Lab Specialist - Wastewater

City of Baytown; Baytown (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Baytown is seeking a Laboratory Specialist I to perform essential tests and analyses for our Public Works & Engineering team, ensuring quality and safety for critical infrastructure projects. You will handle process control testing on wastewater plants, record daily results, and provide timely reporting to plant operators and regulatory bodies.

We value meticulous attention to detail, clear communication with supervisors and agencies, and the ability to work with limited supervision

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of laboratory experience in chemistry, biology, or a related field.
• Must obtain a Grade B Wastewater License from TCEQ within two years.
• Computer literate in Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Performs process control tests for wastewater plants; records daily analysis.
• Calculates and records laboratory results and communicates findings to plants.
• Interacts with supervisors, office staff, and state/federal agencies; prepares NOAA weather reports.
• Plans, organizes, and directs the lab; may train and coach personnel.
• Maintains inventories and orders lab supplies on a timely basis.
• Performs Discharge Monitoring Report Quality Assurance analyses for TCEQ and EPA.
• Fulfills other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Computer literacy

Driver's license

Regulatory compliance

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

We are seeking a Laboratory Specialist I to perform essential tests and analyses for our Public Works & Engineering team. The role requires meticulous attention to detail and a strong foundation in laboratory techniques. Join us to ensure the quality and safety of critical infrastructure projects and contribute to meaningful community development.

Perform process control tests on wastewater plants according to TCEQ and EPA discharge permits to determine plant efficiency. Record daily analysis. Perform EPA DMR-QA studies and daily/monthly national weather reports.

• Performs process control tests for four wastewater plants, including moving trays of samples, dilution water and operating various test equipment.
• Calculates and records all laboratory analysis on a daily basis, gives lab results to plants to help monitor operations.
• Communicates with supervisors, office personnel, and State and Federal agencies. Prepares National weather report for NOAA.
• Plans, organizes, and directs the lab. May perform personnel related duties including training, and coaching.
• Inventories and orders lab supplies on a timely basis.
• Performs Discharge Monitoring Report Quality Assurance analysis for the TCEQ and EPA.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Required:

• High School diploma or equivalent (GED).
• One year laboratory experience in Chemistry, Biology, or a related field.
• Must obtain a Grade \"B\" Wastewater License from TCEQ within two years of date in position.
• Computer literate in Word and Excel.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record (must obtain TX driver's license within 90 days).

Preferred:

• Certification from the Texas Water Utility Association Laboratory Analysis Section (L.A.S.).
• Associates degree in related field from an accredited University.
• Grade \"C\" Surface Water License from TCEQ.
• Grade \"C\" Waste Water Treatment License from TCEQ.

Ability to work with limited supervision and to interpret Regulatory Rules and directives. Knowledge and ability to implement and maintain Quality Assurance and Quality Control programs. Ability to perform precise analytical measurement and make critical decisions under high levels of pressure in short periods of time. Must be computer literate in Word and Excel. Ability to get along appropriately with co-workers and the public.

Here at the City of Baytown, in recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you bring. We strive to provide a workplace where differences are honored, with a workforce that reflects the diversity of the people we serve.

Attendance is an essential function of this position. The City reserves the right to require an employee in this position to work overtime. This position provides services or performs duties for the benefit of the general public during emergency situations. These may include services or duties different from those performed in the usual course and scope of your job. In the event of an evacuation, the incumbent in this position may be required to remain to perform needed services.

Overall Position Strength Demands

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.