Laboratory Technician

middlesexwater; Dover (DE); On-site; USD 24,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k)

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Middlesex Water Company is seeking a Laboratory Technician to perform physical, chemical and bacteriological tests in water quality, and to conduct microbiological analyses under the supervision of the Manager of Water Quality.

The role may require collecting samples at the treatment plant and distribution system, maintaining lab and field equipment, and preparing media. On-call duties including weekends are required.

Qualifications

• Two years laboratory experience required.
• Must obtain Delaware Approved Sampler/tester Certification within three months from date of hire
• Ability to obtain Delaware Water Supply Operator License within two years from date of hire.
• Attend training on as needed basis to maintain license
• Associate’s degree in biology, chemistry, or related science preferred

Responsibilities

• Perform physical, chemical and bacteriological tests in water quality and wastewater treatment.
• Independently conduct microbiological analysis and collect samples from treatment plant and distribution system.
• Independently maintain laboratory and field equipment and prepare media/reagents.
• Maintain laboratory records and complete data entries; perform on-call duties including weekends.

Skills

Reading & writing

Numerical data interpretation

Data analysis

Problem solving

Microsoft Word/Excel

Organizational skills

Valid Class D license

Visual color discernment

Hearing for verbal communication

Ability to smell

Education

2 years laboratory experience

Delaware sampler/tester certification within 3 months

Delaware Water Supply Operator License within 2 years

Associate’s degree in biology/chemistry preferred

Tools

Laboratory equipment

PH meter

Colorimeter

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

Are we RIGHT for you?

The word RIGHT stands for what we VALUE: Respect, Invest, Growth, Honesty and Teamwork.

Why join our team?

Tidewater Utilities, Inc. has been Delaware’s premiere water company since 1964. We have created a work environment that promotes professional development and finding your passion. We understand the importance of our services and the individuals who uphold our reputation.

Joining our team means that you have a multitude of benefits that support you in and out of the workplace such as- full medical, dental, and vision benefits, 401k, paid time off, tuition assistance, employee assistance program, and more.

To learn more, please visit www.middlesexwater.com/tidewater-utilities

Job Summary:

U under the supervision of the Manager of Water Quality, the Laboratory Technician independently performs all physical, chemical and bacteriological tests in the area of water quality, water and wastewater treatment. Independently performs microbiological analysis. May collect samples at the treatment plant and in the distribution system. Independently conduct investigations in all areas of water quality. Maintains laboratory and field equipment (where applicable). Prepare laboratory media and reagents. Maintain laboratory records and completes data entries. Independently performs on-call duties which include weekend work.

Essential Work Performed:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of, and proficiency in performing, all physical, chemical and bacteriological tests in the area of water quality, water and wastewater treatment.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of, and ability to accurately collect, water and wastewater samples in accordance with established procedures and direction.
• Ability to independently conduct investigations of water quality in the plant or distribution system.
• Independently perform microbiological analysis.
• Independently perform all on-call duties including weekend work and follow established notification protocols.
• Respond to water quality complaints professionally and courteously, conducting field investigations as needed to identify cause, resolve issues, and coordination with other departments.
• Recognize potential cross connection problems and report to supervisor.
• Maintain neat and accurate laboratory records.
• Prepare laboratory media and reagents.
• Monitor and maintain laboratory supplies and replenish as needed.
• Maintain all laboratory and field equipment including the cleaning, calibration and repair of instruments when required. Maintain calibration records.
• Create, maintain and follow all QA/QC documents and SOP’s to obtain and maintain state certification, as per EPA regulations.
• Must adhere to Company safety policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as required by supervisor.
• Assist in training.

Skills Required:

• Good reading and writing skills
• Ability to comprehend and work with numerical data
• Analyzing and interpreting data
• Problem solving
• Proficiency in computer applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.)
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills
• Maintain a valid class D motor vehicle license
• Visual acuity and ability to distinguish colors
• Ability to hear and conduct a two-way verbal conversation
• Must be able to smell

Qualifications:

• Two (2) years laboratory experience required
• Must obtain Delaware Approved Sampler/tester Certification within three (3) months from date of hire
• Ability to obtain Delaware Water Supply Operator License within two (2) years from date of hire.
• Attend training on as needed basis to maintain license
• Associate’s degree in biology, chemistry, or related science preferred

Equipment Use:

• Telephone/ Cell phone
• Computer/Copier/Office equipment
• Laboratory equipment
• Water testing equipment: PH meter and colorimeter.

Physical Demands:

• Frequent standing, sitting, walking and driving.
• Moderate ability to climb ladders, bend and step over obstacles and walk on uneven surfaces.
• Occasionally, lifting and carrying object weighing as much as 40 pounds.

Working Conditions:

• Working indoors and out in all types of weather and temperatures.
• Routinely exposed to continuous background noise, water treatment chemicals and raw sewage.
• Occasionally exposed to loud noises and fumes.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Hourly Range: $17.59 - $26.39 hourly, based on experience and qualifications.
• Total Rewards Package Includes: - Medical, dental, and vision coverage (effective first of the month after hire).
• 401(k) with company match.
• Company paid life and disability insurance.
• Paid time off and 12 paid holidays.
• Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities.

Work Authorization & Pre-Employment Requirements

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. All candidates must successfully pass a drug screen, pre-employment physical, background check, and possess a valid driver’s license in good standing (if required for the position). Additionally, must be cleared by Department of Defense to access government facility.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Positions

For positions requiring a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), the use of marijuana (including medical marijuana) or any controlled substances, whether prescribed or otherwise, is strictly prohibited under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Such use is a violation of federal law and will disqualify candidates from CDL-required positions.

Pay Transparency

This job posting complies with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Law (effective June 1, 2025), which requires employers to disclose salary ranges, benefits, and other compensation in job advertisements.

Recruitment Fraud Alert

All legitimate communications from Middlesex Water Company and its subsidiaries will originate from the following email domains: @msg.clrco.com or @clearcompany.com.
Any outreach claiming to be from Middlesex Water Company or its subsidiaries that does not come from these domains should be ignored.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Middlesex Water Company and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Applicant Communication

Please note: No phone calls, please.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.