Laboratory Technician I or II

The City of Bend is excited to announce a recruitment for one (1) full-time Laboratory Technician I or II in the Utility Department's Water Quality Laboratory. This opportunity is represented by the City of Bend Employee Association (COBEA) and is FLSA non-exempt (overtime eligible). To be considered for this position, applicants must have a complete application that includes all of the following items:

• The online application via NeoGov (access also available on City of Bend website under Human Resources/Job Openings)
• Attached formal Cover Letter (required)
• Attached formal Resume (required)
• Attached valid Credentials, Certifications and Licensing (if applicable)

Applicants must provide certification that they are a veteran or disabled veteran to receive veteran's preference. For more information click here . Application deadline is Friday, June 20, 2025 (06/20/2025) at 12:00 p.m. (noon) Pacific Time. The City of Bend is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. At the City of Bend, we don't just accept differences; we value them. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and support the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA). The lab is open seven days per week and working one day on the weekend may be required. Position Overview Laboratory Technician I: Under direction of senior lab staff, this class performs routine duties in an environmental laboratory, performs preparatory work, performs basic water and wastewater analysis, helps to collect environmental samples from a variety of sources, assists laboratory operations, washes and cleans laboratory equipment, helps to maintain instruments and equipment and complies to the quality system as established in the quality manual. Laboratory Technician II: Under direction of senior lab staff, this class performs laboratory analyses utilizing standard methodologies and procedures in an environmental laboratory, collects environmental samples from a variety of sources, helps to wash and clean laboratory equipment, performs laboratory maintenance of instruments and equipment and helps ensure laboratory compliance to the quality system as established in the quality manual. Distinguishing Characteristics Laboratory Technician I: This is the first level of this series. It typically performs preparatory work and basic laboratory analyses utilizing standard methodologies and procedures. This classification works under direction from senior staff. Minimum Wage $61,352.16 Maximum Wage $78,302.88 Laboratory Technician II: This class distinguishes itself from the Laboratory Technician I class by the greater complexity of laboratory tasks performed, including instrument-based analyses and responsibility for troubleshooting procedures and equipment. It requires the ability to exercise scientific judgment, the ability to use evaluative and troubleshooting skills, and the ability to work independently with limited direction. Minimum Wage $67,640.88 Maximum Wage $86,328.96 Functions, Duties and Responsibilities:

Essential Functions Include:

The information provided below encompasses the essential functions and capabilities linked with this position.

Duties and Responsibilities

The individual in this position, Laboratory Technician I , is expected to engage in the following work-related activities.

• Performs laboratory preparatory work and a variety of wet chemistry and microbiological analyses on water and wastewater; may also perform basic soil and industrial waste tests. Analyzes all types of samples in a careful and professional manner in accordance with established and recognized procedures.
• Performs assigned analyses according to established QA /QC requirements, including all documentation as required for compliance with appropriate regulations promulgated by EPA, state agencies, and other regulatory bodies.
• Enters results of laboratory testing into applicable databases; identifies and resolves data entry errors. Prepares and maintains a variety of records related to laboratory activities, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of data.
• Collects, preserves, and disposes of water and wastewater samples following established guidelines, which may include: collecting samples from applicable sites; handling preserved or hazardous samples; determining acceptable hold times; disposing of samples based on sample types and applicable preservatives; and/or, performing other related activities.
• Washes and cleans laboratory equipment, surfaces and dishware. Maintains and cleans laboratory, following established procedures for the safe disposal of hazardous waste items and materials.
• Performs duties with focus on sample receiving, such as: preparation of sample kits, preservation, chain-of-custody protocols, use of the LIMS for sample login and data entry, maintaining bottle inventories, other section related duties.
• Complies with safety requirements of the position and actively promotes safe work practices.
• In an emergency event or an officially declared State of Emergency, responds as directed to ensure the restoration of essential public services, facilities and infrastructure.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

The individual in this position, Laboratory Technician II , is expected to engage in the following work-related activities.

