Lab Technician I - Water Pollution Control

City of Lancaster•Lancaster, OH

About The Position

The City of Lancaster is hiring a Lab Technician for its Water Pollution Control Department. Under the direction of the Chemist, the position performs a variety of chemical and biological examinations of municipal wastewater samples. Duties include laboratory analyses related to water and wastewater operations; collecting and analyzing wastewater, sludge, and stream samples; preparing reagents and standard solutions; maintaining laboratory equipment; and recording and evaluating test results. The position also includes custodial duties such as dusting, sweeping, mopping, and trash removal. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent. An associate or bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, geology, or environmental science is preferred. The position requires a valid State of Ohio driver’s license, insurability under the City’s liability policy to operate City vehicles, and a minimum Ohio Class I Water Reclamation certification from the Ohio EPA, which may be obtained after hiring. Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment physical exam, drug test, criminal background investigation, and driving record check. The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer and, as a recipient of federal funds, maintains a zero-tolerance policy for controlled substances, including medical marijuana.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Thorough knowledge of standard testing procedures and analytical chemistry principles used in water and wastewater treatment laboratories.
Knowledge of potential hazards, necessary safety precautions, and safety equipment related to laboratories and wastewater treatment facilities.
Skill in using equipment necessary to perform analytical laboratory tests.
Knowledge of analytical inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and biology.
Ability to follow written or oral instructions related to work assignments.
Ability to meet laboratory quality assurance and quality control parameters.
Ability to evaluate test results related to wastewater plant operations.
Ability to record test results, maintain acceptable results within quality control parameters, and maintain records.
Valid State of Ohio driver’s license and ability to be insured under the City's Liability Policy to operate City vehicles.
Minimum Ohio Class I Water Reclamation certification from the Ohio EPA; this may be obtained after hiring.
Any combination of training and experience that demonstrates the listed skills, knowledge, and abilities.
Successful completion of a pre-employment physical exam, drug test, criminal background investigation, and driving record check.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, geology, or environmental science.

Responsibilities

Perform laboratory analyses related to water and wastewater operations.
Collect and analyze domestic wastewater, industrial wastewater, sludge, and stream samples.
Prepare reagents and standard solutions.
Perform basic equipment maintenance, including calibration, cleaning, and troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation.
Use spreadsheets and perform mathematical functions related to laboratory analysis.
Follow standard testing procedures and laboratory quality assurance and quality control parameters.
Evaluate test results related to wastewater plant operations.
Record test results, maintain results within quality control parameters, and maintain records.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, private industry, and the general public.
Perform custodial duties, including dusting, sweeping, mopping, and trash removal.