LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

Joint Meeting of Essex & Union Counties; Elizabeth (NJ); On-site; USD 55,076 - 67,791; Full time

Job summary

The Joint Meeting of Essex & Union Counties is seeking a laboratory technician to perform various tests related to wastewater treatment analysis. Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field along with two years of preferred laboratory experience. Weekend and holiday availability is necessary.

This position requires proficiency in laboratory instruments and software like Microsoft Word and Excel, along with effective communication and time management skills.

Qualifications

• Two years laboratory experience in the wastewater treatment field preferred.
• Valid New Jersey driver's license with no serious violations.
• Must be available to work weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of laboratory tests to analyze different parameters.
• Interpret and report results to the appropriate person.
• Conduct sample collection and preparation.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Analytical calculations

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Laboratory instruments (spectrophotometers, pH meters, etc.)

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Laboratory Supervisor, perform a variety of laboratory tests to analyze several parameters, including but not limited to BOD, TSS, metals, oil and grease, cyanide, and nutrients. Must be able to read, interpret, and follow Laboratory SOPs and certified methods to produce valid and repeatable results. Interpret and record/report said results to the appropriate location or supervisor. Other daily duties may include sample collection (both onsite and offsite), sample preparation, sample logging, bottle/glassware washing, and related tasks.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or a related field is required.
• Two years laboratory experience and/or industrial experience, in the wastewater treatment field preferred.
• Valid New Jersey driver’s license with no serious violations.
• Proficient with both Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Must be available to work weekends and holidays.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Operate laboratory instruments and apparatus, including analytical balances, atomic absorption spectrophotometers, autoclaves, automatic sampling equipment, dissolved oxygen meters, pH meters, specific ion meters, spectrophotometers, digestion blocks, amperometric titrator, water baths, ovens, and incubators.
• Perform wastewater treatment testing, including physical examinations (conductivity, solids, turbidity), metals, chemical constituents (acidity, alkalinity, ammonia, chloride, chlorine residual, cyanide, hardness, nitrate, nitrite, pH, phosphorus, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, sulfate), oil and grease, and microbiological examination (fecal coliform).
• Perform analytical calculations related to the entire testing process.
• Record test results in appropriate logs and data sheets accurately and timely.
• Perform laboratory housekeeping duties such as washing glassware, equipment, counters, floors, and mopping.
• Adhere to laboratory SOPs and accepted laboratory procedures.
• Report all problems to the supervisor immediately.
• Communicate effectively and coherently with internal staff, external contacts, visitors, and the general public. Understand and carry out oral and written directives.
• Comply with all agency policies, procedures, and rules at all times.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned or required.
• Perform basic routine mathematical calculations such as add, subtract, multiply and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Participate in mandatory training exercises.
• Comply with all safety requirements, including wearing required safety equipment and following safety policies and regulations.
• Have good working knowledge of current chemical and biological testing procedures in a laboratory setting.
• Have good knowledge of computers and programs such as MS Excel and MS Word.
• Possess good time management and multitasking skills.

Salary Range

$39.98 /hr - $49.21/hr based on experience