Lab Technician - Sampling and Analysis

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Responsible for performing regular physical, bacteriological and chemical analysis of water and wastewater during various stages of treatment processing and maintaining records on all tests.

• Conducts daily tests on water and wastewater during various stages of the treatment process to develop proper quality treatment using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) approved methods.
• Conducts tests on industrial waste samples to assure compliance with the City’s Industrial Waste Program.
• Maintains laboratory records required by state officials and agencies, including performing and reporting proper quality control procedures.
• Collects and receives incoming samples for analysis and maintains a chain of custody record in the event of legal action.
• Calibrates laboratory instruments on a daily basis and documents the calibration as a part of the Laboratory’s Quality Assurance Program.
• Investigates citizen complaints about water quality and communicates results to interested citizens.
• Maintains inventory of glassware, chemicals, report forms and spare parts.
• Works directly with the Industrial Waste Inspector to enforce the City’s Industrial Waste Ordinance or substitutes in the Inspector’s absence.
• Collects, preserves, and ships plant toxicity samples to outside laboratories for analysis.
• Conducts smoke tests on City’s collection system to locate areas of infiltration.
• Performs and assists with tests as needed to determine if materials received at the City’s landfill comply with standards as established by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
• Prepares and submits daily reports of wastewater streams as required for submittal to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency.
• Works directly with consultants, outside laboratories and state and federal environmental health officials and inspectors.
• Monitors plant operations and recommend process changes.
• Monitors effluent as necessary to meet Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules and regulations.
• Performs other tasks as related to the position or as directed by the Assistant Lab Manager, Lab Manager or Director.

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Must have or have the ability to receive and maintain a Grade “C” (minimum) Wastewater Operator’s Certificate within two (2) years of date of hire
• Must have or have the ability to receive and maintain a Grade “C” (minimum) Surface Water Operator’s Certificate within two (2) years of date of hire
• Must possess a valid Texas Motor Vehicle Class “C” Driver’s License and must maintain a satisfactory driving record.
• Any combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certification and licenses may qualify

• Knowledge of laboratory equipment and procedures of chemistry and bacteriology as related to water and wastewater
• Knowledge on the operations, services and activities of treatment plants and ability to assist in the operation of the plants
• Knowledge of and ability to follow health practices as required to prevent the spreading of water-borne diseases
• Knowledge of techniques involved in taking water samples and performing related field measurements
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Basic principles and procedures of record keeping
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public, city employees, and contractors in a courteous manner
• Ability to read, write and distinguish colors
• Ability to perform moderate to heavy lifting tasks weighing up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work in extreme/varying weather conditions
• Effectively able to use current computer software applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and office equipment