Laboratory Technician

Description

This is laboratory work performing chemical and bacteriological tests in controlling and evaluating water and wastewater treatment.

Work involves responsibility for performing a variety of routine and more complex tests. Work is expected to be carried out independently under the general supervision of a chemist and in keeping with regular procedures and special instructions. Work is evaluated for adherence to procedures and correctness in recording procedures and results by observation of work in process and a review of records and reports.

Examples of Duties

Collects samples of water and wastewater and their by products; assembles instruments and equipment; prepares chemical and bacteriological media, reagents, and test solutions routinely used in the laboratory.

Operates instruments and equipment in performing tests on a timely basis; records test results and prepares reports of tests.

Assists in the collection of water or wastewater samples at various stages of the treatment process.

Cleans, maintains, and stores instruments, supplies, and equipment; maintains inventory of supplies and initiates requests for replenishment of stock.

Maintains a quality assurance program.

Responds to inquiries and complaints regarding water quality.

Provides effective and efficient customer services and promotes and maintains responsive community relations.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Possession of a valid Class D Illinois vehicle operators license or an equivalent license issued by the employees state of residence.

Graduation from high school (or GED) supplemented by college level course work in chemistry, biology, or other closely related science field; some experience in performing laboratory tests; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:

Knowledge of the basic principles of chemistry and bacteriology.

Knowledge of laboratory equipment, instruments, procedures, and terminology.

Ability to learn and understand state and federal requirements relative to water quality.

Ability to read, understand, and work from written descriptions of standard procedures and to comprehend and adhere to oral instructions.

Ability to record test results with accuracy and to summarize data and otherwise prepare reports of test results.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.

Laboratory technique of incumbents must be certified by the Illinois Department of Public Health after they are on the job.

Supplemental Information

Selected candidates must meet a residency requirement, which includes living in the state of Illinois or Iowa and must report within 60 minutes after being called into work for an overtime assignment The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate tools and equipment as well as equipment controls reached with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to talk, hear, and smell. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; and is occasionally exposed to wet and slippery surfaces, humid conditions, extreme cold and heat, and toxic chemicals.