Laboratory Technician

City of Burlington•Burlington, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Burlington Department of Public Works is seeking a qualified candidate for the full-time position of Laboratory Technician in the Wastewater Utility. The Laboratory Technician is accountable to the Utility Manager for the operation of the wastewater lab. The work requires considerable initiative and knowledge of lab procedures and techniques applicable to wastewater analysis. Selection will be based on demonstrated skills and knowledge.

Requirements

High School Diploma/GED Required at time of hire
Ability to operate a motor vehicle, complex equipment and instruments with some requiring complex and rapid adjustments, such as pH meter, dissolved oxygen meter, vacuum pump, conductivity meter, balance scales, steam table, spectrophotometer, atomic absorption, fume hoods, dishwasher, pipettes, burettes.
Office equipment including: personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet, and database software, copy machine, fax machine, calculator, radio and telephone.
Ability to classify, compute and tabulate data and information, following a prescribed plan requiring the exercise of some judgment.
Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure and sort information.
Ability to assemble, copy, record and transcribe data and information.
Ability to explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well-established policies, procedures and standards, as well as the ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple requests from others.
Ability to perform process control calculations; ability to work safely, ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments and the public; ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
Possession of a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology or other life science with prior lab experience, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
Ability to achieve Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Wastewater Operator Certification status after 18 months by passing the Basic General Wastewater Exam and (L) Laboratory sub-class exam.
Advanced Laboratory Certification is required within five (5) years of hire date.

Responsibilities

Performs wet chemistry analysis of wastewater and water samples including test procedures to determine a variety of measurements, such as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), pH, toxicity, nitrogen analysis, fecal coliform, volatile solids, conductivity, nitrate, ortho phosphorus, total phosphorus, and other elements, compounds and materials as directed.
Prepares analytical reagents and culture media for bacteriological testing.
Collects lab/testing samples as needed.
Generates reports necessary to ensure compliance with various wastewater permits.
Communicates with management and Wastewater Operators to keep them apprised of current laboratory analytical results, wastewater sample observations, and laboratory needs.
Communicates with venders, suppliers, consultants, customers, testing agencies and regulatory agencies regarding a variety of laboratory operations.
Assists with DNR Laboratory Audits and Surveys and updates quality control documents.
Schedules quarterly and annually WPDES Permit required testing with outside testing agencies and arranges for shipping and transport of the samples.
Records industrial sampling and other sampling results.
Records test results on lab bench sheets.
Reviews monthly and quarterly Discharge Monitoring Reports.
Collects and preserves lab work sheets and records.
Computer data entry.
Photocopies and collates documents.
Calibrates pH and BOD meters.
Performs minor repairs and maintenance to lab equipment.
Maintains knowledge of wastewater testing principles, requirements and standards; and lab equipment calibration principles and practices.
Cleans lab; disposes of sludge and wastewater samples.
Loads and unloads dishwasher, washes glassware, fills distilled water containers.
Monitors inventory levels, anticipates laboratory supply and material needs, and coordinates with the appropriate person to purchase and place orders of laboratory supplies and materials.
Other duties as required and assigned.