Laboratory Specialist

Operates advanced laboratory equipment (wet chemistry auto analyzer TOC analyzer, GFAA, MS, AAS, etc.) to provide analysis on water and wastewater samples from Water Pollution Control Plants, local industries, surface waters, and drinking waters identifying water quality relative to the designated standards.

Performs laboratory analysis using advanced laboratory equipment on routine and special samples of water and wastewater; tests include total kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, nitrate-nitrite, organics, metals, ammonia, and others as developed and needed.
 
Performs analysis by manual methods if necessary.
 
Maintains stock of chemicals and supplies; prepares standards and reagents needed for analyzer use; maintains glassware for use with equipment; performs routine maintenance on equipment, and trouble shoots problems related to these analyses; requests and stores all laboratory supplies and reagents.
 
Manages water by-products from the operation of analytical equipment to minimize hazardous waste generation.
 
Preserves samples for additional tests.
 
Records and reports results from industrial, environmental, drinking water, and City water pollution control plants samples for the Laboratory Supervisor who forwards them to the appropriate department; indicates compliance or non-compliance with permits.
 
Performs other laboratory testing functions as required to provide laboratory services as required.
 
Assists with cleaning and laboratory maintenance duties as necessary.
 
May assist with collection of creek samples from local streams.
 
Performs other related duties as required.
 
Employee subject to recall to duty in cases of emergency.
 Education and Experience:
 
High School Diploma or G.E.D.
 
Two years of laboratory experience.
 
Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the minimum level of qualifications stated above.
 
Licenses and Certifications:
 
State of Georgia Water and Wastewater Lab Analyst Certification.
 
Valid Class C Driver's License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).
 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
 
Knowledge of basic chemistry, mathematics, and biology.
 
Knowledge of practices, procedures, and safety precautions involved in laboratory analysis.
 
Knowledge of record keeping.
 
Knowledge of basic theory of operation of advanced laboratory equipment.
 
Ability to effectively use a computer in work related areas.
 
Ability to read technical manuals and apply to daily work.
 
Ability to structure and organize time to efficiently complete daily work load.
 
Ability to make precise laboratory measurements.
 
Ability to operate and calibrate standard and specialized laboratory equipment.
 
Ability to plot and interpret graphs.
 
Ability to read and interpret rules and regulations pertaining to water and wastewater sampling and testing.
 
Ability to use a pipette and other precise laboratory instruments.
 
 
 This position is classified as safety-sensitive.  Incumbent will be subject to random drug/alcohol testing.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive.  It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job.  The incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.
 
No certification incentive pay allowed for this position.
 

Salary : $39,312 - $50,128