Intern - Utilities Laboratory

City of Mankato; Mankato (MN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Job summary

The City of Mankato is seeking a Laboratory Intern to assist with chemical testing programs under the WRRF Lead Process Chemist, supporting water and wastewater analysis.

This paid internship requires a high school diploma, enrollment in college chemistry/biology courses, and a valid Minnesota driver's license. The role offers flexible hours and exposure to regulatory testing, sample collection, and field sampling.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED and be enrolled in college chemistry/biology courses (≈10 credit hours).
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to drive in Minnesota.
• Equivalency accepted combining education, training, and experience.

Responsibilities

• Performs chemical testing and analysis for water/wastewater programs under supervision.
• Collects samples from labs, businesses, and municipal sources for analysis.
• Supports field sampling and biosolids-related analyses.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Analytical chemistry

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Enrolled in college chemistry/biology courses

Job description

Grade: Intern FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive Position: No
Supervisor Title: Associate Director of Public Utilities/WRRF Lead Process Chemist

Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience:

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED and be enrolled and attending college or technical college level courses in chemistry and/or biology, such as, but not limited to, analytical chemistry, general chemistry, microbiology, or limnology amounting to approximately 10 credit hours.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to drive in the state of Minnesota.

OR

• Any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the job proficiently may be substituted for the above requirements.

Nature of Work:

Under direction of the WRRF Process Chemist, assists or conducts chemical testing programs involved in control and treatment of water or wastewater treatment, environmental control testing, and related laboratory analysis.

About Us:

Our employees are committed to working in an environment that fosters the core values of the City of Mankato – positive attitude, accountability, respect, teamwork, and integrity. We care about making a positive difference in the lives of others. Our work is challenging and has purpose. We listen and engage with each other and our community. We are empowered and trusted to make good decisions that align with the public service principles and core values. Our organization is committed to investing and developing each other. We will recognize and celebrate our collective achievements and individual accomplishments.

We take pride in investing in our employees. Our team enjoys a supportive work environment that encourages not only success for the community we serve, but for you as well. Come grow your career with us!

Primary Essential Work Functions:

• Performs analysis, including, but not limited to pH, total suspended solids, total solids, hardness, biochemical oxygen demand, fecal and total coliform, E-coli, Ortho and Total Phosphorus, nitrates, alkalinity, volatile acids, sulfides, and ammonia.
• The Laboratory Intern will pick up samples from local businesses/industries/municipalities and transport to the laboratory for analysis. May also be required to sample other areas including farm fields, manholes, creeks, river or other portions of the sanitary or storm drain system.
• Assist in the field sampling and other analysis associated with the application of biosolids.

Other Work Functions:

• Performs physical and mental demands and work environment requirements for this position.
• Attendance during regularly scheduled work hours and outside regular hours as necessary.
• Effective and respectful communication and interactions with other employees, supervisors, individuals from other organizations, and community customers.
• Performs other related work as assigned or apparent.

The above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.

Communicates With:

• Internally – Public Works/Utilities employees, other city employees
• Externally – General public

Supervision:

• Non-supervisory

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive in the state of Minnesota.
• Satisfactory completion of a background examination.
• Must meet expectations of the work functions and knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position.
• Must comply with organizational and departmental policies.
• Must comply with data practices policies and standards relative to not public data. Any access to not public data should be strictly limited to accessing the data that are necessary to fulfill the employment responsibility. While data are being accessed, incumbent should take reasonable measures to ensure the not public data are not accessed by individuals without a work reason. Once the work reason to access the data is reasonably finished the not public data must be properly stored according to city policy and the Minnesota Statutes.

Working hours are flexible, Monday through Friday, 20-29 hours per week, with some weekends as needed.