Lab Technician

Job Description

POSITION PURPOSE:

The purpose of this position is to perform laboratory analyses with a high degree of competency according to EPA and DNR approved methodology, and in compliance with standard operating procedures. The Racine Wastewater Utility laboratory is a WDNR certified laboratory, providing analytical services in support of regulatory compliance, plant process control, industrial pretreatment program and hauled waste monitoring.

Essential Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Perform wet chemistry analyses including but not limited to Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), solids, phosphorus, nitrogen, chlorine, pH, etc.
• Perform bacteriological enumeration testing.
• Perform assays of plant process control chemicals.
• Conduct microbial examination of activated sludge.
• Prepare analytical reagents, standards, and culture media.
• Collect and preserve laboratory samples using proper chain of custody protocol.
• Process samples utilizing Element laboratory information management system (LIMS) – login, batching, data entry and review.
• Validate accurate readings from temperature monitoring devices.
• Maintain neat and accurate laboratory bench sheets and records, including instrument calibration, chemical traceability, equipment logs, etc.
• Verify quality assurance of all data submitted; recognizes non-conformance/out of tolerance and documents corrective action
• Perform routine quality checks of laboratory equipment and periodic preventative maintenance
• General upkeep of equipment and facilities; routinely clean laboratory equipment and work area
• Assist in coordination and preparation of samples for contract lab analysis
• Perform clerical tasks including but not limited to filing, data entry and replying to internal and external inquiries via phone or email.
• Adhere to all safety procedures as defined by the Utility work and safety rules and the Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plan.
• Assist other laboratory or utility personnel as needed.
• Must be able to work a rotating weekend and holiday schedule.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum training and experience required to perform essential job functions.

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university of recognized standing with major courses in chemistry, biology, life sciences, water resources, or related program.
• Six years satisfactory performance as a laboratory technician or equivalent certified laboratory experience.

• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources General Wastewater Operator and Laboratory Subgrade (L) certification required within one year of hire.

• A valid state-issued motor vehicle operating license.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory principles, techniques, terminology and equipment.
• Ability to consistently perform laboratory tests within established quality control limits.
• Proficiency in laboratory analysis documented with Initial Demonstration of Capability (IDC) in all above listed test parameters.

• Knowledge of basic laboratory principles, techniques, terminology and equipment.
• Ability to consistently perform laboratory tests within established quality control criteria.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with particular attention to detail
• Ability to independently manage workload according to established procedures, sample hold times, and Laboratory Director assigned due dates.

• Three years satisfactory performance as a laboratory technician or equivalent certified laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated progressive knowledge and skill regarding analytical methodology, instrument operation, recognition of sample characteristics, troubleshooting routine QC failures and subsequent corrective action, and trend analysis in data sets.
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Basic General Wastewater and Basic Laboratory Subgrade (L) certification required within one year.
• Proficiency in microbial identification methodology and causation.
• Documentation of successful Initial Demonstration of Capability (IDC) in all above listed test parameters.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Language and Interpersonal Communication.

• Ability to analyze and categorize data and information in order to determine the relationship of the data with reference to established criteria/standards. Ability to compare, count, differentiate, classify, compute, tabulate, measure and/or sort data, as well as assemble, copy and record and transcribe data and information.
• Ability to utilize, interpret, and apply a variety of advisory data and information such as lab test results records and reports, charts, graphs, quality assurance documents, laboratory certification manuals, testing protocol and standards, federal and state lab operating and reporting regulations and guidelines, SDS, scientific supply catalogs, technical operating manuals, and procedures.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing with varied and diverse contacts, such as Utility personnel, waste haulers, general public, vendor representatives, customers, students, and regulatory personnel.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.

Mathematical Application

• Ability to apply algebraic and trigonometric formulas, and interpret inferential statistical reports and/or formulation and equation data.
• Ability to classify, compute and tabulate data using hand-written bench sheets and electronic integration in analyzing, recording, and interpreting data.

Judgement and Situational Reasoning

• Ability to use functional reasoning and apply rational judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory and/or judgmental criteria.
• Ability to work independently to perform and interpret laboratory tests.

Physical Requirements

• Must have good dexterity with ability to hand operate equipment and instruments, some requiring complex and rapid adjustments in coordination with eye movement.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to exert light to moderate physical effort to lift and carry objects up to 25 lbs, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling.
• Ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarity or difference between characteristics of color, sound and odors as associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS:

• The majority of time will be spent in a laboratory setting in an atmosphere maintained comfortably by climate-controlled systems per laboratory specifications.
• Occasional exposure to plant and outdoor conditions and atmosphere where exposure to weather, noise, and odors is expected.
• Ability to work under mildly unsafe and uncomfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors such as heat, odors, smoke, chemicals, toxic agents, noise, wetness, pathogens, electrical currents, broken glass and/or dusts can cause discomfort and where there is risk of injury.

• Variety of laboratory meters, analytical balance, vacuum pump, steam table, water bath, muffle furnace, drying oven, fume hoods, glassware washer, miscellaneous laboratory glassware, water purification units.
• Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), Mercury Analyzer and various accessories.
• Discrete Analyzer, BOD Analyzer, UV-Vis spectrophotometer.
• distillation, digestion and extraction units.
• Software to include Promium Element LIMS, instrument specific, Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel, Time Management Software (TMS), and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Other software may be applicable.

The Laboratory is typically audited every three years by the Wisconsin DNR. Analysts are interviewed and questioned on their knowledge, work practices, records and procedures by audit staff. All records are required to be available to the auditor for review. These are very thorough evaluations. Failures can lead to the loss of certification.

This job description is intended to identify essential duties and also illustrates other types of duties that may be assigned. It should not be interpreted as describing all of the duties that will be required of an employee or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments that an individual is required to perform. In addition to the responsibilities and duties listed, it is expected that employees maintain a consistent and reliable attendance record. Job descriptions are subject to revision at any time at the discretion of the Utility or City of Racine.

The City of Racine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.