Laboratory Aide

City of Santa Rosa, CA; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12 paid holidays annually

Wellness $500 annually

PSLF Employer (Public Service Loan)

Paid Family Leave

Job summary

The City of Santa Rosa Water Department is seeking a Laboratory Aide to support critical preparatory and custodial tasks that help protect public health and our community’s water quality. The role includes data entry, sample handling, and coordination with Laboratory Analysts under supervision.

Ideal candidates will have chemistry coursework, strong attention to safety, and excellent communication with diverse communities.

Qualifications

• High school or college coursework in chemistry.
• Heightened awareness of surroundings and safety regulations in a laboratory setting.
• Experience effectively communicating with a diverse demographic.
• Effective interpersonal and problem solving skills.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• Meticulous disposition in regards to quality of work.

Responsibilities

• Wash laboratory glassware and use dishwashing/drying equipment.
• Log in, preserve and label samples, and fill chain of custody documents.
• Prepare media and reagents; dispose of used chemicals.
• Assist in sample control including inventory by holding time and disposal of expired samples.
• Assist in data entry and maintain cleanliness of the lab.
• Pick up and deliver samples and supplies to/from various locations.
• Maintain laboratory safety standards and laboratory SDS library.

Skills

Chemistry basics

Safety awareness

Communication

Multitasking

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Education

Chemistry coursework

Job description

The City of Santa Rosa Water Department is looking for a Laboratory Aide to support critical laboratory work that helps protect public health and our community’s water quality.

The City of Santa Rosa is committed to building a workforce reflective of our community and establishing a lasting culture of equity and belonging within our organization. Our collective talents and expertise contribute to high-quality public services that support a vibrant, resilient, inclusive City for our community and visitors. We celebrate a diverse workforce and welcome all qualified candidates to apply.

Please note: this recruitment will remain open for 2 (Two) weeks or until 75 applications are received, whichever comes first.

THE BENEFITS OF CITY EMPLOYMENT

In addition to offering a challenging, rewarding work environment and excellent salary, the City of Santa Rosa provides a generous suite of benefits, including retirement through CalPERS, a competitive leave accrual package, your choice of three health plans, a flexible spending program, employer contributions to a Retiree Health Savings plan, flexible work schedule options, and top of the line employer paid vision and dental coverage. More information regarding benefits can be found on our Miscellaneous Employee Benefits Page.

THE BENEFITS OF CITY EMPLOYMENT

• A competitive total compensation package!
• 12 paid holidays annually, plus 1 to 3 'floating holidays' per year, depending on start date and years of service
• $500 annually for wellness
• The City is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Employer
• Paid Family Leave

WORKING FOR SANTA ROSA WATER - MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Santa Rosa Water protects public health and the environment by providing a safe and reliable water supply, wastewater collection and treatment, beneficial reuse of recycled water and biosolids, and storm water management. By providing these critical water, sewer, and storm water services to households, businesses, schools, hospitals, and others, Santa Rosa Water is achieving its overarching mission.

For more information about the City of Santa Rosa Water Department, its divisions, projects, and commitment to the local community, please visit Water's website at: SR CITY WATER.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Laboratory Aide provides critical preparatory and custodial support to Laboratory Analysts by cleaning laboratory instruments; performing data entry; procuring and delivering samples and supplies; serving as the first point of contact; and disposing of old equipment and materials. Additionally, under supervision, this position will:

• Assist in sample control, including inventory by holding time and disposal of expired samples
• Autoclave and dispose of used fermentation tubes
• Dispose of used chemicals
• Perform basic process control testing
• Assist in data entry
• Pick up and deliver samples and supplies
• Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of lab
• Assist with proper disposal of old equipment
• Perform related duties as assigned.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• High school or college coursework in chemistry
• Heightened awareness of surroundings and safety regulations in a laboratory setting
• Experience effectively communicating with a diverse demographic
• Effective interpersonal and problem solving skills
• The ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• A strong commitment to providing excellent customer service
• A meticulous disposition in regards to quality of work

For more information about this exciting opportunity, please contact Alberto Sanchez @ [e-mail].

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Wash laboratory glassware, including use of dishwashing and drying equipment and special treatment such as acid and solvent rinses;
• dispose of the contents in sample containers, Imhoff cones, settleometers, etc.;
• organize and resupply clean glassware in storage and testing areas;
• log-in, preserve and label samples, and fill in chain of custody of custody documents;
• prepare media and reagents;
• assist in the stocking and inventory of supplies;
• prepare bottle kits for sampling events; and
• maintain laboratory Safety Data Sheet library.

KNOWLEDGE OF

Preparation and proper cleaning techniques of laboratory glassware; basic water/wastewater laboratory operations; safety procedures and practices of an environmental laboratory; chemicals used in an environmental laboratory; types and uses of chemistry glassware, ie., beakers, flasks, and sample containers; sanitation and sterilization in a laboratory environment; supplies and equipment used in a laboratory; organization and storage of laboratory supplies.

ABILITY TO

Clean and prepare laboratory glassware; operate equipment used in cleaning and sanitizing laboratory equipment, supplies and samples; organize and maintain a stockroom; maintain supply levels and recognize restocking levels; communicate effectively with others encountered in the course of the work; read safety labels and operating instructions; use a computer to enter and retrieve data; write at a level sufficient to inventory supplies.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience - Sufficient experience in a laboratory setting to demonstrate possession of the knowledge and abilities listed above.

Education - High school or college course work in chemistry is desirable.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants possessing the MOST DESIRABLE qualifications based on a screening of the application materials and supplemental questionnaire will be invited to continue in a selection process that may consist solely of an application screening, or may include an oral appraisal interview, assessment center, or another activity selected by the Human Resources Department. An eligible list will be established as a result of this selection process and may be used to fill future vacancies.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

A Laboratory Aide carries light objects long distances and lifts objects over his or her shoulders while transporting glassware between work stations and washing areas and when stocking clean glassware or laboratory supplies. Incumbents must be able to make repetitive arm-hand motions and work with cleaning agents and acid rinses using normal protective equipment while cleaning glassware. The Aide sometimes carries heavy objects, such as full carboys weighing 45 pounds, short distances while maintaining laboratory supplies at remote laboratory work areas reached by stairways and vehicles. Addition of neutralizing agents prior to chemical disposal requires the ability to perform highly controlled muscular movement and discern changes in colors. As part of normal laboratory hygiene, Laboratory Aides wash counters, walls, cabinets, and floors using sponges, mops, or brooms, and set up safety cones or barricades around wet floors. Data entry and report generation entails using a computer keyboard. Laboratory Aides must be able to hear and respond appropriately to auditory alarms, such as timers.

Santa Rosa – A Wonderful City to Call Home

The City of Santa Rosa is located just 55 miles north of San Francisco and 30 miles east of the Pacific Ocean with a population of approximately 180,000. Santa Rosa is the seat of Sonoma County and the center of trade, government, commerce, and medical facilities for the North Bay. The surrounding area is home to over a hundred wineries and vineyards and many beautiful parks and recreational facilities, including golf courses. Santa Rosa is the center of a nationally recognized cycling area. We boast many attractions associated with large cities, including a symphony, performing arts center, theater productions and internationally recognized restaurants, yet still retain the warmth and small town feel of decades past. Santa Rosa has been named one of the 50 greenest cities in the United States with one of the top five mid-sized downtowns in California.

The City of Santa Rosa is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.