What are the responsibilities and job description for the Water Quality Lab Technician II position at City of Las Cruces?
Serves as lead worker training and overseeing the work staff engaged in performing sampling and laboratory tests of drinking water, wastewater, soils, composts, and sludge for various parameters as mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), City ordinances, and the Laboratory’s Quality Assurance Manual (QAM).
Environmental Factors
Position functions approximately ninety (90) percent in a laboratory environment and ten (10) percent outdoors with exposure to all types of weather and traffic conditions; may work primarily outdoors if work tasks consist mostly of field sampling; exposure to fumes, chemical odors, gases, radiant energy, burns, incompatible chemicals, biohazards (including cultured microorganisms and raw wastewater) and hazards from mechanical and electrical equipment. Protective clothing and equipment may include self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), face shields, eye protectors, hard hat, steel toe shoes, chemical protection aprons, hearing protection, gloves, etc.
Physical Factors
Position requires lifting, carrying (with assistance) and pushing items weighing up to seventy (70) pounds; frequent reaching above shoulder height, bending, stooping, crouching and use of a personal computer. Sufficient clarity of speech, hearing, or other communication capabilities, vision or other powers of observation, manual dexterity, and personal mobility and physical reflexes sufficient to effectively and efficiently perform essential job functions.
Work Situation Factors
Position involves competing demands such as working weekends and holidays on a rotating basis in order to complete requirements of Discharge Monitoring Report; occasional overtime to meet project schedules and deadlines; performing a variety of duties; extensive interaction with both internal and external customers. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.
First consideration may be given to current City of Las Cruces employees who meet the minimum requirements.
Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.
Full-time, regular, non-exempt position
This position is graded at RN14.
- Schedules, assigns, and oversees daily activities of work crew; inspects completed work is in compliance with standards and safety requirements, provides on-the-job training to new employees, instructs crew on proper laboratory procedures and safety, standard methods, chemical hazards and procedures, and personal protection equipment; serves as technical support to other workers; provides input into performance evaluations of crew members; maintains work records and log books; serves as the acting supervisor as necessary.
- Collects and analyzes samples from drinking water distribution systems and wells, surface waters and treatment facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, application sites, groundwater monitoring wells and industrial dischargers.
- Works with the Laboratory Manager to meet NPDES and Safe Drinking Water Act compliance monitoring and reporting requirements; schedules and conducts compliance monitoring; prepares samples to be sent to contract laboratories; prepares final compliance reports.
- Performs, supports, and assists with all laboratory needs and requirements; receives samples from external customers, answers inquiries regarding testing procedures, conducts laboratory tours, and works with the Laboratory Manager in regulatory compliance matters regarding audits and inspections by regulatory agencies.
- Maintains and troubleshoots all instruments, equipment, and work spaces; prepares all analytical standards, reagents, and biological media; uses reagents, chemicals, and standards to prepare working solutions and media per standard formulae; prepares samplers, sample containers, and required preservatives.
- Operates a City vehicle to go to various locations to collect samples; samples various media using approved methods and devices; verifies requested analyses, proper preservation, containers, holding time, and amount; prepares and verifies sample identification and Chain of Custody documentation; stores, archives, and secures samples as appropriate.
- Calibrates instruments; uses correct procedures for sample preparation; analyzes parameters such as conductivity, pH, nitrate, total chlorine residual, sulfide and related tests.
- Records test results and sample observations into laboratory logs; enters data into automated data base and calculates results for preliminary reports.
- Maintains instrument logs and control data sheets; performs periodic checks that include verifying reagent water quality, heterotrophic plate counts, and total coliform verification.
- Oversees, monitors, and ensures all QA/QC program guidelines are being followed for wastewater and drinking water requirements and ensures compliance; analyzes blanks, duplicate, spiked samples, and blind performance evaluation samples to evaluate consistency of how methods are used and the proficiency of the analyst; reports problems and need for corrective actions to Laboratory Manager.
- Ships and delivers samples to external laboratories; performs regular inventory of supplies and reagents; organizes supplies and equipment according to shelf life and expiration dates; receives supplies and equipment; documents and verifies all purchasing lists are correct and stores materials according to MSDS sheets if applicable.
- Provides performance feedback, trains, and instructs employees to meet established goals and objectives; participates in staff evaluations with designated supervisor to provide impartial feedback regarding performance; assures that staff maintain safety standards and adhere to policies and procedures for efficient and safe operations.
- Reviews, maintains, and updates records in various formats, mediums, and automated systems to ensure data integrity and adherence to internal controls, practices, and policies; demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless services.
Associate Degree in Water Technology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field AND three (3) years experience in analytical laboratory testing and analysis of water/wastewater is required. Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, or Public Health may be preferred. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.
Licenses/Certification(s)
Valid driver’s license is required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies. Current NM Water Sampling Technician II Certification and a NM Wastewater Laboratory Technician II Certification must be obtained within one (1) year of employment.
Knowledge of: Laboratory principles, practices, procedures, equipment and materials; laboratory safety and hazard communication (MSDS); proper labeling, use, storage and disposal of chemicals; microbiology, chemistry, biology and water-related fields; treatment processes and sampling procedures for water, wastewater and sludge;; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; principles and practices of effective employee guidance; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; quality control and quality assurance plans; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.
Ability to: Perform analyses according to NMED and EPA standard methods and QAM protocols and make comparisons and inferences from data; evaluate situations that depart from expected behavior or results and initiate appropriate corrective actions; collect samples and maintain their integrity and ensure the validity of the testing; read and interpret technical and operational manuals, guidelines and diagrams; oversee the daily activities in a team structure; use hand tools and motorized utility cart, two-way communication device, laboratory equipment and instruments; assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; learn new laboratory procedures and techniques; remain current with revisions to standard operating procedures and QAM protocols of the laboratory; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.
Skills in: Reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.
Salary : $23
