Wastewater Lab Assistant

Job Title:

Wastewater Lab Assistant

Classification: Non-Exempt

Department:
Wastewater Plant

Division:
Public Works

Supervisor:
Wastewater Plant Supervisor

Effective: 4/17/2026

I. JOB SUMMARY

This is an entry level laboratory technical position in the analysis of Domestic wastewater and Industrial wastewater. The Wastewater Lab Assistant provides technical support by collecting, preserving, and analyzing water and wastewater samples to ensure compliance with EPA, state, and local environmental regulations. This role involves meticulous data recording, equipment calibration, and performing physical/chemical tests on influent, effluent, and sludge samples to assist in plant process control.

This position performs critical analytical chemical and biological testing of the inflow, processing and discharge waste streams based on an established process control methodology. Testing results will be used by the wastewater supervisor and operators to maintain treatment facility within process management guidelines and mandated permitted reporting. This individual has no supervisory responsibilities. The Wastewater Lab Assistant will perform other duties assigned when needed by supervisor/department head.

Qualifications

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS High school diploma or G.E.D. required(Preferred Education) Graduated from an accredited college or technical school with associate or bachelor's degree in a related Biological, Chemical, Environmental field.

A Level "D" Operator license in wastewater treatment from T.C.E.Q. within 1 year of employment and a Level "C" Wastewater Operator license within 2 years of employment.

A minimum of one year in wastewater laboratory experience or a combination of education and experience.

TDL C Operator t be proficient in working with personal computer, typewriter, and general office equipment.

Must be able to communicate proficiently. (Bi-Lingual preferred) III. EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS Applicant will be subject to a complete background investigation. Incomplete, inaccurate and/or failure to report information will cause the applicant rejection from consideration.

Applicants must take drug, physical, and pre-placement screenings administered by the City of Mission doctor at the City's expense.

Applicant must have a current valid class "C" driver's license from the Department of Public Safety with no more than two (2) moving traffic violations within the past two (2) years.

Miscellaneous Information

SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS Ability to follow a firm work schedule as directed by supervisor.

Ability to compute, maintain and prepare complex records correctly, insuring confidentiality.

Ability to perform all standard methods and Laboratory procedures for T.C.E.Q. compliance and Quality Control standards.

Ability to deal with public relation issues and various types of citizen inquiries tactfully, courteously, and in a business manner.

Ability to compute and record numbers correctly.

Ability to follow instructions orally or in written form and perform tasks with little or no supervision.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with office staff, other city departments, elected officials and the public.

Ability to perform work that is routine and detailed.

Ability to perform a wide variety of different types of tasks without the variety itself causing a loss of efficiency.

Ability to speak and write clearly and accurately (to include correct spelling).Ability to skillfully use equipment and machines within the water and sewer plant.

Ability to work outdoors and indoors as necessary.

Ability to make decisions based on information that can be measured or verified.

Ability to understand principles of wastewater technology.

Ability to use eyes, hands, and fingers to operate and adjust delicate equipment and hand valves and measuring equipment.

Ability to determine volume measurements based on standards that can be measured or checked.

Ability to record keeping and logging of data.

Ability to use math skills to count, measure or keep inspection records.

Ability to analyze water content with lab equipment provided.

Ability to make decisions based on available data/criteria, laws and regulations, or city policy.

Ability to handle special projects of diverse nature as assigned.

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules and city policy procedures.

V. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSDraws samples and performs analytical chemical and biological tests on industrial and domestic wastewater drawn from grab and composite samplers at test ports on pipes/tanks or dip samples from ponds, ditches, clarifiers and as directed by supervisor or established process control methodology.

Performs

E. coli, Nitrogen, Dissolved Oxygen, C12 Residual, Ph, TSS, BOD, COD and other analysis on industrial and domestic wastewater inflows, processes and discharge streams.

Analyzes industrial and domestic wastewater inflows and processes identifying microbiology beneficial and or detrimental to industrial or domestic wastewater plant…