Senior Laboratory Technician

Description

Recruitment Dates

Closing - Thursday, September 4, 2025

Oral Board Interviews (Tentative) - Tuesday, September 16, 2025

To learn more about this exciting opportunity; please click HERE!

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, leads, trains, oversees and participates in the more complex duties in support of the Utilities division including collecting samples of potable and recycled water, wastewater, and industrial wastes and performing field and laboratory physical, chemical, biological, and bacteriological tests on various matrices; sets priorities and directs the work of an assigned area; provides technical and specialized assistance to the assigned management and supervisory staff; and performs related duties, as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to lower-level staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced-level classification in the Laboratory Technician series. Incumbents work under general supervision and exercise a high level of discretion and independent judgement in performing the full range of routine to complex duties related to water and wastewater laboratory analysis in accordance with state and EPA guidelines. Incumbents also provide lead direction to clerical, technical and administrative staff. Successful performance of the work requires the frequent use of tact, discretion, and independent judgment and full knowledge of departmental activities. This class is distinguished from the Utilities Laboratory Supervisor in that the latter is the full supervisory-level class in the series responsible for organizing, assigning, supervising, and reviewing the work of assigned staff in related laboratory work.

Essential and Marginal Duties

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Provides technical and functional direction to assigned laboratory staff; reviews and controls quality of work; ensures effective and efficient use of resources; assists in coordinating, overseeing and personally participating in all laboratory related work while following standard procedures and guidelines.
• Trains employees in work methods, use of sampling tools and laboratory equipment, and relevant safety practices.
• Performs and interprets chemical, biochemical, biological, microbiological, and physical analyses of samples related to the treatment, quality control, and distribution of potable and recycled water, as well as treatment, quality control, and disposal of wastewater influent, effluent, and biosolids, following standard procedures and guidelines.
• Participates in the collection of samples at various sites throughout the water and wastewater systems for testing to determine the effectiveness of each stage of the treatment process.
• Sets up, calibrates, operates, and performs minor maintenance and repair to a variety of laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Prepares standard chemical solutions and reagents for laboratory processes; disposes of outdated materials in a safe and proper manner; prepares test kits for sampling, cleans glassware and equipment to ensure that the laboratory is maintained in a clean and orderly condition.
• Maintains accurate records of test results and work performed; assembles and records test data and results using database software; prepares draft charts, graphs, and written reports.
• Periodically monitors inventory of laboratory supplies; orders materials and equipment to maintain supply levels; updates order records.
• Maintains quality control and quality assurance and follows safe work procedures within standard operating procedures and protocols.
• Participates in analyzing and interpreting laboratory results, recognizing problems that may be occurring during the treatment process.
• Performs complex testing and analyses of potable water, recycled water, and wastewater effluent to maintain laboratory certification and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Consults with appropriate operations staff regarding analysis results as necessary.
• Assists less experienced staff as necessary; attends periodic trainings to stay abreast of methodological and regulatory changes relevant to the field of work.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles of providing functional direction and training.
• Chemical, biological, and physical characteristics of various environmental matrices including recycled water, water, and wastewater.
• Principles, practices, techniques, equipment, and materials required for basic chemical, biochemical, biological, microbiological, and physical analysis of samples of potable water and wastewater.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and guidelines to the area of responsibility.
• Sampling techniques and related statistical analysis techniques.
• Safety procedures and equipment.
• Basic principles of water, recycled water, and wastewater treatment and distribution/disposal.
• Record-keeping principles and procedures.
• Principles and practices of data collection, analysis, and report preparation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language to perform the work.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

Ability to:

• Plan, schedule, assign and oversee activities of assigned laboratory personnel.
• Inspect the work of others and maintain established quality control standards.
• Train others in proper and safe work procedures; observe appropriate safety procedures and comply with applicable codes and guidelines.
• Identify and implement effective course of action to complete assigned work.
• Oversee and participate in related projects in the assigned functional area(s).
• Perform complex chemical, biochemical, biological, microbiological, and physical analyses of various matrices including potable water, recycled water, and wastewater.
• Make appropriate recommendations for the laboratory, plant or drinking water operations based on results of laboratory analyses.
• Research, analyze, and summarize data, and prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations.
• Organize, maintain, and update database and records systems.
• Make accurate basic chemical, arithmetic, and statistical computations.
• Maintain attention to detail and accuracy.
• Identify and take appropriate action when operating problems occur.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to graduation from the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by specialized training or college level course work in chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, or related sciences and four (4) years of experience performing chemical or bacteriological tests in a laboratory or treatment plant, or at least two (2) years of experience equivalent to that of a Laboratory Technician II at the City of Tracy.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California Class C driver's license upon appointment.
• Possession of a Grade II Laboratory Analyst certification issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) or the American Water Works Association (AWWA) upon appointment.
• Possession of a Grade III Laboratory Analyst certification issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) or the American Water Works Association (AWWA) within 18 months of appointment.
• Possession of a valid State Water Resources Control Board Distribution Operator Grade I certificate is highly desirable.
• May be required to complete National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in standard office and laboratory settings and use standard office and laboratory equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office and laboratory equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 40 pounds with the use of proper equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in laboratory and office environments with low to moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions. Employees are frequently exposed to odors, fumes, and hazardous chemicals and physical substances.? Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Works outdoors, as needed, and subject to inclement weather.

