City of Peoria Arizona Human Resources Department

City of Peoria Seal

City of Peoria
Job Description
 
8401 West Monroe, Suite 110 Peoria, Arizona 85345 (623) 773-7100 Fax (623) 773-7149

 
 

Laboratory Technician
 

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs technician level laboratory duties associated with testing raw water, finished water, influent & effluent samples from City’s water and wastewater reclamation facilities.

Under direct supervision of the Lab Director/Chemist, employees of this class perform duties of a fairly well prescribed and routine nature in the laboratory analysis support of water and wastewater operations. Duties include preparing solutions, cleaning lab equipment, gathering samples, performing laboratory tests, and keeping daily records.  An important aspect of this position is the attention to detail, accuracy and record keeping inherent in laboratory testing.
 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The primary function of an employee in this class is to perform technical duties in the sampling and chemical and bacteriological analyses of water samples, including raw and treated potable water, wastewater influent and effluent, and industrial water samples. Samples are collected from the City's water treatment plant, reservoirs, distribution system, wastewater reclamation facilities, collection system and recharge systems.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·         Provide excellent customer service to both internal and external customers. 

·         Investigate water and wastewater customer complaints;

·         Performs chemical and bacteriological sampling and analyses of water samples from the potable water treatment, wastewater treatment, and industrial process water systems to determine compliance with applicable federal, state, county, and City standards;

·         Operates and maintains an analytical instrumentation according to federal, state, county rules and regulations. 

·         Writing and maintaining Standard Operating procedures for the chosen methods to be used for analysis of various parameters.

·         Maintain all records according to federal, state, county and City standards;

·         Operates, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs laboratory equipment including, but not limited to, Ion Chromatograph, pH meter, turbidimeter, ultraviolet visible spectrophotometer, autoclave, microscope, oven, and related equipment;

·         Collects samples from the distribution system, Peoria facilities, operators and industrial waste inspectors. 

·         Ensure proper chain of custody and sample integrity is maintained;

·         Records test results into computer spreadsheets and databases for analyses and record maintenance;

·         Performs chemical and microbiological sampling and testing to evaluate and improve treatment plant processes;

·         Performs chemical and microbiological sampling of new water treatment and wastewater treatment collection and distribution systems before being integrated into the City systems;

·         Identifies microbiological organisms found within the wastewater process;

·         Maintains inventory records on laboratory equipment, chemicals, supplies, and hazardous chemicals and materials;

·         Orders supplies as needed per City of Peoria procedures;

·         Assists in preparing, maintaining, and distribution of laboratory reports for federal, state, and county permits and regulations;

·         Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity;

·         Cleans and maintains laboratory to required sanitary levels;

·         Performs other related duties as required.  

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor’s degree in Physical Science with coursework in Microbiology or Chemistry is required.  Ability to show or attain proficiency in instrumental analysis and identification of microorganisms required. A valid Arizona driver’s license is required at time of hire.  Experience using a personal computer and associated software essential.

Must have basic knowledge of laboratory tests, techniques, procedures, equipment, and materials; Sample collection, preservation and analysis techniques for drinking water and wastewater; Some  knowledge of water and wastewater treatment plant and well operations; working knowledge of principles or practices of environmental science, field sampling procedures and equipment and analytical methods; Must be familiar with the principles of microbiology, organic, inorganic and analytical chemistry; Methods, equipment, materials, and standard procedures of chemistry, biology, bacteriology, and microbiology sampling, testing, and recording as related to municipal water and wastewater systems; Federal, state, county, City and other applicable standards for water quality; Use, care, and maintenance of laboratory equipment; Federal (OSHA) regulations and City policies regarding safe work practices, including specific knowledge of safe laboratory policies and procedures.

Must have the ability to thoroughly learn and perform proficiency test for the required permit tests, perform the necessary calculations, and fill out the associated worksheets accurately and in a timely manner. Demonstrated ability to collect samples in such a way as to maintain their integrity and to ensure the validity of the testing. Ability to work independently without direct supervision.  

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management software is preferred. 

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to sit, walk or stand; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; and use hands repetitively to operate, finger, handle or feel office equipment; operate a vehicle; and reach with hands and arms. Requires some field inspections and investigations that may include the moving of moderately heavy objects up to 25 to 50 pounds.

While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve complex problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; perform work under changing, intensive deadlines on multiple concurrent tasks; work with constant interruptions; and interact with customers, community organization representatives and the public. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Position is subject to both inside office and outside environmental conditions: No effective protection from weather. Position may be subject to extreme heat or cold for periods of more than one hour. Position is subject to hazards: Proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, exposure to chemicals, etc. 

FLSA: Non-exempt 

Revised: 05/07

 

City of Peoria Arizona an Equal Opportunity Employer

DURING THE SELECTION PROCESS, ANY APPLICANT REQUIRING ACCOMMODATION FOR A DISABILITY SHOULD ADVISE THE HUMAN  RESOURCES DEPARTMENT.

Employment Hotline (Voice Only): 623-773-7105
Human Resources (Voice/TDD): 623-773-7100

EOE M/F/D/V
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

OPORTUNIDAD DE EMPLEO CON DERECHOS IGUALES

8401 West Monroe St, Suite 110 - Peoria Arizona 85345 - (623) 773-7100 - Fax (623) 773-7149

This Page was last updated on 05/11/07
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