Water​/Wastewater Treatment Plant Laboratory Technician

Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Laboratory Technician

This is the first of three levels in the Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Laboratory series. Incumbents perform and interpret lab results. Responsibilities may include maintaining a quality assurance plan; interpreting lab results; writing and updating lab procedures; maintaining lab records; calculating chemical dosages, chemical usage, flow rates, detention times, and other similar calculations; and performing the duties of the lower level. This is a technical and skilled position collecting and analyzing samples ensuring overall water quality in the Clarksville Water System or Clarksville Wastewater System meets or exceeds all relative water quality regulatory standards.

• Performs sample analyses utilizing highly technical laboratory equipment; interprets lab results which includes performing routine laboratory tests of applicable samples using standard laboratory methods; drawing conclusions; interpreting results; analyzing findings; calculating chemical dosages, chemical usage, flow rates, and detention times; writes and updates lab procedures as necessary; and performing related duties.
• Collects, preserves, and disposes of lab samples following established guidelines, which may include collecting samples from applicable sites; handling preserved or hazardous samples; determining acceptable hold times; disposing of samples based on sample types and applicable preservatives; and/or, performing other related activities.
• Cleans and organizes lab facilities and equipment; monitors and maintains applicable equipment, supplies, information technology items, and/or inventory; orders equipment and supplies; stocks materials, supplies, and products; and maintains lab cleanliness.
• Prepares and maintains various records related to laboratory activities, ensuring data accuracy and integrity following all city, state and federal standards and regulations; notifies supervisor(s) of results indicative of potential impact to the water quality.
• Assists in development and implementation of water quality monitoring plans, standard operating procedures, and other plans as required; maintains the standards for laboratory certification by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
• Performs other related work as required.

Education and Experience:

High school graduate or GED equivalent. Two (2) years of experience in a lab environment. An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the job's essential duties.

License and

Certifications:

Possession of a valid Class D driver's license. Must obtain Grade IV Water Treatment/Wastewater Plant Operator Certification (respective to plant assignment) within 24-30 months of assignment. Must obtain Grade II Water Distribution Operator Certification (respective to plant assignment) within 12 months after obtaining Grade IV Certification.

Knowledge of:
Chemical and biological testing principles. Basic analysis methods. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) principles. Laboratory principles and practices in assigned area of responsibility. Safe work methods and procedures. Mathematical principles. Applicable laboratory equipment. Hazardous waste handling procedures. Recordkeeping principles. Basic inventory management principles. Computers and related software applications.

Skill in:
Performing basic laboratory tests and analyses. Collecting applicable samples. Handling hazardous waste and materials. Maintaining laboratory records. Performing mathematical calculations. Monitoring inventory and supply levels. Using a computer and related software applications. Maintaining operational records. Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisor, the public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

The work is medium work which requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

• Balancing:
  Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. The amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.
• Climbing:
  Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized.
• Crawling:
  Moving about on hands, knees, hands, and feet.
• Crouching:
  Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
• Feeling:
  Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
• Fingering:
  Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers…