Water Laboratory Technician

Work Location:

Water Laboratory•17915 Waterline Road, Bradenton, Florida 34212

Work Hours:

Currently Monday•Thursday, 7:00am•5:30pm, Days may Vary, 10

Hour Shifts Expected Starting Hourly Range :

$23.67•$29.59 Performs physical, chemical, and microbiological testing to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations in support of water and wastewater plants and landfill locations. Areas of assignment are water laboratory and wastewater laboratory. Working Conditions Indoor laboratory and outdoor field environment. Work may require time outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. High noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Lifting equipment up to 50 lbs. alone; up to 100 lbs. with assistance. Regularly required to work with and around chemical agents, odors, fumes, and other hazardous materials. Work requires the ability to identify colors and odors and bend and stoop to collect samples. Periodically required to work other than normal business hours. Regularly required to drive county vehicles as part of the duties of this job. Depending on area of assignment, may be required to operate a small boat and swim a minimum of 100 yards. Essential Functions These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position. Properly collects, evaluates, analyzes, and interprets scientific and technical data and accurately prepares applicable reports. Conducts routine and special collection and analyses of samples of various types (surface water, ground water, drinking water, wastewater, reclaimed water, etc.) from various locations (Lake Manatee Watershed, Lake Manatee Reservoir, East County wellfield, monitoring wells, distribution system, storage facilities, treatment plants, etc.). Performs chemical and mathematical calculations. Prepares microbiological media and chemical reagents. Maintains detailed records and reports of work performed and results obtained. Performs bacteriological monitoring of the potable water system in accordance with the Total Coliform Rule (USEPA). Follows TNI Standard quality assurance requirements for sampling and analyses as set forth by regulatory agencies (FDOH, FDEP and USEPA) and department operating requirements. Depending on area of assignment, may performs site visits to investigate and resolves customer inquiries and complaints concerning water quality. Communicates results of investigation to customer in a timely manner. Calibrates, operates, and maintains field sampling and analytical equipment including sampling pumps, depth samplers, automatic sampling stations, dissolved oxygen meters, conductivity meters, pH meters, multi-parameter in-situ water quality meters, field turbidimeters, and residual chlorine meters. Maintains and calibrates laboratory equipment, including nutrient auto analyzer, total organic carbon analyzer, ion chromatograph, pH meter, turbidimeter, conductivity meter, spectrophotometer, and micropipettes, following standard operating procedures in accordance with the Laboratory Q.A. schedule. Follows all established safety standards and procedures. Maintains knowledge and understanding of current best practices, trends, laws, and issues affecting area of expertise. Upon approval, attends educational events that will increase professional knowledge and be otherwise beneficial to the County. Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee's qualifications, essential job functions, and applicable federal and Florida law. Bachelor's degree in natural science, chemistry, biology, environmental science, or a closely related field. One (1) or more years of experience working in a laboratory setting, preferably an environmental laboratory. Valid driver license required with valid Florida driver license required within 30 days of hire. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. Experience working with Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) highly desired.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Able to organize own work and prioritize tasks, adjust to competing and changing priorities, and meet deadlines. Accurate, detail-oriented, and organized. Able to resolve routine situations and problems. Basic knowledge and understanding of current laboratory techniques, practices, and procedures. Basic knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job duties. Basic knowledge and understanding of computer applications and software programs required to perform job duties. Good written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills in order to deal professionally and effectively with co-workers, management, and other stakeholders. Able to explain facts, policies, and practices. Work is closely supervised.