Lab Technician, Senior

DeKalb County; Decatur (GA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

DeKalb County seeks a Water Laboratory Technician in Decatur, GA, responsible for performing essential physical and chemical testing of drinking water to ensure compliance with health standards. The role requires an associate degree in a related field, along with three years of experience in laboratory practices or equivalent. Specific licenses required include a Valid Georgia driver's license and a Water or Wastewater Laboratory Analyst license. Additional responsibilities involve maintaining testing records, training new staff, and ensuring lab safety.

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in aseptic techniques and laboratory testing.
• Experience with bacteriological testing and chemical analysis.
• Ability to train new employees.

Responsibilities

• Collect and test water samples for various chemical and physical properties.
• Conduct microbiological testing as mandated by regulations.
• Record and maintain testing results and analyze trends.

Skills

Aseptic techniques

Chemical analysis

Microbiological testing

Safe laboratory practices

Education

Associate degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or related field

Job description

Purpose of Classification

The purpose of this classification is to coordinate and perform a variety of standard physical, chemical and bacteriological laboratory tests to maintain compliance with EPD and EPA standards for drinking water.

Essential Functions

• Collect water samples from locations throughout the County and test for fluoride, iron, chlorine, pH (potential hydrogen), and bacteria.
• Conduct microbiological testing of water mandated by regulatory agencies, perform calculations for microbiological and chemical testing, perform daily chemical analysis with instrumentation, conduct daily and monthly calibration checks on instrumentation, perform physical testing (color turbidity, suspended solids, etc.), prepare/sterilize bottles for sample collection, and communicate results to supervisors, operations management, and other County personnel.
• Prepare all bacteriological media and reagents needed for testing; perform microbiological testing of distribution system samples; record results of microbiological testing for distribution system samples, customer concerns, and ma'ins; and perform monthly checks of safety stations, balances, instrumentation, etc.
• Record and maintain testing results, compile and prepare forms and reports, and analyze water testing to identify trends and patterns.
• Train new laboratory and operations employees to aid in acquiring licenses.
• Perform housekeeping duties, track inventory, assist in maintaining adequate supplies for collection and sampling, clean hazardous spills (mercury, etc.), wash and sterilize glassware, and complete routine safety checks.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related field; either three years of experience in aseptic techniques, safe laboratory practices and testing (including bacteriological testing, physical and chemical analysis); or one year as a Water or Wastewater Laboratory Technician with DeKalb County; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required

Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license and a Water or Wastewater Laboratory Analyst license.