Water Quality Laboratory Technician (Union AFSCME)

Salary: $35.845 - $45.881/hour*

• Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for range.

NATURE OF WORK:

The focus of this position is to perform a full range of microbiological and analytical testing activities in the Filtration Division's Water Quality Laboratory, including data review and approval, and meeting all requirements of the Laboratory's quality assurance program. This Water Quality Laboratory Technician will perform a number of bacteriological determinations and will be responsible for collection and analysis of a variety of samples. The ideal candidate will have an understanding of drinking water regulations, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Laboratory Accreditation Program requirements, quality assurance and quality control requirements for microbiological testing, and will be able to adapt specific IDPH and/or Standard Methods for the purpose of State accreditation. The position requires instrument troubleshooting and maintenance skills as well as the ability to perform complex water quality studies, to review and analyze data, to follow all IDPH health and safety policies and procedures, and to work well with other team members.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):

• Makes periodic laboratory counts of bacteria in water supply.
• Analyzes samples of filtered water to ensure that quantities of solids left in suspension are below prescribed limits.
• Tests samples extracted from various points in distribution system, such as mains, tanks, pumps, and hydrants, to ensure that water is free of contamination.
• Conducts analyses such as alkalinity, hardness, turbidity, chlorine residual, taste, odor, and fluoride in finished water and chlorine and fluoride in water for distribution system daily.
• Performs microbiological testing daily.
• Prepares culture media and other reagents.
• Performs and maintains quality assurance, quality control tasks and reporting associated with laboratory certification, including calibration of equipment and associated record keeping.
• Assists Chemist in the performing various other tests.
• Responds to inquiries and concerns raised by staff and possibly by the general public.

• May assume responsibilities of the Chemist in his/her absence.
• Maintains inventory of supplies and repair parts for all lab operations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

• Must possess a B.S. in Biology, Chemistry, or related discipline.
• Must possess at least One year experience in an environmental laboratory.
• Ability to perform laboratory testing with third party blind and reference standards and use proper lab techniques including standard methods and department required protocols.
• Must be willing and able to obtain an IDPH certification to perform Total Coliform and E.Coli analysis within 6 months of hire and maintain it as a condition of employment.
• Must obtain National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS 100 and IS 700 Certification within18 months of hire.
• Knowledge of laboratory policies, procedures and practices necessary for testing water in compliance with IEPA and IDPH regulations.
  • Knowledge and use of personal computer and software including MS Word and Excel.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:

• Principles, methods, materials, and practices of chemical and bacteriological testing.
• Ability to carry out, with a high degree of accuracy, a variety of qualitative and quantitative chemical, physical and bacteriological analysis.
• Ability to keep accurate laboratory records and to prepare reports of testing procedures and results.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, subordinates.
• Ability to understand, give, and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

Light Work: Ability to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Subject to inside environmental conditions.

Exposure to chemicals that are hazardous to the skin and eyes. Proper use of appropriate safety equipment is required.


SUPERVISION:

Work is performed under the direction of the Chemist. Guidance is provided through rules and regulations, policies and procedures, Federal and State Drinking Water Requirements, Unified Work Rules, Union Contract, Personnel Rules and IDOL. Work is evaluated at least annually for the safe and skilled operation of the laboratory, the quality of tasks, adherence to work rules, and performance in accordance with the classification standard.


PUBLIC CONTACT:

The employee has regular contact with other City employees in the Water & Sewer Division and the Department of Forestry. The employee has occasional contact with the general public responding to questions and concerns related to water quality in the absence of the Chemist.


SELECTION METHOD TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST LIFE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST
Structured Oral Interview Two (2) Years To apply for this position, please apply online at www.cityofevanston.org on or before the closing date.

Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.
The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact Human Resources at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-448-8052 (TTY).