About the position
The focus of this position is to perform a full range of microbiological and analytical testing activities in the Filtration Division's Water Quality Laboratory, including data review and approval, and meeting all requirements of the Laboratory's quality assurance program. This Water Quality Laboratory Technician will perform a number of bacteriological determinations and will be responsible for collection and analysis of a variety of samples. The ideal candidate will have an understanding of drinking water regulations, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Laboratory Accreditation Program requirements, quality assurance and quality control requirements for microbiological testing, and will be able to adapt specific IDPH and/or Standard Methods for the purpose of State accreditation. The position requires instrument troubleshooting and maintenance skills as well as the ability to perform complex water quality studies, to review and analyze data, to follow all IDPH health and safety policies and procedures, and to work well with other team members.
Responsibilities
- Makes periodic laboratory counts of bacteria in water supply.
- Analyzes samples of filtered water to ensure that quantities of solids left in suspension are below prescribed limits.
- Tests samples extracted from various points in distribution system, such as mains, tanks, pumps, and hydrants, to ensure that water is free of contamination.
- Conducts analyses such as alkalinity, hardness, turbidity, chlorine residual, taste, odor, and fluoride in finished water and chlorine and fluoride in water for distribution system daily.
- Performs microbiological testing daily.
- Prepares culture media and other reagents.
- Performs and maintains quality assurance, quality control tasks and reporting associated with laboratory certification, including calibration of equipment and associated record keeping.
- Assists Chemist in the performing various other tests.
- Responds to inquiries and concerns raised by staff and possibly by the general public.
- May assume responsibilities of the Chemist in his/her absence.
- Maintains inventory of supplies and repair parts for all lab operations.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Must possess a B.S. in Biology, Chemistry, or related discipline.
- Must possess at least One year experience in an environmental laboratory.
- Ability to perform laboratory testing with third party blind and reference standards and use proper lab techniques including standard methods and department required protocols.
- Must be willing and able to obtain an IDPH certification to perform Total Coliform and E.Coli analysis within 6 months of hire and maintain it as a condition of employment.
- Must obtain National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS 100 and IS 700 Certification within 18 months of hire.
- Knowledge of laboratory policies, procedures and practices necessary for testing water in compliance with IEPA and IDPH regulations.
- Knowledge and use of personal computer and software including MS Word and Excel.
Nice-to-haves
- Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas: Principles, methods, materials, and practices of chemical and bacteriological testing.
- Ability to carry out, with a high degree of accuracy, a variety of qualitative and quantitative chemical, physical and bacteriological analysis.
- Ability to keep accurate laboratory records and to prepare reports of testing procedures and results.
- Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, subordinates.
- Ability to understand, give, and follow verbal and written instructions.
- Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
