Perform laboratory analysis to meet various local, State, and Federal permits (NPDES, State Discharge Permits, and treatment plant process control requirements) on various samples from the wastewater and water systems. Assure the City's treatment plant laboratory and testing procedures meet local, State, and Federal regulations for accreditation and compliance. This position reports to the Environmental Compliance Manager.
Additional job functions may vary due to department or City needs/requirements. Assignments may include but are not limited to:
- Assure laboratory accreditation and compliance with applicable laws and regulations concerning chemical hygiene, safety, proper disposal, sampling and testing by operators comply with standards and procedures.
- Prepare, implement and maintain quality assurance/quality control manual and laboratory procedure manual for safe practices, procedures and protective equipment.
- Perform, monitor, and document equipment calibration and quality control verification checks, analytical methods and data management; including data recording, validation, assessment retention and prepare related reports as required.
- Research analytical methods and implement changes in methods and/or techniques while keeping current with approved federal and state testing methods.
- Assist in training of others in proper laboratory operation and duties of responsibility.
- Recommend and requisition lab supplies and equipment as necessary.
- Conduct a variety of lab tests in compliance with standard methods, procedures and regulations; implement quality control specifications.
- Operate a variety of laboratory test equipment, such as dissolved oxygen meters, microscopes, spectrophotometers, pH meters, filtration devices, ovens, furnaces, balances, autoclave, distilling apparatus, centrifuge, computer, etc.
- Evaluate, perform, interpret and record laboratory tests; notify appropriate personnel of abnormal, critical, or significant changes in laboratory results.
- Clean and maintain instruments, glassware and equipment to assure standards of cleanliness and accurate test results.
- Provide continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.
- Proper sample handling, preservation, storage, and transport.
- Knowledge of chain of custody agreements, and relinquishing practices.
Other Job Functions
- Perform basic troubleshooting and repair of laboratory equipment including lab instruments.
- Review and analyze existing practices and procedures to recommend improvements and changes as warranted.
- Support the directives, guidance, plans and vision of the Manager(s) and Director.
- Help foster a positive, forward thinking work environment.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job.
- High school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by one (1) year of college-level course work in chemistry or other science-related field.
- A minimum of 2 years’ experience in related field and/or education (e.g., Laboratory, Wastewater Plant Operations, Chemistry, Biology, or related science field).
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Certain licenses and certificates, if required, may be acquired on the job as agreed upon by the City and employee. Subject to change based on operational needs.
- Valid Washington State driver license.
- Valid First Aid/ CPR certification.
- Washington State Group I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification, preferred.
Work is primarily performed in the wastewater treatment plant laboratory, some work may be performed in the field. May support other laboratory needs or analysis outside of the wastewater treatment plant.
PHYSICAL: Frequently require standing, walking, bending, reaching, pulling, and crouching for long periods of time while performing testing and sampling. Work may be performed above or below ground level.
HAZARDS: Exposure to physical hazards from extreme conditions while gathering samples, wet slippery work environment, confined spaces, loud noises, operating machinery, electrical systems, raw sewage, gases, fumes, and chemicals