Laboratory Technician

City of Springfield, Ohio; Springfield (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Springfield, Ohio seeks a skilled wastewater laboratory technician to perform routine, advanced and specialized chemical and bacteriological tests to ensure plant operation and compliance with water quality standards.

The role collects samples, analyzes for DO, BOD, nitrates etc., prepares reagents, maintains equipment, and supports field investigations and reports. Requires strong technical independence under supervision.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or GED, preferably supplemented by college-level coursework or training in chemistry, biology, or microbiology, and experience in conducting chemical and bacteriological laboratory tests; or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Valid Ohio Driver's License required and insurability under City insurance plan.
• Ability to obtain a Class II Ohio EPA Wastewater Operator certificate within three years of appointment; waiver accepted for a Class II OWEA certificate.

Responsibilities

• Collects samples from various sites at the wastewater treatment plant or sampling points in the collection system, industries and rivers.
• Performs laboratory analyses on samples to determine levels of DO, BOD, solids, ammonia, nitrate+nitrite, oil and grease, phosphorus, cyanide, chlorine, TKN, pH and fecal coliforms; records and interprets test results.
• Performs standard and routine chemical and biological tests; prepares reagents and standard solutions, cleans glassware, provides guidance to a laboratory assistant.
• Prepares bacteriological media plates and samples for bacteriological analysis according to standard methodologies.
• Maintains and calibrates laboratory instrumentation and performs minor repairs.
• Monitors QA/QC of test results; enters test results into computer.
• Assists with wet weather control programs including field investigations of illicit discharges, public education and report preparation.
• Performs related work as assigned, including added programs and reports.

Skills

Laboratory analysis

Quality control

Data recording

Field investigations

Test result interpretation

Technical independence

Education

High school diploma or GED with science coursework

Tools

pH meter

Dissolved oxygen meter

Spectrophotometer

Incubator

Autoclave

Orsat appliance

TKN digestion apparatus

Cyanide still

ICP-OES spectrophotometer

ISCO samplers

Job description

Work is of a technical nature and involves performing routine, advanced and specialized chemical and bacteriological tests in the wastewater treatment plant laboratory. Work involves the responsibility for conducting a variety of standardized and specialized laboratory tests on wastewater at the treatment plant or in the field to ensure proper plant operation and compliance with applicable water quality standards. Requires considerable technical independence and proficiency under the general supervision of the Assistant Superintendent of the plant. Strict adherence to quality analysis standards adopted by the laboratory as mandated by the State of Ohio EPA. Work performance is evaluated for the accuracy of test results, for proficiency demonstrated in interpreting test results or testing irregularities, and for care and cleaning of laboratory equipment.

• Collects samples from various sites at the wastewater treatment plant or from sampling points in the collection system, industries and rivers.
• Performs laboratory analyses on samples to determine the levels of dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, solids, ammonia, nitrate + nitrite, oil and grease, phosphorus, cyanide, chlorine, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, pH and fecal coliforms; records and interprets test results.
• Performs standard and routine chemical and biological tests; prepares reagents and standard solutions, cleans glassware used in testing, provides technical guidance to a laboratory assistant.
• Prepares bacteriological media plates and samples for bacteriological analysis according to standard methodologies.
• Maintains and calibrates laboratory instrumentation and performs minor repairs.
• Monitors quality assurance and quality control of test results; enters test results into computer.
• Assists with wet weather control programs including field investigations of possible illicit discharges, public education and awareness and report preparation.
• Performs related work as assigned, including added programs and reports.

• Graduation from high school or GED, preferably supplemented by college-level coursework or training in chemistry, biology, or microbiology, and experience in conducting chemical and bacteriological laboratory tests; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the following knowledge, skills, and abilities listed.
• Valid Ohio Drivers License, meet and maintain insurability under the City's insurance plan.
• Ability to obtain a Class II Ohio EPA Wastewater Operator certificate within three years of appointment, employer assisted. A Class II OWEA Wastewater Analyst certificate obtained within the prescribed time frame will be accepted in lieu of Operator certificate.

• Knowledge of modern laboratory techniques, practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of standard and advanced wastewater chemical and bacteriological tests and instrumentation.
• Ability to determine the impact of test results as they relate to local, state and federal regulations.
• Ability to use laboratory equipment, including pH meter, dissolved oxygen meter, analytical balance, specific ion meter, spectrophotometer, incubator, autoclave, Orsat appliance, TKN digestion apparatus and still, cyanide still, COD digestion block, methane analyzer, toxic gas monitor, ISCO and Sigma samplers, flow meters and ICP-OES spectrophotometer.
• Ability to perform standard laboratory examinations and analyses.
• Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records and compile reports.
• Ability to work under all kinds of weather conditions.
• Ability to do confined space entries.
• Ability to do lift up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to enter manholes or access hatches twenty-four inches in diameter.