Laboratory Technician WWTP

City of Springfield, Ohio • Springfield, OH

12d • Onsite

About The Position

Work is of a technical nature and involves performing routine, advanced and specialized chemical and bacteriological tests in the wastewater treatment plant laboratory. Work involves the responsibility for conducting a variety of standardized and specialized laboratory tests on wastewater at the treatment plant or in the field to ensure proper plant operation and compliance with applicable water quality standards. Work is performed with considerable technical independence and proficiency under the general supervision of the Assistant Superintendent of the plant. Work requires strict adherence to quality analysis standards adopted by the laboratory as mandated by the State of Ohio EPA. Work performance is evaluated for the accuracy of test results, for proficiency demonstrated in interpreting test results or testing irregularities, and for care and cleaning of laboratory equipment.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or GED, preferably supplemented by college-level coursework or training in chemistry, biology, or microbiology, and experience in conducting chemical and bacteriological laboratory tests; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the following knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below.
• Valid Ohio Drivers License, meet and maintain insurability under the City's insurance plan.
• Ability to obtain a Class II Ohio EPA Wastewater Operator certificate within three years of appointment, employer assisted.
• Knowledge of modern laboratory techniques, practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of standard and advanced wastewater chemical and bacteriological tests and instrumentation.
• Ability to determine the impact of test results as they relate to local, state and federal regulations.
• Ability to use laboratory equipment, including pH meter, dissolved oxygen meter, analytical balance, specific ion meter, spectrophotometer, incubator, autoclave, Orsat apparatus, TKN digestion apparatus and still, cyanide still, COD digestion block, methane analyzer, toxic gas monitor, ISCO and Sigma samplers, flow meters and atomic absorption spectrophotometer.
• Ability to perform standard laboratory examinations and analyses.
• Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records and compile reports.
• Ability to work under all kinds of weather conditions.
• Ability to do confined space entries.
• Ability to do lift up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to enter manholes or access hatches twenty-four inches in diameter.

Responsibilities

• Collects samples from various sites at the wastewater treatment plant or from sampling points in the collectionsystem, industries and rivers.
• Performs laboratory analyses on samples to determine the levels of dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygendemand, solids, ammonia, nitrate + nitrite, oil and grease, phosphorus, cyanide, chlorine, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, pHand fecal coliforms; records and interprets test results.
• Performs standard and routine chemical and biological tests; prepares reagents and standard solutions, cleansglassware used in testing, provides technical guidance to a laboratory assistant.
• Prepares bacteriological media plates and samples for bacteriological analysis according to standardmethodologies.
• Maintains and calibrates laboratory instrumentation and performs minor repairs.
• Monitors quality assurance and quality control of test results; enters test results into computer.
• Assists with wet weather control programs including field investigations of possible illicit discharges, publiceducation and awareness and report preparation.
• Performs related work as assigned, including added programs and reports.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED