2025-A Wastewater Laboratory Technician (7/2025)

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for performing regular chemical, bacteriological, and microscopic examinations of wastewater samples. Job duties consist of related analytical, administrative and technical duties. Successful performance contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of plant operations and ensures compliance with state and federal regulations. FLSA status is Non-Exempt.

This position can start as an entry-level position in the Wastewater Department and has educational and growth requirements/opportunities. Applicants who currently possess a

Grade II or higher Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator license/certification would start at a higher level.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or logical assignments for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions in this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for this particular position.

LABORATORY OPERATION (60%)

Performs technical laboratory functions.

Organizes and manages laboratory activities.

Maintains lab facilities and instruments in clean and well-functioning conditions.

Recommends budget funds for adequate operations.

Mixes chemicals required laboratory and plant operations.

Runs specific tests on wastewater samples to determine chlorine and dissolved oxygen levels.

Recommends courses of action based on findings.

Runs ADEM required tests at designated intervals.

Evaluates plant processes through the analysis of lab data.

TREATMENT PLANT OPERATIONS (10%)

Performs wastewater treatment operations as needed.

Operates wastewater treatment plants in compliance with ADEM requirements.

Makes rounds of plants at designated intervals to monitor wastewater samples and equipment; adjusts equipment as needed.

Operates process equipment to include valves, pumps, engines, and generators; recognizes process problems and critical conditions in unit processes.

Operates electrical controls, including timers.

Monitors control panels, meters, and gauges.

SYSTEMS & EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE (10%)

Performs maintenance duties.

Installs new equipment.

Performs minor plumbing, welding, and cutting.

Assists in maintaining plant grounds.

Performs preventive routine, preventive, and emergency maintenance on wastewater vehicles and equipment.

RECORDS & REPORTING (10%)

Maintains records and prepares reports.

Assembles and reports data from testing and lab analysis.

Assists in preparing discharge permit and monitoring reports.

Records results of specific tests on wastewater samples.

Maintains equipment maintenance records.

OTHER RELATED DUTIES (10%)

Responds to emergency after-hours calls.

Assists in training new employees.

Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma/GED is required.

Experience in Wastewater plant operations preferred.

Must test for a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator intern certification/license within eighteen (18) months of employment and receive certification within twenty-four (24) months OR currently possess an Alabama Grade II-IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator license.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The following requirements are normal for this classification. Specific requirements may not apply to all positions within this classification but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position. The following list was developed through job analysis; however, it is not exhaustive and other duties may be required and assigned.

Job duties are typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, bending, crouching, or stooping. Employees frequently lift light objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.

Job duties are typically performed in an office, at wastewater treatment facilities, and outdoors, occasionally in extreme or inclement weather. Employees may be exposed to machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, or irritating chemicals.

Job duties require the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

Job duties require the ability to deal with and relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions.

Job duties require the ability to talk, express, or exchange ideas by means of spoken words and/or hear and perceive the nature of sounds by ear.

Job candidates must be able to adapt to and perform under moderate stress.

Job duties require regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

City of Prattville employees are required to obtain knowledge of the City of Prattville Policies and Procedures, and knowledge of their specific department rules, policies, and procedures. This job description does not necessarily include all the duties which may be required of individual employees in the classification. Job descriptions may be revised as needed.

Knowledge of department and city policies and procedures, and relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Knowledge of work safety principles.

Knowledge of safety hazards in working with wastewater and associated chemicals and the required protections and precautions.

Knowledge of wastewater treatment principles, practices, operations, materials, and equipment.

Knowledge of laboratory analysis principles.

Knowledge of chemistry, mathematics, and biology.

Knowledge of SCADA systems and operations principles.

Knowledge of federal and state regulatory requirements.

Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.

Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to analytical procedures.

Knowledge of the maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment.

Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to sample collection and laboratory procedures.

Knowledge of data analysis and records management principles.

Skill in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of water samples.

Skill in the operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment.

Skill in planning, organization, and decision making.

Skill in the collection and analysis of data and in the preparation of reports.

Skill in taking accurate readings from gauges and samples and make proper adjustments.

Skill in oral and written communication.

Skills in performing minor plumbing, welding, and cutting.

Ability to learn and understand manuals and guidelines.

Ability to analyze a variety of situations and make sound judgments.

Ability to calculate proper gauge settings and related figures.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

Must provide proof of your legal right to work in the United States.

Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Willing to work overtime.

Willing to cooperate with the workload of the department.

Willing to attend continuing education courses.

Willing to comply with City of Prattville rules and regulations.

Must submit to drug screenings for this safety sensitive position.

Must be familiar and able to effectively and efficiently utilize Microsoft Word and Excel, and any software programs utilized in coordination with the job.

Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.

EEOC COMMITMENT:

The City of Prattville is committed to maintaining equal employment opportunity by considering job applicants and employees for hiring and advancement on the basis of job-pertinent individual differences and not on the basis of extraneous factors such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetics, status as current or former uniformed service member, or any other classifications protected by law.

The City of Prattville offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, sick, and holiday leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and short term disability insurance.

Benefits coverage is effective on the first day of the month following a 30 day waiting period for new hires. Late enrollees are subject to approval by the insurance company.

Group Medical Benefits-Through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, benefits provide members with hospitalization, office visits, and Prescription drugs (Administered through Express Scripts). Family, 2 person and individual plans are available. Complete benefits information is available in the plan document.

City of Prattville Health & Wellness Center-The City of Prattville offers an on-site wellness center to employees covered under the group health insurance plan. The Wellness Center offers convenient, co-pay free medical and prescription drug coverage for employees and their dependents.

