Laboratory Technician

posting number: 2627-38

department: water utilities

job classification: laboratory technician

posting type: open

categories: laboratory

the city of oceanside is an equal opportunity employer.

the city of oceanside is accepting applications for the position of laboratory technician in our water and sewer laboratory. This program is a part of the utility’s operational compliance and quality testing function.

the oceanside water utilities department is an innovative and forward-looking organization whose goal it is to ensure ongoing access to safe, affordable drinking water & reliable wastewater collection & treatment services by maintaining top talent, resource resiliency, dependability, and system efficiency.

the laboratory is seeking a scientifically‑minded individual who can quickly learn the entry-level testing and data entry requirements of the laboratory. This person will conduct the daily and sometimes repetitive tasks of operating and maintain the basic laboratory function. Your ability to quickly adapt to the specific needs and pace of water and wastewater operations as well as assimilating into the team will be essential.

the laboratory technician will rotate duties with the other two technicians on a scheduled frequency. Technicians will rotate between solids analyses, tss/cbod testing and microbiological media preparation.

• excel in laboratory environment and get daily hands‑on experience in performing physical, chemical and biological tests
• gain valuable insight to the inner workings of a water and wastewater laboratory and overall knowledge of water utility operations and concepts
• assist more experienced lab personnel in complex tasks
• gain independence in your daily tasks as you master your responsibilities
• hone relevant and practical skills that pertain to your education in chemistry, microbiology or related fields

performs physical, chemical and biological tests and calculates results for various samples taken throughout the wastewater treatment process; submits results of daily tests in written form to operations; prepares and autoclaves cultured media before disposal; performs quality control tests to assure accuracy of laboratory analysis; calibrates equipment used in testing; creates and maintains forms and logs for daily use in testing and quality control analysis;

assists in daily lab maintenance and operations including the preparation of solutions used in testing; cleans and sterilizes glassware used in daily testing; collects final samples; assists other lab personnel as needed; schedules sample collections; assists in the organization of the lab work load; writes reports as needed; inputs data in computer; and performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

knowledge of
:

• laboratory equipment and instruments
• chemical, biological and microbiological testing procedures;
• laboratory safety procedures; and
• basic math, including decimals.

ability to:

• use associated laboratory equipment in a safe manner;
• perform routine laboratory testing procedures;
• establish and maintain cooperative working relationships;
• communicate effective both orally and in writing;
• work varied hours and independently without close supervision;
• read documents written in standard english text;
• maintain mental capacity which allows for effective interaction and communication with others;
• maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties.

experience: one year of experience in…