Familiarity with NPDES sampling requirements and chain-of-custody.
Basic proficiency with water-quality meters and calibration.
Applicable wastewater operator or laboratory analyst certifications desired, but not required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of wastewater treatment concepts and lagoon process behaviors (e.g., stratification, algae, DO).
Ability to follow SOPs precisely; strong recordkeeping and time management.
Proficiency with spreadsheets and basic digital data entry.
Collaborative approach with delivery personnel, operators, engineers, and management; customer-service mindset.

Working Conditions

Outdoor fieldwork with exposure to odors, water hazards, uneven ground, insects, and variable weather.
Early morning or variable schedules to meet time-sensitive chemicals delivery and sampling windows and holding times.
Use of PPE and safety equipment; frequent driving between sites.

Required Safety Training (within 6 months of hire)

Lagoon sampling safety orientation (embankment stability, working near water, wildlife awareness).
Atmospheric hazard awareness (H₂S, O₂ deficiency) and gas monitor use, if necessary.
Hazard Communication (GHS), chemical hygiene, and PPE.
Fall prevention/working-adjacent-to-water; First Aid/CPR/AED.

Tools & Equipment

Manual sampling poles/dippers, depth samplers, coolers, and preservatives, as applicable.
Water-quality meters (DO, pH, temperature, conductivity, turbidity).
PPE including life vests, rubber gloves, goggles, splash protection and insect and pests retardant.
Field logbooks/tablets; labeling and documentation materials.

Employment Terms

Part-time with variable scheduling (typ. 5–10 hours/week; may vary with sampling plan).
Compensation: hourly, commensurate with experience; benefits eligibility per SOL policy.
Reports to Project Manager or Senior Engineer.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

On-time sampling completion rate: ≥ 95% of scheduled events per month.
Sample holding-time compliance: ≥ 98% of samples delivered within regulatory holding times.
Chain-of-custody accuracy: ≥ 98% forms with zero critical errors each quarter.
Instrumentation readiness: ≥ 95% of meters calibrated/on-time with documented records.
Report timeliness: ≥ 90% draft data summaries issued within 2 business days of event.
Safety performance: 0 recordable incidents; ≥ 2 near-miss/positive safety observations submitted per quarter.
Chemical delivery compliance: 100% verification of labels, SDS, and storage conditions documented.
Documentation quality: ≥ 95% of field logs complete and legible in internal audits.

SOL ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC

New Jobs

Wastewater Sampling Technician