Microbiology Unit Laboratory Technician - Regional Wastewater Reclamation
About The Position
Pima County Wastewater Reclamation Department is hiring two Laboratory Technicians for its Compliance and Regulatory Affairs Laboratory. The team performs environmental laboratory work to help protect human health and the environment. Typical assignments include collecting samples at water reclamation facilities and analyzing water samples using methods such as titration, spectroscopy, and gravimetric analysis. The work schedule is 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The laboratory operates year-round, and the position requires working some holidays, weekends, and schedule changes. Work assignments may vary with departmental needs and are communicated by a supervisor. The position requires an associate’s degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental science, or a closely related field, plus two years of experience performing standard laboratory tests or instrumental laboratory analyses. Relevant education and/or experience may be substituted. A valid driver license is required when applying, and a valid Arizona driver license is required at appointment. The position also requires post-offer background screening and a post-offer physical and/or drug screen.
Requirements
- Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental science, or a closely related field, and two years of experience performing standard laboratory tests or instrumental laboratory analyses; relevant education and/or experience may be substituted.
- Clearly document qualifying education and experience in the application’s Education and Work Experience sections.
- Valid driver license at the time of application and valid Arizona driver license at the time of appointment.
- Successful completion of the required post-offer background screening and post-offer physical and/or drug screen.
- Ability to meet the position’s physical and sensory requirements, including frequently lifting, pushing, or pulling objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work the stated schedule and some holidays, weekends, and schedule changes.
Nice To Haves
- Experience within the last five years performing laboratory analyses on water and/or wastewater.
- Experience within the last five years collecting water, wastewater, soil, or biosolids samples.
- Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
- Experience calibrating and maintaining laboratory equipment.
- At least six months of laboratory-setting experience within the last five years.
- Experience with data entry and review.
- Experience handling and working with chemicals.
- Experience with or knowledge of laboratory safety and safety equipment.
Responsibilities
- Collect water, solid waste, and wastewater effluent samples for laboratory testing.
- Perform standardized laboratory tests, including BOD, COD, dissolved oxygen, bacteriological examination, alkalinity, hardness, pH, chlorine, and solids testing.
- Analyze E. coli, Total Coliform, and other microbiological organisms.
- Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments, including UV/VIS spectrophotometers, analytical balances, DO meters, pH meters, and computer-controlled BOD robotic instruments.
- Perform and document acid neutralization, thermometer calibrations, and safety equipment checks.
- Prepare laboratory waste for off-site disposal according to proper procedures.
- Maintain inventory records for laboratory equipment, chemicals, supplies, and hazardous materials.
- Maintain physical facilities and equipment in accordance with departmental and professional standards.
- Follow laboratory and chemical safety procedures and ensure current safety data sheets are included in the appropriate database or binders.
- Maintain manual and automated laboratory records and logbooks for testing and quality control measures.
- Record test results in spreadsheets and automated information management systems.
- Review and recommend revisions to standardized operating procedures for analytical testing.
- Assist laboratory chemists and supervisors in training new laboratory support staff.
- Perform routine quality assurance and quality control procedures and prepare documentation for Arizona Department of Health Services licensure requirements.
- Participate in annual state audits and performance evaluation studies.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
