Laboratory Technician I

City of Bloomington, IN; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Bloomington, IN is seeking a Water Quality Technician to collect and analyze water and wastewater samples in a chemical laboratory and in the field. You will perform standard tests and ensure compliance with environmental regulations while maintaining safe lab practices.

The role requires an Associate's degree or higher in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or a related field, plus experience with analytic techniques and lab equipment. A valid driver's license is preferred.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or higher in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or related field.
• Knowledge of analytic chemistry techniques and lab instrumentation.
• Ability to conduct chemical tests and record results accurately.
• Ability to follow written/verbal instructions and lab procedures in a safe manner.
• Driver's license to operate city vehicle.
• Experience with Google Workspace preferred.
• Previous laboratory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform standard tests (BOD, ammonia, phosphorus, TSS, pH, chlorine residual, metals, bacteria).
• Drive City vehicle to collect and test samples on a rotating schedule.
• Respond to public inquiries about water quality.
• Maintain cleanliness of lab equipment and work areas.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Analytic chemistry techniques

Lab instrumentation operation

Data recording accuracy

Safety procedures

Driver's license

Education

Associate's degree or higher in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or related field

Tools

Google Workspace

Job description

Collects and analyzes water and wastewater samples in a chemical laboratory and outdoors to ensure water quality and environmental compliance.

This job description is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all job functions performed. The following are essential duties for this position, performed with or without reasonable accommodation:

Primary

Performs tests which may include, but are not limited to, Biochemical Oxygen demand (BOD), Ammonia, Total Phosphorus, Total Suspended Solids, Alkalinity, Hardness, pH, Chlorine Residual, Metals, and Bacteriological tests.

Drives a City vehicle to various locations around Bloomington to collect and test water samples on a regular, rotating-schedule basis.

Occasionally receives and responds to public inquiries regarding water quality.

Maintains cleanliness of lab equipment and work areas within the lab.

Other duties as required.

Associate's degree or greater in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or a related field is preferred, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge of analytic chemistry techniques and processes, and ability to operate a computer driven analysis and related laboratory equipment.

Ability to conduct chemical tests and record results with accuracy.

Ability to accurately follow written/verbal instructions and lab procedures in a safe manner.

Ability to follow regimented routines and adhere to regulations in a safe manner.

Experience working with Google Workspace or similar productivity software is preferred.

Previous laboratory experience is preferred.

Ability to legally operate a motor vehicle.

Difficulty of Work

Incumbent performs the majority of duties indoors in varying weather conditions and is exposed to wastewater, dirt, and vehicle fumes. Safety precautions must be used at all times to avoid injury to self and others.

Occasional weekend, holiday, or after-hours call-outs may be required.

Work may involve long periods of standing and occasional heavy lifting (approximately 40 pounds).

Field sampling/testing may require working and driving in adverse weather conditions.

Personal Work Relationships

Incumbent maintains contact with laboratory superiors and associates, representatives of local industries, and members of the general public for the purpose of receiving daily assignments, sharing factual work-related information, and assisting with the collection and compilation of laboratory data and reports, and obtaining water samples for laboratory testing.