Laboratory Technician II

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Chemist
Senior Chemist
Water Quality Supervisor
Laboratory Supervisor

POSITION SUMMARY
This position is responsible for performing routine and complex chemical and biological analyses according to instructions while under supervision. Follows standard techniques for reservoir, water and wastewater testing, including weighing chemicals, mixing solutions, cleaning glassware, the safe use of equipment and calculations of analyses.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Performs basic gravimetric analysis.

2. Uses laboratory instrumentation to perform routine intermediate level chemical analysis.

3. Prepares chemical and biological reagents.

4. Maintains Quality Control records and does mathematical calculations.

5. Performs routine biological analysis.

6. Performs daily preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment and instruments.

7. Prepares and analyzes samples by advanced spectrophotometers.

8. Evaluates incoming samples for acceptance criteria.

9. Maintains laboratory instrumentation to comply with state and federal laboratory certification, and NELAP accreditation.

10. Employees assigned to this position are classified as essential personnel. Essential personnel are required to report to work when scheduled during departmental and/or emergency situations including, but not limited to, extended periods of inclement weather when travel may be difficult. This position is essential because in the absence of sufficient personnel, the plant cannot operate safely.

WORK LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
This position does not regularly provide work leadership or full personnel management to any employees.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
No financial responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION
(required level of education)
Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology or related science. In lieu of a Bachelor’s degree, an Associate’s degree and two years’ experience in water/wastewater laboratory.

EXPERIENCE
(minimum years and types of related experience required)
None

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
(any specialized certifications licenses or registrations required by TRA or other authority in order to do the job, including those the incumbent must be able to obtain)
None

KNOWLEDGE
(Information or facts than employee must know in order to be able to perform the work)
Requires basic knowledge of laboratory methods, materials, techniques and equipment used in routine and difficult testing procedures.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
(developed capability to use or apply knowledge effectively or dexterity/coordination in the performance of physical tasks)
Ability to perform basic laboratory testing using lab instrumentation. Ability to perform daily laboratory analyses and maintain quality control records, document work accurately and perform data entry into computer software systems.

GUIDANCE RECEIVED
Receives ongoing supervision. Follows standard procedures and/or detailed instructions for each task or assignment; any situation that calls for something different is referred to a supervisor or more senior position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position requires passing a physical and physical ability assessment specific to the position.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Working conditions may include exposure to odors, fumes, chemical hazards, gases and dust.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Spectrophotometers, colorimetric auto­ analyzer, incubators, sterilizers, , total organic carbon analyzer, , basic laboratory equipment and glassware, analytical balance, specific ion probes and autoclave; and office equipment including computer, and calculator.