Laboratory Technician Division of Water & Sewer Utilities - Frederick

Frederickcountymd; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Frederick County Government seeks a full-time Laboratory Technician responsible for testing and analysis of water and wastewater. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and involves both routine testing and handling hazardous materials, ensuring compliance with health standards. A comprehensive benefits package and diverse working environment await successful candidates.

Benefits

11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment

15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover

Comprehensive Medical Insurance

100% County paid Group Term Life Insurance

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of laboratory work experience, including internships.
• Experience using computer systems for database management.
• Possession of a valid automobile operator's license.

Responsibilities

• Collect samples from various locations throughout Frederick County.
• Perform routine testing of water/wastewater samples.
• Write and review applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

Skills

Laboratory Techniques

Data Interpretation

Chemistry Knowledge

Database Management

Education

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

Job description

Laboratory Technician | Welcome to Frederick County Government page has loaded.

Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible); full-time; 40 hours per week (varied schedule, Monday - Sunday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.); full benefits

This detailed technical position is responsible for the routine testing/analysis of water, wastewater and sludge. Supervision is received from the Senior Laboratory Technician and/or Environmental Laboratory Supervisor. In the absence of supervisory personnel, this person is responsible for overall operation of the Environmental Laboratory.

NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate, with limited exception.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • Vesting after 5 years of service
  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan.
• Coming in 2025: Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collect samples from various locations throughout Frederick County (e.g. manholes, water and wastewater facilities)
• Operate and maintain automated analyzers for the determination of nutrient levels and total organic carbon (TOC)
• Properly handle hazardous chemicals in the preparation of reagents and standards
• Perform routine testing of water/wastewater samples for parameters such as total suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, bacterial density determinations and other analyses as needed
• Prepare chains of custody and bottles for sample collection
• Log samples and enter test results into the Laboratory Information Management System Software
• Write and review applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the micro lab and main lab
• Follow all applicable EPA and/or MDE methods and laboratory SOPs
• Recognize data that are outside permit requirements and inform appropriate parties
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, Biology or a related field
• Minimum 1 year of laboratory work experience (NOTE: Internships or college laboratory experience may be counted towards this requirement)
• Experience or training using computer systems for database management
• Possession of a valid automobile operator's license

JOB INFORMATION

Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible); full-time; 40 hours per week (varied schedule, Monday - Sunday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.); full benefits

This detailed technical position is responsible for the routine testing/analysis of water, wastewater and sludge. Supervision is received from the Senior Laboratory Technician and/or Environmental Laboratory Supervisor. In the absence of supervisory personnel, this person is responsible for overall operation of the Environmental Laboratory.

NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate, with limited exception.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • Vesting after 5 years of service
  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan.
• Coming in 2025: Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care

For more information, visit ourbenefits page on the Frederick County Governmentjob opportunities webpage .

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collect samples from various locations throughout Frederick County (e.g. manholes, water and wastewater facilities)
• Operate and maintain automated analyzers for the determination of nutrient levels and total organic carbon (TOC)
• Properly handle hazardous chemicals in the preparation of reagents and standards
• Perform routine testing of water/wastewater samples for parameters such as total suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, bacterial density determinations and other analyses as needed
• Prepare chains of custody and bottles for sample collection
• Log samples and enter test results into the Laboratory Information Management System Software
• Write and review applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the micro lab and main lab
• Follow all applicable EPA and/or MDE methods and laboratory SOPs
• Recognize data that are outside permit requirements and inform appropriate parties
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, Biology or a related field
• Minimum 1 year of laboratory work experience (NOTE: Internships or college laboratory experience may be counted towards this requirement)
• Experience or training using computer systems for database management
• Possession of a valid automobile operator's license

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
• Thorough knowledge of laboratory techniques and mathematics
• Familiarity with testing procedures used for NPDES permit compliance testing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public
• Ability to effectively access and utilize computerized systems and equipment
• Ability to effectively compile and maintain files and records
• Ability to interpret quality control data and troubleshoot sophisticated instrumentation
• Strong and effective written (English) communication skills, including the ability to follow detailed written procedures, and to compile and maintain accurate files and records

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

• Position related work experience in the environmental or water/wastewater laboratory field

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position, the employee is frequently sitting, walking; occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds, reaching, and driving; rarely climbing, stooping, crawling, lifting between 20-50 pounds, lifting over 50 pounds, pushing up to and 40 pounds, pushing up to and over 40 pounds and performing repetitive motions
• While working in this position, the employee is constantly working indoors, exposed to chemical and fumes, potentially exposed to infectious diseases and required to wear protective equipment; occasionally working outdoors, in hot temperatures above 100 degrees and in cold temperatures below 32 degrees

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Available for varying workdays, including weekends and holidays as needed
• In concert with the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, verification of employment eligibility and a criminal background check may be conducted
• This position is designated as security-sensitive, requiring a satisfactory background investigation conducted by the Frederick County Sheriff's Office in accordance with established Frederick County policy.
• This position is subject to random drug testing

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include): 1) An evaluation of training and experience 2) A written examination relating to chemistry and microbiology 3) One or more interviews 4) A pre-employment drug test 5) A pre-employment Security-Sensitive background investigation conducted by the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office


This description reflects management's assignment of essential duties; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.