Assistant Laboratory Analyst

Laboratory Assistant Position

An employee in this position assists with the daily laboratory operations including water/wastewater sample collection, laboratory testing and analyses, water quality and treatment plant process control investigations and assist with laboratory research projects for Harnett Regional Water. This includes: the assigned duties of assistance maintaining state certification of your assigned laboratory unit; a variety of field and laboratory activities; and supporting process control and water quality monitoring.

Hiring salary: $46,834.00

Essential functions of the position:

• Assist the Laboratory Analyst in the performance of analytical and operational activities of laboratory programs; assist with providing water treatment plant process control and distribution system water quality monitoring; assist with water/wastewater NPDES Permit monitoring program; assist with wastewater treatment plant process control, bio-solids and pretreatment program.
• Follows assigned schedules and methods of laboratory operations and proper implementation of procedures and policies. Assist with writing or updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the laboratory procedure manual.
• Facilitates the daily sampling and testing of treatment process and presents those results for interpretation by Laboratory Analyst.
• Must be able to drive and operate a vehicle to travel as needed.
• Ability to perform in-house analyst or collect samples for certified chemical and/or biological test required for the EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).
• Assist with budget preparation and monitoring of laboratory operational materials and supplies.
• Provides assistance in the quality assurance/quality control program to maintain operational standards.
• Inputs laboratory results in the Water Information Management System (WIMS) to keep operational results current in this database.
• Maintains laboratory equipment; calibrates instrumentation and performs minor repairs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum requirements to perform work:

• Possession of High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
• One (1) year of operations or laboratory experience in water or wastewater treatment
• Or equivalent experience.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.
• Ability to obtain within 18 months a Wastewater Lab Analyst Class 1 for Wastewater Lab or NC Coliform (Total & Fecal) Certification for Drinking Water Lab.
• Ability to obtain within 18 months an NC Physical/Chemical Certificate.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of principles and methods used in chemical, bacteriological and physical analyses.
• Ability to learn and interpret State/Federal laws and regulations and water/wastewater standards relating to the operations of an environmental laboratory.
• Knowledge of sampling techniques and testing procedures.
• Ability to learn and apply methods and processes of water and/or wastewater treatment, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, and inorganic chemistry.
• Knowledge of safe laboratory practices and procedures.
• Skill in utilizing equipment used in laboratory analysis.
• Skill in communicating, both verbally and written.
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to use independent judgement.

Physical demands:
Must be able to perform light work frequently exerting up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects; and occasionally requiring exerting up to 20 pounds of force to move objects. This work also involves the physical abilities of grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, discriminating among sounds, lifting, having manual dexterity, using mental ability, speaking, standing, expressing ideas by the spoken word, and walking.

Must possess the visual acuity to analyze data, work with color, determine accuracy, operate computer and lab equipment and inspect defects. Work environment:
The employee is subject to hazards associated with water, wastewater and chemical work including exposure to electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, mist, gases and poor ventilation. The employee may be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) or use respirator. Wastewater work is also subject to the OSHA blood borne pathogens standard.