Wastewater Treatment Plant Lab Tech I

City of Hendersonville•Hendersonville, NC

22h

About The Position

Responsible for routine technical laboratory work analyzing wastewater, industrial wastes, and treatment-process by-products. The role performs standardized bacteriological and chemical tests and technical laboratory clerical work, providing reliable analytical data for NPDES reporting, assessment of plant operations, identification of plant problems and solutions, and support of efficient and consistent wastewater treatment. Work includes establishing sampling points, maintaining accurate records and quality control, and supporting adequate wastewater treatment. The employee works under the general supervision of the Laboratory Supervisor and is evaluated on productivity, analytical and reporting accuracy, and overall review of test results. The position performs quality assurance and quality control on analyses, equipment, and supplies; tests wastewater and raw and treated water; collects samples; interprets results; prepares reports, solutions, and reagents; maintains laboratory inventory and equipment; and applies analytical findings to daily plant operations. The employee consults with the Laboratory Supervisor about work, results, supplies, equipment, and plant observations. The role also uses a computer for data entry, document preparation, wastewater research, and keeping current with State and Federal regulations. It includes equipment cleaning, maintenance, and minor repairs, and may provide back-up coverage for Treatment Operators I, II, and III. The position requires a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver’s license. It requires one year of laboratory experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience, and possession of a valid NC Grade I Wastewater Operator certification or the ability to obtain it within 18 months of hire. Applicants must pass pre-employment drug screening and background checks, including a State Bureau of Investigations background check.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle, required at hire and as a condition of continued employment.
One year of laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Possess a valid NC Grade I Wastewater Operator certification or be able to obtain it within 18 months of hire.
Knowledge of modern laboratory techniques, materials, and equipment, including those used in standard chemical and biochemical wastewater analysis.
Knowledge of analytical chemistry principles.
Skill in sample collection, preparation, analysis, data control, and interpretation of results.
Ability to prepare reagents and assemble laboratory apparatus for chemical and biochemical analysis.
Ability to collect wastewater, septage, and biosolids samples and perform necessary laboratory tests.
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions, including detailed and intricate instructions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to design efficient and effective workflows and procedures.
Pass pre-employment drug screening, a background check, and a State Bureau of Investigations background check.
Ability to perform medium physical work: exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and negligible force constantly; perform field sampling and activities including climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, and feeling; and use visual acuity to analyze data, operate a computer terminal, and use measurement devices.
Work in indoor and outdoor conditions, including extreme heat and cold, and work around electrical current, burner flames, acids, ammonia, chlorine, hazardous substances, fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, and potentially poor ventilation; protective clothing and body shields may be required.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of organic and inorganic chemistry is preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform quality control and quality assurance on analyses, equipment, and supplies to ensure reliable results and maintain laboratory certification compliance.
Perform standardized laboratory tests and analyses of wastewater, raw water, and treated water to assess treatment processes and maintain compliance with the plant’s NPDES permit.
Inspect and maintain inventory of chemicals, solutions, culture media, reporting forms, laboratory supplies, equipment, and appurtenances.
Collect samples at their source, interpret test results, prepare required reports, and prepare, standardize, label, and date solutions and reagents.
Apply analytical data to daily operations and adjustments across wastewater treatment systems.
Consult with the Laboratory Supervisor about scheduled activities, analytical results, inventory, supplies, equipment, and observations about plant processes.
Use a computer to enter data, prepare documents, conduct wastewater research, and remain current on State and Federal regulations.
Maintain, clean, and perform minor repairs on laboratory equipment.
May provide back-up operator coverage and perform duties assigned to Treatment Operators I, II, and III.
Perform other related duties as assigned.