Environmental Lab Technician

City of Golden; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Golden is seeking an Environmental Lab Technician responsible for analyzing drinking water to ensure compliance with various regulations. This role involves hands-on laboratory work, documentation, and public interaction to maintain high standards of water quality in a vibrant community.

Benefits

Paid vacation starts at 16 days

12 days of sick time and 12 paid holidays

Full benefits and perks including tuition reimbursement

Qualifications

• Two years related experience in a laboratory environment preferred.
• Knowledge of bacteriology and environmental regulatory programs.
• Valid driver's license and good driving record required.

Responsibilities

• Perform sampling and laboratory analysis of drinking water.
• Document data and generate reports using LIMS.
• Conduct site visits and respond to citizen inquiries.

Skills

Bacteriology

Laboratory Procedures

Data Analysis

Mathematical Reasoning

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree in science, biology, chemistry, or environmental field

Tools

Spectrophotometer

pH meter

Turbidimeter

Job description

We are currently recruiting qualified applicants for Environmental Lab Technician. Come see why the City of Golden is the place you want to be!

Why work at the City of Golden? Being a Golden employee is more than just a job, it's a lifestyle. Golden is a vibrant outdoor community making it a great place to live, work and play.

• Location, location, location–Work near great restaurants and shops, hit the trails, and enjoy the outdoor scenery of Clear Creek and the foothills. Convenient commuting from all directions.

• Paid time off–Paid vacation starts at 16 days (that's over 3 weeks!), plus 12 days of sick time and 12 paid holidays each year.

• Great benefits–The City matches up to 8% of your retirement contributions, plus offers a full-spectrum of benefits and perks, including tuition reimbursement (check it out)!

Performs all required sampling and wet bench laboratory analysis on city drinking water to ensure compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and the Colorado State drinking water regulations. Collects samples in support of stormwater, pre-treatment and source water protection programs. Assists with water treatment and water utility operations.Collects and analyzes samples of drinking water supply to ensure compliance with federal and state safe drinking water standards; performs quantitative analytical procedures, titrations, and bacteriological tests on water samples from various sources.

Analyzes outside sources such as private wells and surface and groundwater samples as needed or required by permit.

Responsible for all drinking water sampling done to meet City, State, and EPA requirements. Gathers and tests water from various points in distribution system such as sample hydrants or taps, to discover possible sources of water contamination; tracks samples from initial extraction to proper disposal.

Documents data and enters it into Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). Generates routine reports using LIMS for internal and external recipients.

Performs analytical glassware/labware cleaning and preparation.

Handles the collection and recycling of batteries, toner cartridges, and other similar recyclables generated by City departments.

Prepares solutions, reagents, and standards for use in analyses; maintains, repairs, and calibrates lab equipment and instruments.

Performs all required lab quality control procedures for microbiological drinking water analyses in accordance with regulatory standards.

Responds to citizen inquiries by conducting site visits, collecting and analyzing data and samples, drafting correspondence, and reporting findings in a clear and professional manner.

Assists with the collection of stormwater, source water, and pretreatment samples for regulatory compliance and internal monitoring.

Assists the Pretreatment Coordinator with service area characterization, the Fats Oils and Grease (FOG) program, and data administration.

Coordinates the drop-off and pickup of samples between the City’s laboratory, customers, and external laboratories for subcontracted analyses.

Supports and maintains the City’s Service Line Inventory, including public outreach through door-to-door visits, mailings, phone calls, and email communication with residents.

Assists the Public Works Inspector with the collection, analysis, and reporting of bacteriological samples to ensure public health protection.

Aids in water treatment plant operations by calibrating instrumentation used in process control and by monitoring the SCADA system. May provide temporary day shift operator coverage during staffing gaps. This function typically comprises approximately 5% of the position’s duties.

Compiles data from both laboratory and water treatment plant sources and collaborates with plant operators to optimize treatment processes and operational efficiency.

Supports Water Utilities staff with blowoff and hydrant flushing activities to maintain infrastructure integrity and improve water quality. This function typically comprises approximately 10% of the position’s duties.

Performs annual preventative maintenance on Total Coliform sample hydrants.

Other duties may be assigned.High school diploma or equivalent; two years related experience and/or training in science, biology, chemistry or environmental field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Associate’s degree with coursework in science, biology, chemistry, or environmental field preferred. Knowledge of bacteriology, current lab procedures, and environmental regulatory programs.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
Colorado Water Treatment Operator Certification Preferred.
Colorado Water Distribution System Operator Certification Preferred.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write reports as required by position. Ability to effectively present information to management, public groups, and co-workers.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to work with mathematical concepts i.e. probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts i.e. fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY
Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, etc.,) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT DIRECTLY USED
Operates various laboratory equipment including spectrophotometer, TOC analyzer, titrator, muffle furnace, pH meter, incubator, turbidimeter, specific ion apparatus, oven, and balances. Utilizes hydrant wrenches and water meter/stopcock key. Use of computer and City vehicles.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Work environment is predominately in the lab with some field work. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

City of Golden is an Equal Opportunity Employer