Wastewater Laboratory Technician

General PurposeThe City of Idaho Falls is accepting applications for Wastewater Laboratory Technician. This position performs entry level, technical laboratory work in the analysis of waste to identify and determine characteristics of industrial, commercial, and institutional waste introduced into wastewater system.Essential FunctionsAnalyzes representative samples of waste from industrial, commercial, and institutional establishments flowing into the wastewater system; conducts routine and special tests to ascertain the characteristics of materials likely to require special treatment as wastewater.Ascertains industrial waste characteristics, such as peak load concentration, duration of peak load and load variations at different times of the day.Conducts tests relating to industrial waste to ascertain such factors as PH, temperature, biological and chemical oxygen demand, total solids, suspended solids, volatile solids, and alkalinity; tests also for the presence of detergents, chlorine, and a variety of minerals.Analyzes samples during treatment stages and after full treatment; records test results on prepared forms and maintains records; cleans and sterilizes glassware and other laboratory equipment; logs data on testing methodology for quality control.Conducts bacteriological tests on final effluent to determine quality and safety for public use; prepares and tests culture media, and reagents.Assists in the development of laboratory protocol and testing guidelines; may coordinate sampling schedule with pre-treatment program personnel and outside entities; assists in inputting and maintaining sample data in the computer and assists with billings.Performs general lab housekeeping (i.e., washing equipment, sweeps, mops, waxes floors, cleans restrooms, etc.) to assure a hygienically clean, visually appealing and orderly facility.Performs related duties as required.Minimum Qualifications1. Education and Experience:A.Graduation from high school with course work in chemistry, biology or some other related field;ANDB.

One (1) year of laboratory experience in examining micro-organisms;ORC. An equivalent combination of education and experience.2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Working knowledge of standard laboratory methodology and procedures; working knowledge of chemical principles, terminology, techniques, and equipment; working knowledge of sampling techniques and presentation of sample; working knowledge of laboratory hazards and safety precautions.

Some knowledge of processes and treatment stages of wastewater.Ability to use laboratory-related equipment; ability to perform various mathematical calculations in recording test results; ability to recognize and identify micro-organisms; ability to follow meticulous procedures in using hazardous chemicals; ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; ability to develop effective working relationships with plant employees and Supervisor.3. Special Qualifications:Must possess a valid Idaho driver's license.Must possess Wastewater Laboratory Operators Class I license or become certified within one-year from date of hire.Must complete 0.6 Continuing Education Units in Wastewater annually.Must pass State water and wastewater proficiency exams annually.Residency Requirement: Shall be expected, within six months of hire, to establish residence within a 45-minute notification to respond zone from the Wastewater Treatment Plant.Work EnvironmentIncumbent of the position generally works in a laboratory setting with periodic travel in the field to collect waste and water samples.Incumbent experiences daily exposure to hazardous conditions such as exposure to methane, hydrogen sulfide, chlorine gases, sodium bisulfate, acids and other chemicals;daily potential for hazardous exposure to industrial wastes and raw sewage (containing pathogens such as typhoid, paratyphoid, dysentery, polio, tetanus, etc.).The employee is occasionally required to move or lift up to 100 pounds.Common eye, hand, finger dexterity exist.Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and creative problem solving.