Microbiology Unit Laboratory Technician - Regional Wastewater Reclamation

Pima County • Tucson, AZ

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Pima County Wastewater Reclamation Department is hiring two Laboratory Technicians to support its Compliance and Regulatory Affairs Laboratory. The role assists in protecting human health and the environment by collecting samples from water reclamation facilities and analyzing water samples using methods such as titration, spectroscopy, and gravimetric analysis. The laboratory is state-of-the-art and operates 365 days a year. Work hours are 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; working some holidays and weekends, as well as other schedule changes, is required.

Work assignments may vary according to departmental needs. The position performs standardized analyses of water, solid waste, and wastewater, including microbiological testing, and operates and maintains laboratory instruments. It also supports laboratory safety, quality assurance and quality control, recordkeeping, regulatory compliance, staff training, and annual state audits and performance evaluation studies.

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 experience and/or education may be substituted.
• Clearly document qualifying education and experience in the Education and Work Experience sections of the application.
• Valid driver's license at the time of application.
• Valid Arizona driver's license at the time of appointment.
• Subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review and Fleet Services review and approval of the driving record.
• Must pass required pre-employment background screening and post-offer physical and/or drug screen.
• Able to meet position-related physical and sensory requirements, including frequently lifting, pushing, or pulling objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

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 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, as well as other tests required by regulatory agencies.
• 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 in accordance with proper procedures.
• Maintain inventory records for laboratory equipment, chemicals, supplies, and hazardous materials.
• Maintain laboratory facilities and equipment in accordance with departmental and professional standards.
• Follow laboratory and chemical safety procedures and ensure current safety data sheets are incorporated into the appropriate database or binders.
• Maintain manual and automated laboratory records and logbooks for testing and quality-control measures as required by regulatory standards.
• Record test results in spreadsheets and automated information management systems for analysis and record maintenance.
• Review and recommend revisions to standardized operating procedures used for analytical testing.
• Assist wastewater laboratory chemists and laboratory supervisors in training new laboratory support staff.
• Perform routine quality assurance and quality control procedures and prepare documentation to comply with Arizona Department of Health Services licensure requirements.
• Participate in annual state audits and performance evaluation studies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree