Drinking Water Laboratory Technician

City of Flagstaff•Flagstaff, AZ

About The Position

Join the City of Flagstaff's Water Services team as a Laboratory Technician, helping ensure the safety and quality of the community's drinking water. The role collects water samples throughout the distribution system and performs physical, chemical, and microbiological testing to support compliance with state and federal drinking water regulations. It contributes to reliable water system operations through accurate analysis, detailed recordkeeping, safe laboratory practices, and excellent service to internal and external customers. The position requires attention to detail and the ability to work independently in laboratory and field environments. The technician may also assist with plant operations and maintenance and perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or G.E.D.
One year of experience and/or training in a laboratory setting. The required year may be met through full-time laboratory employment or training, part-time equivalent hours, or a bachelor's degree in a related field.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis, except for minimum requirements such as supervisory experience, a driver's license, and certifications.
Possess a valid driver's license, or obtain a valid Arizona driver's license upon employment.
Possess, or be able to obtain within the probationary period (not to exceed one year), ADEQ Class 1 Wastewater Treatment or Water Treatment Certification.
Maintain regular attendance to ensure continuity.
Be able to work in inclement weather and perform work requiring heavy physical exertion.
May be required to work holidays and weekends.

Nice To Haves

Three years of demonstrable knowledge, experience, and/or training.
Knowledge of chemical and microbiological principles and practices; techniques, equipment, and terminology used in a chemical and/or microbiological laboratory; and chemicals, safety precautions, and equipment used in environmental, water, and wastewater facilities.
Understanding of OSHA regulations as they apply to the safe use of hazardous chemicals in the laboratory.
Familiarity with software pertinent to laboratory equipment and data reporting.
Basic knowledge of calibration, operation, and maintenance of specialized laboratory equipment.
Basic knowledge of the principles, practices, materials, and equipment used in drinking water filtration, treatment, and distribution.
Basic knowledge of the principles, practices, materials, and equipment used in wastewater treatment and collections.
Basic knowledge of the Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act.
College-level coursework in chemistry, biology, or other sciences.
Experience and/or training in chemistry and/or microbiology as it relates to drinking water and/or wastewater compliance testing.

Responsibilities

Provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers by answering questions, providing assistance, and directing customers to the appropriate party in a timely manner.
Collect samples from the drinking water distribution system, treatment plants, industries, wells, and spring sources using proper sampling, collection, and analytical techniques.
Log in and process water, wastewater, and solid samples, or prepare them for shipment to a commercial laboratory.
Develop and update SOPs in accordance with laboratory standard methods.
Perform analytical testing in accordance with the SOPs of approved City of Flagstaff laboratories.
Perform daily equipment temperature and maintenance checks.
Perform sampling as needed for other sections.
Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual QA/QC checks.
Clean the laboratory, glassware, and equipment.
Respond to customer complaints.
Assist in plant operations and maintenance as needed.
Safely operate a vehicle while performing job-related duties.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Arizona State Retirement System membership with a mandatory contribution rate of approximately 12% and a 100% match.
Deferred compensation options.
Up to 4% annual pay-for-performance increase.
Group health, dental, and vision insurance.
Flexible and health savings accounts.
13 paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and personal leave.
Paid parental leave, bereavement leave, and jury duty leave.
Life insurance, AD&D, short- and long-term disability, and voluntary life insurance.
First-time homebuyer assistance.
Qualified Public Student Loan Forgiveness.
Employer tuition assistance.
Employee clinic, telehealth, wellness program and incentives, and tobacco cessation program.
Employee Assistance Program.
Employee recognition programs, including Workiversary, Wonderful Outstanding Worker (WOW), On-the-Spot, 7k Award, and City Manager's Excellence Awards.
Employee discounts, including Mountain Line Bus Eco Pass, Aquaplex, and recreation centers.