Lab Technician, Senior

Purpose of Classification

The purpose of this classification is to coordinate and perform a variety of standard physical, chemical and bacteriological laboratory tests to maintain compliance with EPD and EPA standards for drinking water.

Essential Functions of this position include

• Collecting water samples from locations throughout the county, and testing for fluoride, iron, chlorine, pH (potential hydrogen), and bacteria.
• Conducting microbiological testing of water mandated by regulatory agencies, performing calculations for microbiological and chemical testing, daily chemical analysis with instrumentation, daily and monthly calibration checks on instrumentation, and physical testing (color turbidity, suspended solids, etc.).
• Preparing and sterilizing bottles for sample collection; communicating results to supervisors, operations management, and other county personnel.
• Preparing all bacteriological media and reagents needed for testing; performing microbiological testing of distribution system samples; recording results of microbiological testing for distribution system samples, customer concerns, and major incidents; and performing monthly checks of safety stations, balances, instrumentation, and other equipment.
• Recording and maintaining testing results, compiling and preparing forms, reports, analyses, and sample documentation; analyzing water testing to identify trends and patterns.
• Training new laboratory and operations employees to aid in acquiring licenses.
• Performing housekeeping duties and tracking inventory; assisting in maintaining adequate supplies for collection and sampling; cleaning hazardous spills (mercury, etc.); washing and sterilizing glassware; and completing routine safety checks.

Associate degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related field; either three years of experience in aseptic techniques, safe laboratory practices, and testing—including bacteriological testing, physical and chemical analysis—or one year as a Laboratory Technician in a Water or Wastewater Laboratory with DeKalb County; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license; and must possess and maintain a Water or Wastewater Laboratory Analyst license.