Lab Technician I

The purpose of this classification is to provide routine testing, analysis, and laboratory support for the Consolidated Government's water utility to ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulatory requirements. This is an entry-level class for the laboratory job family. Fills in for Operator as required. Reports to the Water Quality Manager or other designated person. Responds to complaint calls, provides operational support.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs chemical, physical, and bacteriological examination of water samples. Collects, receives, inspects, prepares, and tests water samples for established criteria. Collects complaint samples and responds to inquiries from the public concerning water system problems. Prepares all bacteriological media and reagents needed for testing. Performs microbiological and physical testing using necessary calculations. Reviews, analyzes results, identifies trends and patterns and submits related reports.
• Ensures compliance with established laboratory and industry policies, procedures and standards. Inspects sample results for consistency with historical values, enters quality control data for batch analysis, verifies accuracy and the precision of techniques. Performs method detection limited studies in the assigned work area. Informs supervisors of data errors or permit violations and documents corrective actions as needed.
• Maintains accurate logs and records regarding work activities. Researches, compiles, consolidates, and/or tabulates data and information. Verifies accuracy and completeness of data and information entered. Incorporates information into requested reports and other prepared materials. Assists in maintaining high-quality Quality Assurance program through appropriate documentation.
• Utilizes and maintains field, testing, and laboratory equipment. Ensures preventive maintenance is conducted on all equipment such as calibration, sterilization of equipment and work areas. Notifies management when equipment is not working properly.
• Maintains a detailed and accurate inventory of materials, tools, equipment and supplies. Records the use of work materials and supplies; estimates rates of consumption and life expectancy; and initiates requests for new and/or replacement as needed.
• Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable policies and procedures impacting laboratory and testing operations. Maintains an awareness of new equipment, procedures, trends and advances in the profession. Participates in continuing education activities, attends meetings, workshops and seminars as appropriate.

POSITION SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES MIGHT INCLUDE:

• Collects water samples. Performs secondary test such as corrosion control, Fe, MN, Cl, and taste and odor control, analyses samples and records data.
• Assist operations staff in monitoring process performance.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of chemistry, bacteriology, water system operations.
• Knowledgeable on handling and application of chemicals necessary to maintain safe water supply.
• Familiarity with standard laboratory practices.
• Proficiency in water plant operation, basic math, and chemistry.
• Mastery of using water analysis equipment.
• Good communication skills, both oral and written.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Established ability to perform under high stress and remain congenial.
• Ability to quickly grasp and help satisfy current and future EPA regulations.
• Must have ability to actively listen to others to understand their needs.

Required minimum qualifications:

Education:  High School diploma or GED

Experience:  Six (6) months of experience performing water analysis or working in a wet chemistry laboratory environment.

Preferred (in addition to the minimum requirements):  Some laboratory science coursework completed.

Certification:  Obtain within fifteen (15) months of employment a Georgia Water Laboratory Analyst Certification. 

License:  Possession of a valid driver’s license with good driving history. If state license is other than Georgia or South Carolina,

applicant must obtain a license in Georgia or South Carolina within 30 days of employment.

Performance Aptitudes:

• Data Utilization: Requires the ability to determine, calculate, tabulate, or summarize data/information. Includes performing subsequent actions in relation to these computational operations.
• Human Interaction: Requires the ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others regarding the application of procedures and standards to specific situations.
• Equipment: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.
• Verbal: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information.
• Math: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to calculate decimals and percentages; may include ability to perform mathematical operations with fractions; may include ability to compute discount, interest, and ratios; may include ability to calculate surface areas, volumes, weights, and measures.
• Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form. Involves semi-routine standardized work with some latitude for independent judgment concerning choices of action.
• Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving a variety of generally pre-defined duties which are often characterized by frequent change.
• Physical Abilities: Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
• Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, odor, and visual cues or signals.
• Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as odors, wetness, fumes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, toxic agents, disease, or pathogenic substances.

This position requires staff call up in an emergency situation

Travel from office to other locations is required of this position

Percentage of travel involved is less than 50%

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.