WPC Pretreatment and Laboratory Technician

Compensation for the Water Pollution Control (WPC) Pretreatment / Lab Tech position is structured across three classification levels based on education and qualifications: WPC Pretreatment / Lab Tech I, II, and III. WPC Pretreatment / Lab Tech I is considered the entry-level classification. Detailed job descriptions for the WPC Pretreatment / Lab Tech II and III are available on the City of Pocatello website.

The WPC Pretreatment and Laboratory Technician I works under the supervision of the Pretreatment and Laboratory Supervisor and assists in supporting compliance with the Federal Clean Water Act and the success of the City of Pocatello Pretreatment Program.

The position engages with business owners and operators throughout the city and assists in performing pretreatment inspections and administrative tasks to ensure commercial and industrial business are operating in accordance with federal, state and city regulations relating to discharges into the wastewater collection system. The position will assist in collecting wastewater discharge from Significant Industrial Users (SIUs) for analysis to ensure compliance with City ordinances and state and federal wastewater regulations.

The job assists in the implementation of the City’s Sewer Use Ordinance along with Pretreatment Regulations and Sanitary Sewer Regulations.

In addition to pretreatment tasks, the position performs a wide range of laboratory analyses in support of the City’s wastewater, environmental, and water utility operations. The job assists in the collection of samples and performs laboratory testing and analysis on the City’s wastewater treatment plant, industrial businesses, storm runoff, biosolids and the Portneuf River for compliance analysis and testing to ensure compliance with state, federal regulations and applicable standards.

The position participates in 24-hour sampling events pursuant to IPDES permit regulations. These events are scheduled to occur twice per year over a duration of one week during which time work hours are adjusted to accommodate sampling requirements.

This is an entry-level class for Pretreatment and Laboratory Technician position and requires a Pretreatment Facility Inspector Certification and a State of Idaho Wastewater Laboratory Analyst Class I License, or the ability to obtain required certification and licensure within specified time periods. The position requires the ability to learn and apply pretreatment, environmental, sampling and testing regulations under supervision. Error, omission or negligence in performance could have serious consequences to the plant process, public safety and the environment.

This could lead to potential legal and financial liability due to non-compliance with federal and state requirements.

The job requires knowledge of methods, equipment, materials, tools, and standard practices for sampling/testing of water quality, industrial and commercial waste discharges. The job includes the collection of data and accurate recordkeeping of laboratory and pretreatment work. The job requires ability to follow standard operating procedures and accurately complete bench sheets and forms. The job also includes cleaning, calibrating and maintaining lab and sampling equipment.

The position participates in community education and outreach on wastewater pretreatment and related environmental programs by assisting in the development of educational materials and assisting in presentations at schools and various outreach events. The job requires the ability to maintain a collaborative and cooperative working relationship with elected and appointed officials, other City employees, other organizations, business owners, industrial employees, and the general public.

The work environment includes a wastewater treatment facility, office, laboratory, and a variety of field testing and inspection environments, including rivers and industrial facilities. These work environments may include protected exposure to infectious bacteria, bodily fluids, hazardous chemicals and gases, wastewater treatment equipment, noisy and/or loud equipment, hazardous or toxic waste material, adverse weather…