Laboratory Technician

The purpose of this classification is to collect, prepare, and analyze drinking water and surface water samples used for compliance, quality assurance and quality control of drinking water and stormwater operations as required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida Department of Health. This position requires technical skills and knowledge in regulatory sampling and analysis for chemical and bacteriological parameters in water samples. This position requires knowledge in the calibration, use and proper maintenance of field and laboratory instruments. The work involves data collection, file management, database management, and basic data analysis and quality control. An employee in this position will be expected to maintain a high level of independent, technical judgement and ethical decision making that is vital to the integrity of the utility’s water quality monitoring program. The following duties are normal for this position.  The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.  Other duties may be required and assigned.
 

Performs safe and technically correct field sampling and data collection that is consistent with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the laboratory’s SOPs. Types of samples collected include but are not limited to monitoring wells, production wells, treated drinking water, and surface water. Samples are collected for bacteriological, inorganic, organic and nutrient analyses. Field data collection includes chlorine residual, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and temperature

Calibrates field and laboratory analysis instruments utilizing standards with confirmed values and reviews instrument reading against standard value upper and lower limits.

Process samples, maintain documentation and Chain of Custody as required when subcontracted labs are utilized for analysis and testing.

Performs safe and technically correct analysis of water samples. Analyses include but are not limited to color, turbidity, alkalinity, hardness, calcium, iron, chlorides, orthophosphate, nitrate, nitrite, fluoride, silica and hydrogen sulfide.

Involved in the day to day operation of the certified laboratory. Performs bacteriological testing for total coliform, E. coli and plate counts including confirmation for the above analyses following all National Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) procedures.

Documents analysis results on appropriate paperwork, maintains log books and performs records maintenance.

Follows safety procedures, utilizes safety equipment, and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals.

Operates various machinery, equipment and tools associated with the requirements of the position, which may include field instruments, multi-parameter meter, datasondes, portable pump, amp probe, spectrophotometer, turbidimeter, refrigerator, incubator, valve key, scales, laboratory paraphernalia, diagnostic instruments, mechanic tools, hand tools, testing materials, two-way radio, utility vehicle, or general office equipment.

Must have knowledge of and adhere to quality control requirements as mandated by FDEP, NELAC and Florida Administrative Code 62-160.

 Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and procedures; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.

Be familiar with water supply wells, associated equipment and instrumentation and knowledge of parameters used to assess well performance. Responsibilities include sample collection, analysis, monitoring and maintenance of Surficial Aquifer and Floridan Aquifer supply wells, and monitoring wells.

Be familiar with surface water systems including lakes, canals, tributaries and rivers, and FDEP water quality regulations established for natural water bodies. Responsibilities include sample collection, analysis, monitoring and maintenance of various surface water bodies. 

Perform equipment maintenance and troubleshooting on remote, data collection instruments including datasondes installed for continuous online monitoring of water systems; perform data acquisition, management, organization and analysis of information from datasondes. 

Be familiar with water treatment pilot units and treatment processes. Responsibilities include sample collection, analysis, monitoring, data collection, data review, and troubleshooting. 

Plan individual workloads and work flow to produce high quality data that meets regulatory program requirements in a timely, efficient and cost-effective manner.
 

Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, regulatory agencies, vendors, customers, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, field reports, test criteria sheets, pricing sheets, purchase requisitions, designs/plans, maps, signs, time sheets, or other documents. 
 

Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, drawing, imaging, diagnostic, or other computer programs; performs basic maintenance of computer system and office equipment, such as backing up data or replacing paper, ink, or toner.

Must be able to open/close fire hydrants and flush as needed. 

Perform water quality sampling and analysis for activities related to water service interruptions including procedures required for issuance and clearance of boil water orders, notification to regulatory agencies, and activities associated with mandatory public notice including use of computer software programs that utilize geographical information system (GIS) mapping tools.

This position requires the employee to be on a weekly “on- call” rotation, including after-hours work. During severe events, including storms, hurricanes and/or natural disasters, this position may be required to participate in emergency operations, work overtime, be called back to work and may be required to shelter in place 

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

Must be able to work in and withstand inclement weather, insects and other animals (snakes, frogs, etc.)

Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, typing documents, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.
 
 Provides assistance to other employees, departments, or entities as needed.

 Performs other related duties as required.

 

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in chemistry, biology, or closely related field.
• Two years of experience in a laboratory including experience in field sampling procedures and data collection techniques is required. 
• A valid Florida driver’s license is required. For application purposes, a valid driver’s license from any state (equivalent to a State of Florida Class E) may be utilized; with the ability to obtain the State of Florida driver’s license within thirty (30) days from the date of employment.   
  
  
• A valid State of Florida Class B or higher Certified Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator License can be a substitute for education.  A comparable amount of training, education, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job may be considered as a substitute for the educational requirements. 
  
  PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience in a NELAC certified laboratory is preferred.  
• A Class A Certified Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator License is preferred. 

Data Utilization:  Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data.  Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.
 
 Communication:  Requires the ability to effectively communicate with a variety of technical and non-technical individuals to coordinate activities, share knowledge, understand requirements and resolve issues.  Requires the ability to speak one-on-one and in large and small groups using appropriate language, descriptive terms, technical and non-technical terms. Requires the ability to successfully work in organized and ad-hoc teams, and individually.

 Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization:  Requires the ability to operate, maintain, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.
 
Mathematical Aptitude:  Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to calculate decimals and percentages; may include ability to perform mathematical operations with fractions; may include ability to compute discount, interest, profit and loss, ratio and proportion; may include ability to calculate surface areas, volumes, weights, and measures.
 
Functional Reasoning:  Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.
 
Situational Reasoning:  Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.
 
ADA COMPLIANCE
 
Physical Ability:  Tasks require the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds).
 
Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals.  Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
 
 Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright/dim light, toxic agents, disease, or pathogenic substances.
 
 
The Town of Jupiter, Florida, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Town will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer
 

Salary : $50,380