Group Life Insurance-all regular employees receive a life insurance policy. Employees with less than 10 years of service receive a $10,000 policy and employees with 10 years of service or more receive a $20,000 policy.

Retirement-Through the Retirement Systems of Alabama, this benefit requires mandatory enrollment for all regular employees as of the first day of employment. Employees are classified as Tier I or Tier I (A) with the Retirement Systems of Alabama. The employee pays a percentage of all gross income specified by RSA. The City provides a matching amount determined by RSA.

A Tier I employee is an employee who was a member of the Retirement Systems of Alabama prior to January 1, 2013. A Tier I employee may retire if he/she has 25 years of retirement service, or is age 60 with 10 years of service with the Retirement Systems of Alabama. (Regular Members 5% of earnable compensation; Full time, Certified Firefighters and Law Enforcement Officers 6% of earnable compensation.)

A Tier I (A) employee is an employee who became a member of the Retirement Systems of Alabama after January 1, 2013, and by local resolution and Act 2019-32 by the Alabama Legislature became a Tier 1 employee. A Tier I (A) employee may retire if he/she has 25 years of retirement service, or is age 60 with 10 years of service with the Retirement Systems of Alabama. (Regular Members 7.5% of earnable compensation; Full time, Certified Firefighters and Law Enforcement Officers 8.5% of earnable compensation.)

Deferred Compensation (457 Plans)-Voluntary participation allows the employee to lower taxable income, and pay tax on the deferred income in the year of distribution. The City has 457 Plans through Nationwide Retirement, AIG Valic Financial Advisors, RSA-1, and Alabama Deferred Compensation. The employee may contribute up to the current allowable limits. All regular employees are eligible on the first day of employment.

Supplemental Insurance-Employees may obtain coverage for Dental, Cancer, Disability, Accident, and Life Insurance. The City of Prattville offers payroll deduction for supplemental insurance. The employee pays for all supplemental insurance coverage. You are eligible upon purchasing coverage and meeting eligibility requirements.

Flexible Spending Account-Allows employees to lower their taxable income by placing certain insurance premiums under this plan. Also, offers unreimbursed medical/dental expense benefits, as well as daycare expense benefits.

Vacation Leave-

8 Hour Employees

Vacation leave is earned at the following accrual rates for regular full-time employees.

Completed 6 months - 40 hours (5 days)

Completed 1 year - 40 hours (5 days)

Completed 2nd year through 9th year accrues 80 hours (10 days) per year

10 years through 15 years accrues 120 hours (15 days) per year

16 years and over accrues 160 hours (20 days) per year

The maximum vacation leave that may be accrued is 360 hours for 8-hour shift employees. The City administers the time and pays for accrued leave time.

12 Hour Employees (Watewater)

Vacation leave is earned at the following accrual rates for regular full-time employees.

Completed 6 months - 42 hours (3.5 days)

Completed 1 year - 42 hours (3.5 days)

Completed 2nd year through 9th year accrues 84 hours (7 days) per year

10 years through 15 years accrues 124 hours (10 days) per year

16 years and over accrues 168 hours (14 days) per year

The maximum vacation leave that may be accrued is 378 hours for 12-hour shift employees. The City administers the time and pays for accrued leave time.

24 Hour Employees (Fire)

Vacation leave is earned at the following accrual rates for regular full-time employees.

Completed 6 months - 60 hours (2.5 days)

Completed 1 year - 60 hours (2.5 days)

Completed 2nd year through 9th year accrues 120 hours (5 days) per year

10 years through 15 years accrues 180 hours (7.5 days) per year

16 years and over accrues 240 hours (10 days) per year

The maximum vacation leave that may be accrued is 504 hours for 24-hour shift employees. The City administers the time and pays for accrued leave time.

Sick Leave-

8 Hour Employees

Sick leave is earned at the rate of 80 hours per year with no accrual limit. Retiring employees have the option of receiving payment for the accrued sick leave (up to 360 hours) or converting the leave to service time. The City administers the time and pays for accrued sick leave. You are eligible upon completion of the first full pay period after your hire date.

12 Hour Employees (Wastewater)

Sick leave is earned at the rate of 84 hours per year with no accrual limit. Retiring employees have the option of receiving payment for the accrued sick leave (up to 378 hours) or converting the leave to service time. The City administers the time and pays for accrued sick leave. You are eligible upon completion of the first full pay period after your hire date.

24 Hour Employees (Fire)

Sick leave is earned at the rate of 120 hours per year with no accrual limit. Retiring employees have the option of receiving payment for the accrued sick leave (up to 504 hours) or converting the leave to service time. The City administers the time and pays for accrued sick leave. You are eligible upon completion of the first full pay period after your hire date.

Holidays-Twelve paid holidays per year. The City Council determines the holiday schedule for each fiscal year.

For Detailed Benefits information please visit our Benefits Web Page at www.prattvilleal.gov

01

This position requires a High School Diploma or GED from an accredited institution. Do you have a high school diploma or GED? Please attach documentation to the application.

• Yes
• No

02

This position requires that you possess and maintain a valid Alabama driver's license. Do you meet this qualification?

• Yes
• No

03

This position requires that you be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly. Are you able to lift 50 pounds, repeatedly?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have a Grade II-IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification (license)?

• Yes
• No

05

If no, you are required to attain a certification as a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator intern certification/license within eighteen (18) months of employment and receive certification within twenty-four (24) months are you willing and able to attain this certification?

• Yes
• No

06

Describe in detail your work experience in an environmental lab setting, wastewater, or water treatment plant?

Required Question

Employer City of Prattville

Address 101 West Main Street

Prattville, Alabama, 36067

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