• Performs a variety of wet chemistry and microbiological analyses on water and wastewater; may also perform basic soil and industrial waste tests. Analyzes all types of samples in a careful and professional manner in accordance with established and recognized procedures.
• Performs assigned analyses according to established QA /QC requirements, including all documentation as required for compliance with appropriate regulations promulgated by EPA, state agencies, and other regulatory bodies. Participates in proficiency studies to demonstrate analytical competence.
• Enters results of laboratory testing into applicable databases; identifies and resolves data entry errors; sets up new projects and/or clients in applicable database. Prepares and maintains a variety of records related to laboratory activities, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of data.
• Collects, preserves, and disposes of water and wastewater samples following established guidelines, which may include: collecting samples from applicable sites; handling preserved or hazardous samples; determining acceptable hold times; disposing of samples based on sample types and applicable preservatives; and/or, performing other related activities.
• Maintains and cleans laboratory, following established procedures for the safe disposal of hazardous waste items and materials. Prepares chemical/microbiological standards, media, and solutions.
• Prepares bottles, preserves samples, sets up samples for acid digestion, and/or performing other related activities.
• Recognizes changes in normal water, wastewater, soil and industrial waste test results and investigates the cause.
• Maintains and troubleshoots equipment and testing procedures, identifying problem sources and implementing appropriate repairs, to sustain laboratory certification from the appropriate regulatory agencies.
• Complies with safety requirements of the position and actively promotes safe work practices.
• In an emergency event or an officially declared State of Emergency, responds as directed to ensure the restoration of essential public services, facilities and infrastructure.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications:

Skill Profile

The individual in this position, Laboratory Technician I , is expected to possess and exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge of:

• Standard laboratory and sample collection practices and methodologies;
• Inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, environmental sciences, biology, mathematics, microbiology and/or other related scientific fields;
• Laboratory safety techniques;
• Statistical methods employed in data processing/reduction by analytical software;
• Quality control and quality assurance techniques;
• Standard computer programs and software used to perform data analyses;
• Principles of laboratory ethics as applied to the production of valid analytical data.

Ability to:

• Perform assigned laboratory analytical and production work and meet established QA/QC requirements;
• Learn new laboratory techniques and procedures;
• Evaluate and verify results obtained in the analytical process;
• Collect environmental samples in a variety of settings, including wastewater, soil, biosolids, drinking water, stormwater and industrial discharge samples;
• Work safely with hazardous substances;
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers;
• Work constructively in a team

Skill in:

• Utilizing laboratory equipment and computers to conduct sample and data analysis;
• Interpreting analytical data and evaluating results,
• Sample collection

The individual in this position, Laboratory Technician II , is expected to possess and exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of scientific analysis and established laboratory methodology;
• Inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, environmental sciences, biology, mathematics, microbiology and/or other related scientific fields;
• Laboratory and chemical principles, terminology, material, equipment, procedures, and techniques;
• Statistical methods employed in data processing/reduction by analytical software;
• Quality control and quality assurance techniques;
• Regulatory requirements related to laboratory analysis;
• Principles of laboratory ethics as applied to the production of valid analytical data.

Ability to:

• Learn new laboratory techniques and procedures;
• Perform laboratory analyses and produce high quality data;
• Use analytical techniques including analytical chemistry instrumentation, microscopic, microbiological and/or other analyses as appropriate;
• Verify or reject questionable output using alternative calculating techniques;
• Work safely with hazardous substances;
• Understand statistical models employed in data processing/reduction by analytical software;
• Collect environmental samples in a variety of settings, including wastewater, soil, biosolids, drinking water, stormwater and industrial discharge samples;
• Perform QA/QC activities objectively and without outside influence;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and managers, including representative outside groups and agencies;
• Research environmental and analytical problems.

Skill in:

• Data processing and reporting using spreadsheets, databases, and specialized software;
• Interpreting analytical data and evaluating results;
• Utilizing laboratory equipment and computers to conduct sample and data analyses;
• Oral and written communication and communicating technical concepts;
• Diagnosing and correcting problems with laboratory equipment and/or procedures;
• Demonstrating techniques and providing training to others.

Education, Experience, Certifications and Licenses:

The following are the minimum qualifications for Laboratory Technician I Course work in chemistry, environmental science, biology, microbiology, geology or environmental science or a related field and 1 year experience utilizing basic wet chemistry and/ or microbiology knowledge; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Licensing Requirements:

• Valid Oregon driver's license

Education, Experience, Certifications and Licenses
The following are the minimum qualifications for Required for Lab Technician II:
An Associates degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or laboratory sciences and 2 years' experience utilizing basic wet chemistry and/ or microbiology knowledge; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Licensing Requirements:

• Valid Oregon driver's license;
• NELAC certification in water microbiology testing within 6 months of hire date

Physical Requirements: Positions in this class typically require: reaching, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Incumbents may be subjected to fumes, odors, poor ventilation, chemicals, extreme temperatures, and intense noises.

Diversity & Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The City of Bend is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. At the City of Bend, we don't just accept differences; we value them. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and support the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Oregon Equal Pay Act.