Laboratory Technician - Environmental Quality Control

Posting Type

Open Competitive

Full Time

This is entry‑level technical laboratory work in the analysis of wastewater and sludge samples for proper wastewater treatment plant operation. Employees work independently; however, technical supervision may be given by a senior Laboratory Technician.

• High school graduation or its equivalent and twelve (12) hours of post‑secondary coursework in chemistry or biology; post‑secondary coursework in quantitative analysis preferred.
• One (1) year of experience performing advanced laboratory tests and their analyses.

$20.33 with step increases to $27.92 hourly

Forty‑hour work week. Paid leave per year: 12 days vacation, 18 days sick, and 14 holidays. Employee’s group health insurance, including major medical, vision, and dental, for individual or family. Defined benefit pension plan, plus Social Security, and more.

• Knowledge of laboratory equipment, terminology and a wide variety of standard laboratory procedures
• Knowledge of chemistry and/or biology principles and fundamentals
• Knowledge of safety regulations and practices applicable to laboratory duties
• Knowledge of quality control procedures
• Skill in performing wet chemical tests and various routine laboratory tests involving samples
• Ability to calibrate delicate instruments and take accurate readings on fine gauges
• Ability to interpret results of laboratory tests
• Ability to recognize color, odor, texture, and weight of samples
• Ability to understand oral or written instructions
• Ability to stand, reach, and walk 76‑100% of the time; bend and stoop 51‑75% of the time; push and pull 26‑50% of the time; climb and squat 0‑25% of the time
• Ability to move objects weighing up to 50 pounds 0‑33% of the time, weighing up to 20 pounds 34‑66% of the time; and weighing up to 10 pounds 67‑100% of the time

• Quantitatively analyzes wastewater and sludge samples (at various stages of treatment) using established testing procedures for total and suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, grease and oil content, pH, volatile acids and alkalinity
• Performs replicate analyses and/or analyzes in‑house and commercial standard samples to verify analytical testing methodology yields accurate and reproducible results
• Calculates results of analyses and applies statistical principles prior to compiling results onto daily report logs which document compliance with federal, state and local regulations governing discharges to receiving streams
• Prepares and cleans glassware; cleans, calibrates and adjusts equipment
• Maintains laboratory equipment and sufficient stock level of chemicals and other laboratory supplies
• Handles and stores scientific chemicals in oven, hoods, desiccators, and fireproof cabinets
• Weighs, prepares, mixes and standardizes chemicals or solutions for the analysis of industrial wastewater and treatment plant process control samples
• Performs other duties as assigned or as the situation dictates within the scope of this classification

Candidates must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, permanent residence, or authorization to work without sponsorship. The City of Omaha reserves the right to conduct pre‑employment inquiries or evaluations of candidates for employment as it deems appropriate for the particular position. Pre‑employment inquiries may include, without limitation: verification of employment history and educational attainment; review of driving, credit, and criminal convictions; hearing, drug, functional capacity, psychological, vision, and medical tests;

and/or any other relevant background information deemed appropriate to determine the suitability of the applicant for the position. Failure to provide the information requested in the application and hiring process in a truthful, timely, accurate, and complete manner may result in disqualification, revocation of a conditional offer of employment, or termination.

The City of Omaha does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you need a disability‑related accommodation during the job application or selection process, advise the Human Resources Department at least 48 hours prior to the need by emailing employment.