Sanitary Technician

The work involves responsibility for the set-up and operation of a variety of laboratory apparatus and instrumentation to analyze water, wastewater, industrial discharges, and solid and hazardous wastes according to New York State and Federal (EPA) regulations. Under the general supervision of a Sanitary Chemist and the direct supervision of a Senior Sanitary Technician, an employee in this class is responsible for operating and maintaining all equipment utilized in the routine analyses performed by this class and for keeping accurate, up-to-date records as required by New York State Department of Health Laboratory Certification Program.

Responsibilities include accepting samples for analysis, ascertaining proper preservation of said samples and disposing of hazardous water and waste material in a safe and proper manner. The work of an employee in this class is distinct from Laboratory Technicians assigned to medical laboratories by virtue of the tests performed on specimens of human tissues and body fluids performed by the latter facility.

There is no supervision assigned to employees in this class. Does related work as required.

Sets up and performs the more routine analyses involved in analyzing samples of water, wastewater, solid, and hazardous wastes, including but not limited to: BOD, solids, ammonia, TKN, sulfates, alkalinity, pH, phenol, cyanide, metals species and other routine analyses.

Sets up and performs basic bacteriological analyses of treatment plant effluent and receiving waters.

Maintains permanent records of sample analysis, including quality control and quality assurance data in accordance with accepted procedures.

Responsible for checking proper preservation criteria of laboratory samples prior to analysis.

Responsible for safe and proper handling and disposal of chemicals and hazardous water and waste material.

Good knowledge of laboratory safety precautions involving different aspects of laboratory apparatus and chemicals, and potentially toxic or hazardous samples.

Working knowledge of principles underlying procedures used in performing tests on various types of laboratory samples.

Skill in the use of laboratory apparatus and performing laboratory tests.

Ability to make accurate and precise measurements using various laboratory instruments.

Ability to pay close attention to detail for long periods of time.

Ability to follow written and oral instructions.

(A) Two (2) years of experience, or its part-time equivalent, in an environmental laboratory performing technical laboratory test procedures; or,

(B) Successful completion of fifteen (15) credit hours from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university in chemistry, biology or biochemistry; or,

(C) An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B).