Laboratory Technician

City of Oceanside, CA; Oceanside (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Oceanside Laboratory is seeking an entry-level Laboratory Technician to perform daily tests in a water and sewer laboratory. The role involves rotating duties across solids analyses, TSS/CBOD testing, and microbiological media preparation, with emphasis on learning and teamwork.

The position requires basic chemistry or microbiology education, a valid driver's license, and willingness to work in a laboratory environment handling safety procedures.

Qualifications

• One year of environmental testing experience is desirable.
• Equivalent to completing twelfth grade with college chemistry/microbiology coursework.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Perform physical, chemical and biological tests and report results.
• Calibrate equipment and maintain logs for daily testing and quality control.
• Prepare and autoclave cultured media and dispose of waste.
• Collect samples and schedule collections; assist lab staff as needed.
• Input data and write reports; help with daily lab maintenance.

Skills

Laboratory equipment handling

Testing procedures

Laboratory safety

Decimals and basic math

Education

High school + college chemistry/microbiology coursework

Job description

The City of Oceanside is an equal opportunity employer.

About Oceanside’s Water Utilities Department & Our Laboratory

The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for the position of Laboratory Technician in our water and sewer laboratory. This program is a part of the Utility's operational compliance and quality testing function.

The Oceanside Water Utilities Department is an innovative and forward-looking organization whose goal it is to ensure ongoing access to safe, affordable drinking water & reliable wastewater collection & treatment services by maintaining top talent, resource resiliency, dependability, and system efficiency.

About the position

The Laboratory is seeking a scientifically-minded individual who can quickly learn the entry-level testing and data entry requirements of the Laboratory. This person will conduct the daily and sometimes repetitive tasks of operating and maintain the basic laboratory function. Your ability to quickly adapt to the specific needs and pace of water and wastewater operations as well as assimilating into the team will be essential.

The Laboratory Technician will rotate duties with the other two Technicians on a scheduled frequency. Technicians will rotate between solids analyses, TSS/CBOD testing and microbiological media preparation.

You should be excited about this opportunity because you will…

• Excel in Laboratory environment and get daily hands‑on experience in performing physical, chemical and biological tests
• Gain valuable insight to the inner workings of a Water and Wastewater Laboratory and overall knowledge of Water Utility operations and concepts
• Assist more experienced lab personnel in complex tasks
• Gain independence in your daily tasks as you master your responsibilities
• Hone relevant and practical skills that pertain to your education in chemistry, microbiology or related fields

If this sounds like you, keep reading!

Performs physical, chemical and biological tests and calculates results for various samples taken throughout the wastewater treatment process; submits results of daily tests in written form to operations; prepares and autoclaves cultured media before disposal; performs quality control tests to assure accuracy of laboratory analysis; calibrates equipment used in testing; creates and maintains forms and logs for daily use in testing and quality control analysis; assists in daily lab maintenance and operations including the preparation of solutions used in testing; cleans and sterilizes glassware used in daily testing; collects final samples; assists other lab personnel as needed; schedules sample collections; assists in the organization of the lab work load; writes reports as needed; inputs data in computer; and performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Knowledge of:

• Laboratory equipment and instruments
• Chemical, biological and microbiological testing procedures;
• Laboratory safety procedures; and
• Basic math, including decimals.

Ability to:

• Use associated laboratory equipment in a safe manner;
• Perform routine laboratory testing procedures;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships;
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Work varied hours and independently without close supervision;
• Read documents written in standard English text;
• Maintain mental capacity which allows for effective interaction and communication with others;
• Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Experience:

One year of experience in environmental testing is desirable.

Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work in chemistry, microbiology or a related field.

License or Certificate:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Environmental Conditions:

Laboratory environment; exposure to waste and infectious materials; work in or with water.

Physical Conditions:

Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for standing for prolonged periods of time; heavy or moderate lifting.

Selection Process

All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Failure to provide all required application materials will result in disqualification from the selection process. The process may include a written exam, oral exam, and/or skills assessment to further assess job‑related qualifications. Candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the Eligibility List for a minimum of six months.

Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass, a background reference check (including fingerprinting) and a medical examination. Drug screening may be required.