Laboratory Technician Temporary Assignment

The City of Bend's Utility Department is actively recruiting for one (1) full-time, Temporary Laboratory Technician. Temporary positions are limited-benefit eligible, at will temporary, FLSA Exempt (overtime eligible), non-represented positions.

To be considered for this position, applicants must have a complete application that includes all of the following ite ms :

• 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 veterans preference. For more information click here .

An eligibility list will be created from this recruitment to be utilized for future positions at various levels and departments. The eligibility list will be valid for up to six (6) months.

Application deadline is Monday, July 7, 2025 (07/07/2025) at 12:00 (noon) Pacific Time.

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.

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.

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification. Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

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. 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.

Education, Experience, Certifications and Licenses Required:
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