Laboratory Technician - Regional Wastewater Reclamation

Pima County•Tucson, AZ

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Pima County Wastewater Reclamation Department is seeking a talented person to assist in our Compliance and Regulatory Affairs Laboratory team. If you have experience in laboratory analysis or a degree in science (chemistry, biology, environmental science, or similar), we can use your skills to assist us in protecting human health and the environment using state-of-the-art environmental laboratory equipment. Typical work assignments include collecting samples from Water Reclamation facilities and analysis of water samples by methods including titration, spectroscopy, gravimetric, and others. If this sounds interesting to you, come and join our team. Work hours are 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The lab operates 365 days a year. Working some holidays, weekends, and other schedule changes are required.

Requirements

Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental science, or a closely related field as defined by the department head.
Two (2) years of experience performing standard laboratory tests or instrumental laboratory analyses.
Valid driver license is required at time of application.
Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment.
The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures.
Pre-employment background checks.
Post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history.
Some positions may require satisfactory completion of a personal background investigation by the court or law enforcement agencies, due to the need for access to County Attorney and Court facilities, records, and communication systems.
This position will require a post-job offer physical and/or drug screen.

Nice To Haves

Experience within the last five (5) years, performing laboratory analyses on water or wastewater samples.
Experience within the last five (5) years, collecting water, wastewater, soil, or bio-solids samples.
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word, and Excel).
Experience calibrating and maintaining laboratory equipment.
Minimum (6) months professional experience, within the last five (5) years, working in a laboratory setting.
Experience with data entry and review.
Experience handling and working with chemicals.
Experience with/knowledge of laboratory safety and safety equipment.

Responsibilities

Collects water, solid waste, and wastewater effluent samples for laboratory testing.
Performs various standardized laboratory tests such as Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Bacteriological Examination, Alkalinity, Hardness, pH, Chlorine, Solids Testing, and other related tests as required by regulatory agencies.
Analyzes E. coli, Total Coliform, and other microbiological organisms.
Operates, calibrates, and maintains laboratory equipment and instruments such as Ultraviolet-Visible (UV/VIS) Spectrophotometers, Analytical Balances, DO meters, pH meters, and computer-controlled BOD robotic instruments.
Performs and properly documents Acid Neutralization, Thermometer Calibrations, and Safety Equipment Checks.
Prepares laboratory waste for off-site disposal in accordance with proper procedures.
Maintains inventory records for laboratory equipment, chemicals, supplies, and hazardous materials.
Maintains physical facilities and equipment in accordance with departmental and professional standards.
Adheres to safety procedures in accordance with the laboratory and chemical plan, ensuring that current safety data sheets are incorporated into the proper database or binders.
Maintains manual and automated laboratory records and logbooks on testing and quality control measures as required by regulatory standards.
Records test results in spreadsheets and automated information management systems for analysis and records maintenance.
Reviews and recommends revisions to the standardized operating procedures used for analytical testing.
Assists Wastewater laboratory chemists and laboratory supervisors in training new laboratory support staff.
Performs routine quality assurance/quality control procedures and prepares documentation to comply with licensure requirements from the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Participates in annual state audits and performance evaluation studies.