WORKING CONDITIONS

N/A

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All City of Tracy employees are, by State and Federal law, Disaster Service Workers. The roles and responsibilities for Disaster Service Workers are authorized by the California Emergency Services Act and are defined in the California Labor Code. In the event of a declaration of emergency, any employee of the City may be assigned to perform activities which promote the protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property. Such assignments may require service at locations, times, and under conditions that are significantly different than the normal work assignments and may continue into the recovery phase of the emergency. If a "Local Emergency" is declared during the employee's shift, employees will be expected to remain at work to respond to the emergency needs of the community. If a "Local Emergency" is declared outside of the employee's shift, employees must make every effort to contact their direct supervisor or department head to obtain reporting instructions as Disaster Service Workers.

The City of Tracy provides a generous benefit package to employees in the Teamsters Unit. A summary of key benefits is listed below. More in formation can be found in the Benefit Summary and in the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Tracy and General Teamsters Local No. 439, IBT.

Health Benefits - Choice administered through Teamsters Benefit Trust - Kaiser or United Healthcare health insurance plans available after a 3 month waiting period with generous City contribution.

Dental and Vision Plans - Choice of United Healthcare, Liberty Dental, or Delta Dental plans available (Delta Dental is available after completion of 12 months of eligibility in the Trust Fund in addition to a 3 month waiting period). VSP is available for vision coverage.

Life Insurance - Individual coverage of $30,000. Premium is fully paid by the City.

Retirement Program - CalPERS (formula dependent on hire date and member status in CalPERS). Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation programs available (MissionSquare & Corebridge). The City participates in Social Security.

Paid Leave and Holidays - General vacation accrues at the rate of 96 hours per year the first year and progresses up to 192 hours per year at 16 years of service. Sick leave is accrued at a rate of 96 hours per year with unlimited accrual. There are 14 paid holidays per year (includes 2 floating holidays).

Dependent Care and Medical Spending Accounts - (IRS Section 125) Available to eligible employees on a voluntary basis.

Uniform Allowance - Crime Scene Technicians, Animal Service Aides, Animal Services Officers, Crime Prevention Specialists, Community Service Officers, Property/Evidence Technicians, Senior Property/Evidence Technician, Public Safety Dispatchers, and Code Enforcement Officersreceive a uniform allowance of Eight Hundred Dollars ($800) on the regular payday following their appointment. Thereafter, these classifications receive a uniform allowance of thirty dollars and seventy-seven cents ($30.77) per pay period. Safety Boot Allowance has a limited reimbursement up to $230 per fiscal year.

Additional Benefits - Employee Assistance Program, AFLAC, Tool Replacement, Employee Credit Union, Direct Deposit, Scholarshare529, and Tuition Reimbursement.

01

Describe your experience in the operations of a water and/or wastewater laboratory. Include the types of tests and analyses you have performed, the equipment you have used, and the regulatory standards you followed.

02

This position requires experience performing chemical, biological, and microbiological analyses. Provide examples of complex testing you have conducted and how you ensured accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements.

03

Describe your experience with budgeting and resource management in a laboratory setting. Include any involvement you have had in ordering supplies, managing inventory, or allocating staff and equipment resources.

04

This position requires providing technical and functional direction to staff. Describe your experience supervising or leading laboratory personnel, including training, assigning work, and maintaining quality control standards.

05

Describe your experience working in an Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) certified laboratory.

06

Please check all certifications you currently possess. (Please ensure that you attach/upload proof of your certifications to your application.)

• Possession of a Grade II Laboratory Analyst certification issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) or the American Water Works Association (AWWA).
• Grade III Laboratory Analyst certification issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) or the American Water Works Association (AWWA).
• Possession of a valid State Water Resources Control Board Distribution Operator Grade I certificate.
• Other
• None of the Above

07

Have you worked for a public sector agency (e.g. City, County or Special District)?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Tracy

Address 333 Civic Center Plaza

Tracy, California, 95376

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