Laboratory Technician

City of Binghamton; City of Binghamton (NY); On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Binghamton is seeking a Laboratory Technician to perform sanitary analysis of water and sewage in accordance with state requirements. Work includes preparing reagents, analyzing samples, and maintaining lab records under supervision.

Applicants should have at least a bachelor's or associate degree in natural sciences or a high school diploma with relevant lab training and two years of experience; valid NY driver's license is required for appointment.

Qualifications

• Graduation with a Natural Sciences degree or equivalent.
• Two years of Laboratory Technician experience for the Associate path.
• High school diploma plus approved training and two years of lab tech work.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine sanitary analysis of water or sewage (physical, chemical, bacteriological, microscopic).
• Collect samples for sanitary analysis and test ambient air for gas contaminants.
• Prepare media, test for parameters like color, turbidity, pH, chlorine, hardness, and related factors.
• Maintain equipment and reagents; record results and maintain lab records.
• Participate in lab housekeeping and a range of technical and clerical tasks.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Safety procedures

Record keeping

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Natural Sciences

Associate's Degree in Natural Sciences

High school diploma with lab training & 2 years experience

Job description

Laboratory Technician

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

This is technical laboratory work involving the analysis of water or sewage in fulfilling 'in-house' and State requirements. The work is performed in accordance with established sterile and testing procedures and requires a high degree of alertness and accuracy in that the consequence of error could result in the endangerment of the physical health of the community. The work is performed within limits prescribed by higher technical and professional authority who would devise procedures for new tests. The work is performed under the general supervision of Laboratory Director. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

Makes routine sanitary analysis of water or sewage including physical, chemical, bacteriological and microscopic examinations; Collects samples for sanitary analysis; Tests ambient air to determine amount of gas contamination; Prepares chemical media for analysis of water or sewage samples; Tests samples for color, turbidity, taste, odor, oxygen value, hardness, alkalinity, chlorides, iron, Ph value, residual chlorine and related factors; Performs special tests of water or sewage to determine mineral analysis, common and uncommon toxic elements and chemical balance; Makes varying solutions of reagents and standardizes reagents whose reaction varies from day to day; Inspects laboratory equipment to insure proper operating conditions; Records test results and maintains a variety of laboratory records and activity reports; Maintains automatic chemical analysis equipment and prepares chemical reagents used by the equipment; Participates in a wide variety of technical, clerical and housekeeping activities in laboratory.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Good knowledge of modern laboratory techniques, practices, equipment, terminology and safety precautions used in the analysis of water and sewage; good knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of environmental health as related to public water supply and sewage treatment; skill in the operation and care of laboratory apparatus and equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either:

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State college or university with a Bachelors Degree in one of the Natural Sciences such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, or related field of study; or
• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered two year college with an Associate's Degree in one of the Natural Sciences such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, or related field of study and two years of experience as a Laboratory Technician; or
• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and completion of an accepted training program for Laboratory Technician and two years of experience as a Laboratory Technician;

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a New York State driver's license at time of appointment and maintain the license during the entire length of appointment.

The City of Binghamton is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to workforce diversification. All new hires are required to pass a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment. Broome County residency is required at time of appointment.