Laboratory Technician 3 (Water Works And Msd) (Open)

This employee performs a variety of laboratory tests, records results, maintains quality control, troubleshoots equipment, and coordinates the work of others. Participates in the training of others. Performs related duties as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This classification is distinguished from the lower classifications in this series in that it operates complex instrumentation in performing analyses and performs simple, routine maintenance on these instruments or coordinates the laboratory activities and work of others and is under the guidance of the Chemist responsible for the assigned program area. (Illustrative only. Any one position may not require all of the listed KSAs nor do the listed examples include all the KSAs which may be required.)
Knowledge of: OEPA guidelines and operating procedures for certified analyses of microbiological, inorganic, and organic testing. Analytical, organic, inorganic, and environmental chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, environmental microbiology, and bacteriology sufficient to perform and interpret routine or complex tests on water and wastewater. Classical laboratory techniques for analyzing water and wastewater as described in Standard Methods for the Examination of Water. Basic quality control procedures sufficient to perform and record results. Instrumentation operation and function sufficient to perform instrumental analysis, to determine if a complex instrument is operating normally and producing accurate results, and to perform simple routine maintenance and calibration on complex instruments. Basic Mathematics. Sampling requirements and sample storage and handling criteria.Training techniques sufficient to train or assist in training others in routine and new laboratory procedures. Safety policies and procedures, e.g., Employee Safety Instruction Manual and applicable agency requirements. The metric system sufficient to perform accurate readings and conversions from U.S. measure to metric. The appropriate way to deal with the public sufficient to present a positive image of the department and to successfully communicate with persons from all socioeconomic levels. Software applications such as Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, Laboratory Information Management System or similar applications. Skill to: Collect samples and perform analyses in a field setting. Use precise measuring instruments such as balance scales, calibrated volumetric glassware, thermometers, and other basic equipment. Operate and interpret results from complex instruments such as an organic carbon analyzer, gas chromatograph, etc. Calibrate routine equipment such as pipettes, scales, and incubators. Calibrate or adjust complex equipment and instruments such as an organic carbon analyzer, gas chromatograph, chlorine monitor, GFAA, ICP, etc. Sanitize or sterilize laboratory work area and equipment. Prepare medias, broths, agars, dilutions, and other solutions required to complete tests. Make standards used in quality control for complex and routine testing of water. Use calculator to solve equations used in reporting results. Operate appropriate computer equipment; use properly all related hardware and software. Operate assigned vehicle in the course of duty. Ability to: Perform laboratory analysis and interpret results on water and wastewater using procedures which do or do not require certification from the State of Ohio. Perform bench tests such as nitrate analysis by electrode method, phosphate analysis by digestion method, and ammonia analysis by electrode method. Perform and interpret routine tests on water such as turbidity, bad taste, odor, etc. Perform routine maintenance and calibration of on-line analytical equipment such as turbidimeters, pH meters, and chlorine monitors. Perform analysis and interpret results on water and wastewater, which do or do not require State of Ohio Certification. Perform appropriate record keeping as required. Recognize each stage of a laboratory test, complete a test begun by another person, or to duplicate tests performed by others to arrive at comparative results. Determine validity of test results on routine and complex tests.Maintain scientific instrumentation according to manufacturer's instructions. Visually inspect samples and specimens through a microscope. Coordinate the work of others. Organize workload to ensure timely completion of assigned tests and reporting of results. Communicate to supervisors and manufacturing representatives on how a specialized tool or machine is operating. Prepare training materials and give or assist in giving presentations to others in orientation on how to perform various laboratory tests. Demonstrate lab techniques to others. Follow precise oral instructions. Read and apply procedures in a variety of official and technical publications such as the Ohio EPA guidelines. Read, understand, and follow written instructions. Communicate results of tests to others. Accurately complete reports and record test results. Lift and carry heavy objects (25-50 lbs.), such as bottles of water. Drive a Car Read a City street map. Make visual comparisons of appearance of microscopic findings with photographic or illustrative presentations. Differentiate subtle changes in appearance of specimens under examination. Perform fine finger movements and possess a high degree of hand-eye motor coordination to perform precise tests. Promotional: Each applicant must have two years of combined experience as a Laboratory Technician 1 or 2 (Water Works/MSD) with the City of Cincinnati. Additionally, each applicant must have thirty-two semester hours, science or engineering courses with sixteen semester hours of of coursework in chemistr y, biology, environmental engineering, environmental science, or other related laboratory sciences from a technical institute, college, or university.
Open: Each applicant must have two years of laboratory experience in collecting, preparing and conducting routine tests on water and wastewater samples. Additionally, each applicant must have thirty-two semester hours of science or engineering courses with sixteen semester hours of coursework in chemistry, biology, environmental engineering, environmental science, or other related laboratory sciences from a technical institute, college, or university..

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Must have and maintain a valid Ohio Driver's License. MILITARY EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE EVALUATION Military education and experience may be substituted for college level course work at the lower and upper division baccalaureate and graduate levels and apprenticeship training at the vocational certificate level on a case-by-case basis based on the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide recommendations.