Biologist

The City of Saginaw; Saginaw (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Saginaw is seeking a Laboratory Technician to perform biological and chemical testing to ensure drinking water meets state and federal requirements. Under general supervision, you will prepare reagents, operate analytical instruments, maintain records, and support water-treatment plant operations, including field sampling and testing.

Qualifications include an associate degree in biology or related science, two years of lab experience, and EGLE drinking water certifications; valid

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Biology or related science required.
• Two years of hands-on laboratory experience.
• EGLE Drinking Water Certification F-3 required; if not possessed at hire, must obtain F-3 and F-4 within specified cycles.
• Valid Michigan Driver License.

Responsibilities

• Performs routine microbial sampling, testing, and reporting for bacteriological, protozoan, and chemical analysis.
• Adheres to EPA and EGLE programs for drinking water.
• Maintains laboratory reagents, media, and chemical solutions; analyzes content and purity.
• Maintains QA for biological and chemical analyses; investigates questionable results.
• Performs bacteriological sampling, testing, and disinfectant residual testing across plant and distribution system.
• Microscopically examines raw and treated water for algae and other organisms.
• Maintains complete laboratory records and documentation per regulatory requirements.
• Operates, calibrates, verifies, troubleshoots, and maintains laboratory instrumentation.
• Provides lab support to Water Plant personnel and trains new staff.
• Conducts research to improve plant operation and potable water quality.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

MS Office

Attention to detail

Education

Associate degree in Biology or related science

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Under general supervision, this position conducts biological and chemical standardized lab tests, water analysis and field tests to ensure water quality meets state and federal regulations.

1. Performs routine microbial sampling, testing, and reporting for bacteriological, protozoan, and chemical analysis.
2. Adheres to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) mandated programs for drinking water.
3. Prepares, standardizes, verifies, and maintains laboratory reagents, media, and chemical solutions used by the Water Treatment Plant and Whitestone Raw Water Pumping Station laboratories. Analyzes treatment chemicals and bacterial media to verify content and purity.
4. Effectuate the Quality Assurance Plan for biological and chemical analyses. Reviews testing procedures and results; investigates questionable results or procedural discrepancies.
5. Performs bacteriological sampling, testing, and disinfectant residual testing and throughout the treatment plant and water distribution system. Investigates water quality concerns at residences, businesses, and other locations throughout the water system.
6. Performs microscopic examination of raw and treated water to detect, identify, and enumerate algae and other biological organisms affecting source-water or finished-water quality.
7. Maintains complete and accurate laboratory records, reports, and analytical documentation in accordance with regulatory and departmental requirements, including analyses associated with water-main construction and regulatory compliance.
8. Operates, calibrates, verifies, troubleshoots, and maintains laboratory and online analytical instrumentation to ensure accurate and reliable water-quality measurements.
9. Provides laboratory and operational water-quality support to Water Plant personnel as needed. Trains and instructs new employees, temporary employees, and other assigned personnel in laboratory procedures, sampling techniques, equipment operation, and quality control practices.
10. Conducts research and investigative testing to improve routine plant operation and potable water quality. Maintains and evaluates Saginaw River, raw water, and reservoir testing programs.
11. Maintains laboratory facilities, equipment, glassware, and work areas in clean, sanitary, organized, and safe condition and follows established laboratory safety and contamination-control procedures.
12. Conduct Water Treatment plant tours and provides educational presentations to students, community organizations, civic groups, and members of the public regarding water treatment processes, water quality, and related topics.
13. Adhere to all utility security policies and procedures, including those outlined in the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) and Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA) documentation, to ensure the ongoing security and resilience of the water system's infrastructure, operations, and water quality.
14. Immediately report any actual or potential physical or cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, or incidents to the designated utility security point of contact or supervisor.
15. Performs other duties as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Associate degree in Biology or a related science required. Bachelors degree preferred.

Experience: Two (2) years of hands-on work experience in a laboratory.

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession and maintenance of Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Drinking Water Certification F-3 required.
  • If not in possession at time of hire, once eligible, must obtain F-4 certification within four (4) test cycles of hire and an F-3 certification within four (4) test cycles after obtaining F-4 certification.
• Valid State of Michigan Driver License.

Knowledge of

• Standard laboratory techniques and practices.
• Use and care of laboratory equipment.

Skill in

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) as well as the ability to become proficient in various departmental related software.
• Attention to detail to ensure accurate review and recording of test results.

Ability to

• Work independently and multi-task.
• Analyze, interpret, and report the results of laboratory findings.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in a municipal treatment laboratory and plant environment with exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, fumes or airborne particles, strong acids/bases, volatile substances, ultraviolent radiation, and toxic chemical fumes. Some work performed in varying field conditions with exposure to variable weather conditions, work near moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, and loud noises.

Physical Demands

• Frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds of force, occasionally exerts up to 25 pounds of force.
• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, and climbing stairs within the treatment facility.
• Occasional balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, reaching with hands and arms, gross manipulation using hands and fingers to type and operate a computer mouse.
• Standard vision and hearing. Employees must be able to see, hear, and communicate clearly, with the ability to identify and distinguish colors clearly to read laboratory instruments and interpret test results.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, lab coats, face shield, goggles and safety glasses is required during certain tasks.
• May be required to wear a respirator during non-strenuous activities and during emergency.