Lab Technician, Senior

DeKalb County•Decatur, GA

8h•Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of this classification is to coordinate and perform a variety of standard physical, chemical and bacteriological laboratory tests to maintain compliance with EPD and EPA standards for drinking water. This role involves collecting water samples from various locations, conducting microbiological, chemical, and physical testing, and performing calculations. Key responsibilities include preparing and sterilizing sample collection materials, communicating test results, preparing bacteriological media and reagents, and maintaining detailed records. The Senior Lab Technician will also be responsible for daily and monthly calibration checks on instrumentation, analyzing water testing trends, training new lab and operations employees, and performing general laboratory housekeeping and inventory management, including cleaning hazardous spills and routine safety checks.

Requirements

Associate degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or related field.
Three years of experience in aseptic techniques, safe laboratory practices and testing, to include bacteriological testing, physical and chemical analysis; OR one year as Laboratory Technician as a Water or Wastewater Laboratory Technician with DeKalb County.
Possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.
Possess and maintain a Water or Wastewater Laboratory Analyst license.

Responsibilities

Collects water samples from locations throughout the County, and tests for fluoride, iron, chlorine, pH (potential hydrogen), and bacteria.
Conducts microbiological testing of water mandated by regulatory agency.
Performs calculations for microbiological and chemical testing.
Performs daily chemical analysis with instrumentation.
Performs daily and monthly calibration checks on instrumentation.
Performs physical testing (color turbidity, suspended solids, etc.).
Prepares/sterilizes bottles for sample collection.
Communicates results to supervisors, operations management, and other County personnel.
Prepares all bacteriological media and reagents needed for testing.
Performs microbiological testing of distribution system samples.
Records results of microbiological testing for distribution system samples, customers concerns, and ma'ins.
Performs monthly checks of safety stations, balances, instrumentation, etc.
Records and maintains testing results, compiles and prepares forms, reports analyses, and sample documentation.
Analyzes water testing to identify trends and patterns.
Trains new lab and operations employees to aid in acquiring licenses.
Performs housekeeping duties and tracks inventory.
Assists in maintaining adequate supplies to perform collection and sampling.
Cleans hazardous spills (mercury, etc.).
Washes and sterilizes glassware.
Completes routine safety checks.