Laboratory Technician I

Summary/Objective

The Laboratory Technician I performs sample collection, sample processing, chemical, biological, and microbiological analyses of source & treated water, particulates, and other materials; participates in special study projects, process control, and compliance monitoring/testing and quality assurance programs; responds to the distribution system and customer water quality concerns; provides water sampling for new and repaired mains; assists with inventory management, and purchasing; performs related work as required.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Performs unusual and routine physical, chemical, biological, and microbiological analyses of water and various related materials following specific procedures.
• Recognizes potential or actual problems in an analytical procedure; applies known procedures or confers with others to find solutions.
• Prepares, calibrates, operates, performs, and keeps records of routine maintenance on a variety of complex laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Collects, receives, extracts, and digests a variety of samples; prepares field and sample control documentation and submits/receives samples for analysis; may plan short-term project sampling programs.
• Assist chemists & microbiologists in performing research and experiments to solve problems; may perform specialized research assignments on well-defined projects.
• Compiles and records data for a variety of logs, reports, and records, performing calculations as required; performs peer data review to ensure accuracy of calculations and records prepared by others; recommends modifications to procedures and forms; enters results of analyses into the laboratory information management system (LIMS) and produces reports.
• Prepares standard and uncommon chemical solutions, reagents, stains, and bacteriological media.
• Conducts various field screening assays, routine and advanced.
• Relays laboratory results to internal and external customers in a timely manner.
• Maintains proper QA/QC records and documentation; assists with implementation of QA/QC programs.
• Observes standard safety precautions related to the work; maintains proper quality assurance techniques in performing analytical work.
• Collects water samples for bacteriological testing from active construction areas while ensuring adherence to safety protocols and regulatory standards.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for customers with water quality concerns, providing professional assistance through direct communication, on-site testing, and real-time data analysis to diagnose and resolve issues.
• Interprets water quality data, prepare detailed reports, and educate customers on standards, best practices, and solutions while ensuring all activities comply with applicable regulations and organizational standards.

Other Duties

• Assists in the evaluation of laboratory services and equipment and assists in the specification and selection of such equipment; maintains an inventory of laboratory equipment and supplies according to predetermined levels; makes recommendations for purchasing equipment and chemicals.
• Assists with ordering, receiving, and maintaining an adequate supply of chemicals, supplies, and replacement laboratory equipment.
• Helps prepare material for shipping, including materials being returned to vendors.  Assists with receipt of materials, inspecting materials for damage, checking for the correct amount shipped, and storing material appropriately. 
• Assists with managing materials stock levels in Laboratory central storage areas.
• Engages and consults with colleagues, staff, government officials, and external customers as required.
• Performs all duties pertaining to all hazardous waste operations in accordance with all applicable requirements.
• Perform other job duties assigned.

Required Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience in an environmental or practical laboratory.

Note: Education in Chemistry, Biology, or Environmental Science may be substituted for environmental laboratory experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Adapt analytical methods and equipment to obtain accurate test results; setting up, using, calibrating, and performing routine maintenance on complex analytical instruments. 
• Make accurate calculations; keep accurate records; make clear and concise reports; prepare media and reagents to exact specifications; and perform standard laboratory support work. 
• Read and interpret technical operations manuals.
• Make decisions under high-stress situations and to continuously show good judgment in routine decisions.
• Ability to train others.
• General knowledge of principles of water treatment and distribution.
• Develop new methods of analysis/sampling, write standard operating procedures, or adapt existing methods to new or unusual problems.
• Adhere to and provide recommendations to improve process control and laboratory quality assurance programs.
• Learn and apply all applicable requirements pertaining to hazardous waste operations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate effectively with WaterOne employees and other agencies.
• Good oral and written communication skills and good listening skills.
• Knowledge of personal computer technology and applications (i.e., Excel, Access, Word, Outlook, and Windows). Demonstrates proficiency with spreadsheets and word processing. 
• Ability to work individually or in a team setting; ability to work effectively with the public.
• Availability for occasional overtime and emergency call-outs.  Must be able to work a schedule that includes periodic weekends and holidays.
• Possess a valid driver's license and continuously meet WaterOne driving standards.
• Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening and background verification in accordance with WaterOne standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with laboratory information management system and enterprise resource planning software such as SAP.
• Thorough knowledge of standard methods for the analysis of water samples, standard laboratory equipment and its uses, statistical analyses, and laboratory safety practices.
• Working knowledge of methods to determine water contamination sources; skill & ability to perform difficult and precise analyses of water according to established procedures; evaluating the outcome of laboratory determinations to detect errors and recommending effective solutions. 
• Skills in analyzing complex problems, interpreting laboratory and plant operating data, data mining, report generation, reaching sound conclusions, and making appropriate recommendations.