Laboratory Technician/Field Sampler

Village of Wellington; Wellington (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Village of Wellington seeks a senior-level microbiology laboratory professional to perform field sampling and lab duties in our Regulatory Compliance Division. The role emphasizes accurate data collection, SOP adherence, and interdepartmental coordination for regulatory reporting.

You will maintain records, assist with equipment, and help prepare reports for management and agencies while addressing after-hours emergencies and ensuring safety protocols are followed.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in physical or natural science with microbiology course work.
• 1 year of lab experience in sampling, analysis, and regulatory reporting; may substitute with education/certification.
• Knowledge of DEP SOPs and regulatory requirements is essential.

Responsibilities

• Perform field testing and sampling of raw, potable, and wastewater per DEP SOPs.
• Maintain documentation, logs, and quality-control records.
• Assist with lab equipment maintenance and inventory.
• Prepare reports/graphs for management and regulatory agencies.
• Coordinate with teams to schedule routine sampling and respond to incidents.
• Support lab bacteriological testing and safety compliance.

Skills

Laboratory procedures

Regulatory compliance

Documentation & recordkeeping

Communication skills

Multi-tasking under deadlines

Safety protocols

Physical stamina

Education

Associates Degree in physical or natural science

General microbiology course (4 semester hours)

1 year lab experience in sampling/analysis/reporting

Bachelor’s Degree in science (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Lab equipment & measuring devices

Job description

Become part of our Great Hometown and
Join the Village of Wellington's
Utilities Administration

The Village of Wellington is a "Great Hometown" that strives to provide high-quality services that create economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Our Wellington vision balances a unique hometown, family atmosphere with an attractive natural environment and recreational, cultural, and educational activities and facilities for all ages. The Village of Wellington is a family-oriented community located in Western Palm Beach County and is a great place to live, work, and play.

JOB SUMMARY:

Employees in this position perform senior-level specialized work in field sampling and laboratory-related duties for the Village of Wellington’s Utility Regulatory Compliance Division. The Village’s Microbiology Laboratory is certified by the Florida Department of Health and follows all elements of the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP). The position requires technical knowledge of proper water and wastewater sampling techniques including instrument calibration, use, and maintenance that complies with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Work is performed under the general supervision of the Regulatory Compliance Manager with moderate latitude.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs field testing and sampling of raw, potable, and waste water according to the DEP Field SOPs
• Maintains documentation, records, and logbooks for quality control and regulatory compliance
• Assists in maintaining good working order of field and laboratory equipment
• Assists in maintaining detailed and accurate inventory of supplies
• Assists in preparing reports and graphs for submission to management and regulatory agencies
• Communicates with other personnel and departments to coordinate work activities and maintain the schedule for required routine sampling
• Interacts with customers concerning water quality matters
• Assists with laboratory bacteriological testing as needed
• Complies with all safety protocols
• Shares in responding to after-hours emergency call‑ins for hurricanes or other critical events such as sewage spills, boil water notices, and hurricanes

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates Degree from an accredited college or university with focus on physical or natural science, and
• four (4) semester hours of general microbiology (or equivalent), and
• one (1) year of experience in a laboratory environment involving sampling, analysis, and regulatory reporting; OR an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, or experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in science-related studies
• 3 or more years of microbiology experience
• Experience in water quality sampling or testing

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Florida Driver License and the ability to drive a Village owned vehicle per established policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of technical laboratory procedures
• Knowledge of regulatory rules relating to sample collection
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, and Excel) and applicable department and organization specific software and ability to learn and become proficient in the use of other specialized software as may be required
• Skill in the use of lab equipment and measuring devices
• Skill in basic math including but not limited to adding, subtracting, multiplication, division, practical algebra, and mathematical statistics
• Ability to multi-task while working with tight deadlines and shifting priorities
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to read, update, and maintain various records and files in numerical, alphabetical, or chronological sequence
• Ability to effectively communicate (verbally and in writing) with residents, coworkers, supervisors, administration, and vendors
• Ability to communicate during emergency situations effectively, promptly, and accurately or to avoid hazards
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service, or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Depending on functional area of assignment, tasks involve the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work and may require occasional lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of heavy objects or materials (up to 50 pounds). Tasks that require moving objects of significant weight require the assistance of another person and/or use of proper techniques and moving equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Tasks are mostly performed outside where potential exists for exposure to adverse conditions including; dirt, dust, pollen, odors, fumes and/or poor ventilation, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature, noise extremes, machinery and/or moving vehicles, vibrations, electric currents, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, gases or chemicals, oils and other cutting fluids, violence and/or disease, or pathogenic substances.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

Tasks require sound and visual perception and discrimination. Tasks require oral communications ability. Must have manual dexterity and be able to perform repetitive motions of the wrists, hands, or fingers. Must be able to perceive color and depth.Tasks involve prolonged eye use and/or fine visual ability; computer work, reading text, visual inspections, or measurement devices.Must be able to follow visual cues or signals.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Village of Wellington and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The Village of Wellington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with United States Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines and the Americans with Disabilities Act, this organization provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.