Water/Wastewater Laboratory Technician

Ventura County•Ventura, CA

About The Position

The PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY, Water and Sanitation Department is responsible for providing high-quality water supply to meet the community’s needs in the Ventura County Waterworks District; and collects, treats and disposes of wastewater safely and efficiently. Under general supervision, performs routine chemical, physical, and biological sampling and analysis of potable water, wastewater, recycled water, groundwater, industrial wastes, sludges, biosolids and environmental samples; maintains laboratory instrumentation and calibration of equipment; performs proper data reduction, documentation, data entry and record maintenance for the Public Works Agency’s, Water and Sanitation Department’s, State of California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program-certified laboratory; and performs related duties as required.

Requirements

Some experience which has led to the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Completion of an Associate's degree in chemistry, biology or related environmental sciences; OR completion of twenty-four (24) units of college coursework in chemistry, biology, microbiology or a related environmental sciences field of study; OR one (1) year of laboratory experience conducting a variety of tests in a physical, chemical, or biological laboratory setting at a water and/or wastewater facility.
Must possess and maintain a valid California driver's license.
Employees in this class are required to obtain and maintain a Laboratory Analyst Grade I certification issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) within one (1) year after completing probation.
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Skills must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
Working knowledge of: basic laboratory procedures, terminology, equipment and techniques used in chemical, biological and bacteriological analysis; modern laboratory practices and computer equipment; chemical and physical analysis principles; basic principles and practices of qualitative and quantitative chemistry, mathematics, biology, microbiology and bacteriology; sampling and field equipment procedures; the use and maintenance of laboratory equipment; applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations; laboratory occupational hazards and standard safety principles and practices; and computer applications.
Skill in: the use of laboratory equipment to perform chemical, biological, bacteriological and physical sampling and analytical analysis.
Ability to: conduct routine chemical, biological, bacteriological, and physical sampling and analyses; conduct routine chemical, biological, physical, bacteriological examinations and analyses, and mathematical calculations; operate laboratory instruments; maintain laboratory equipment; prepare clear, concise and technical reports; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Nice To Haves

Some experience performing pretreatment/source control facility inspections.
Some experience assisting with pretreatment/source control program and pretreatment compliance audits.
Bachelor's degree with college-level course work in biology, microbiology, chemistry, or a related environmental science field of study.
Laboratory Analyst Grade I certification issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA).

Responsibilities

Assists in the implementation of the pretreatment/source control program and pretreatment compliance audits; performs pretreatment/source control facility inspections.
Collects potable water, wastewater and reclaimed water samples from treatment plants, distribution/collection systems, groundwater wells and receiving waters.
Performs tests and analysis, such as (but not limited to) chemical, biochemical, residues, residuals, coliform testing, colorimetric, volumetric analysis, grease/oil, chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, titrimetric analysis and other related tests/analyses on potable water, wastewater, reclaimed water, plant influents, effluents and other materials.
Troubleshoots and examines deviations in laboratory data; reviews and recommends changes to test procedures; and performs quality control and quality assurance laboratory tests.
Maintains records of sampling and analysis procedures/results and generates necessary reports; prepares technical reports on analyses conducted; assists in the preparation of reports for submission to the State Water Resources Control Board, California Department of Drinking Water or other regulatory and governmental agencies.
Maintains, cleans, sterilizes and calibrates laboratory equipment, apparatus and materials used in all tests and analyses; prepares microbiological media; and performs a variety of related technical tasks.
Prepares solutions, reagents, equipment, apparatus, accessories and other laboratory supplies; and conducts inventory of chemicals, reagents, solutions and laboratory supplies and equipment.
Performs other related duties as required.

Benefits

Educational Incentive: A n educational incentive of 2.5% for completion of an associate degree, 3.5% for completion of a bachelor's degree, OR 5% for completion of a graduate degree.
Bilingual Incentive: Incumbents may also be eligible for a bilingual incentive depending upon operational need and certification of skill. Proficiency levels by exam are $.69 per hour (Level I); $1.00 per hour (Level II); or $1.32 per hour (Level III).
Vacation Accrual: New regular, full-time employees shall accrue approximately 14 days of vacation a year for the first 10,400 hours or 5 years of service; vacation accruals increase at 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 20 years of service topping out at 26 days a year and 400 hours of vacation hours banked.
Flexible Workweek/Telework Schedule: We support a work/life balance by offering compressed work (e.g., 9/80 or 4/10 workweek) and remote hybrid telework schedules for some positions subject to organizational needs and satisfactory performance.
Annual Leave Redemption: After 14,560 hours of continuous service an employee may elect to "cash in" or redeem up to 80 hours of vacation accrued in the same year after using 80 hours of vacation in the preceding 12 months.
Sick Leave: Full-time Regular employees accrue 3.08 hours of sick leave per pay period with an advance at hire of 40.04 hours which will be balanced at the completion of 13 bi-weekly pay periods.
Deferred Compensation: Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3% match on your 401(k) contributions.
Health Plans: Full-time employees are given a flexible credit allowance of up to $26,626.86 annually to offset the purchase of medical insurance for you and your dependents. Employee only - $463.99 per biweekly pay period; Employee plus one dependent - $834.32 per biweekly pay period; and Employee plus family - $1,024.11 per biweekly pay period.
Flexible Spending Accounts: Choice of participation in the Flexible Spending Accounts which increase spending power through reimbursement of pre-tax dollars for IRS approved dependent care and health care expenses.
Pension Plan: Both the County and employees contribute to the County's Retirement Plan and to Social Security. If eligible, reciprocity may be established with other public retirement systems such as PERS.
Holidays: 12 paid days per year which includes a scheduled floating holiday.
Tuition Reimbursement
Disability Plans
Employee Assistance Program
Life Insurance
Wellness Program