Laboratory Technician (Organic)

Orange County Water District; Fountain Valley (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Orange County Water District is seeking a Laboratory Technician/Senior Laboratory Technician to perform comprehensive water analysis in accordance with EPA and Standard Methods. Responsibilities include wet chemistry, inorganic/organic extractions, and QA/QC support to ensure reliable water quality data.

The role requires handling sample preservation, LIMS data entry, and collaboration with chemists, engineers, and interns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology or related field is preferred.
• Two years of related laboratory experience; senior level requires four years.

Responsibilities

• Perform physical, chemical, and microbiological analyses on water and related samples using EPA methods.
• Prepare samples, reagents, and calibration solutions and manage sample preservation.
• Operate and maintain extraction and instrumental analysis equipment (ICP-OES/ICP-MS, HPLC, GC).
• Maintain LIMS data integrity and prepare data packets and reports for QA/QC.
• Provide support for microbiological compliance monitoring and QA/QC audits.
• Train and supervise student interns in lab procedures and safety.

Skills

Analytical skills

Water analysis

Laboratory techniques

QA/QC understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry / related field

Tools

LIMS

ICP-OES

ICP-MS

HPLC

GC

Job description

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

The Laboratory Technician / Senior Laboratory Technicians are responsible for the analysis of selected inorganic, organic, and microbiological targets using strict EPA and Standard Methods guidelines and procedures. They perform wet chemistry analysis and perform both inorganic and organic extraction procedures using EPA method 300 and 500 series and Standard Methods criteria. They are responsible for proper preservation of method sample bottles, performing sanitizing protocols, receiving, and distributing samples throughout the laboratory, ensuring proper chain of custody data and information, meshing of field and sample site information, and maintaining and utilization of LIMS databases. Lab Techs represent the first line of QA/QC support and techniques, which will impact the overall reliability of water quality data – from pharmaceuticals to pH. Senior level technicians are required to work more independently. They are responsible for student intern support and assisting in prioritizing their work functions.

The following essential job functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed job functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different job functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Performs physical, chemical, and microbiological analyses on water, wastewater, and related samples using EPA methodology in support of inorganic & organic extractions techniques and wet chemistry methods. Utilizes and maintains state of the art automated extraction instrumentation commonly used in high throughput laboratories.

• Provides analytical support for the District’s daily microbiological compliance monitoring of the GWRS plant. Processes bacteriological samples under strict SWRCB guidelines and measures; verifies media criteria and quality control check samples to ensure proper reporting of these critical process targets. Processes autoclave sterility checks with each batch required for documented certification requirements.

• Extracts metals for ICP-OES and ICP-MS analysis. Extracts emerging targets of concern – pharmaceuticals, endocrine disrupting compounds, hormones, etc. using advanced research and innovative laboratory techniques. Provides additional analyses in the area of titrations, pH and EC measurements, total dissolved solids, suspended and settleable solids, UV/VIS spectrophotometry, MBAS, COD, colony counter, COD, and ion specific electrode systems.

• Performs weekend and off hours support as required. Provides support to specific detector GC methods and HPLC analysis as needed – EPA method 504, 531, 547, 549, and 551. Trains on instrument software programs to increase department flexibility. Supports strict QA/QC guidelines within EPA methods and federal monitoring programs such as UCMR Program. Solid understanding of EPA 300/500 series methods and Standard Methods procedures. Well versed in all extraction procedures: liquid/liquid, solid phase extraction (disk and cartridge) automated and manual. Troubleshoots analysis recovery issues with chemists.

• Manages glassware processing functions throughout the laboratory, for both manual and automated units. Develops and maintains protocols for proper sterility checks and procedures used within this process. Distributes and stores glassware in both laboratory and water quality inventory locations. Coordinates and prioritizes student intern functions to process needed glassware in support of daily extraction procedures. Trains student interns on laboratory procedures and practices.

• Prepares reagents, stock solutions, media, and related calibrations. Provides analysis for turbidity, auto-analyzer, and odor tests. Preps reagent grade water and proper calibration and optimization of laboratory systems. Ensures proper sample preservation and checks incoming samples for acceptable criteria.

• Maintains and organizes laboratory area ensuring a safe work environment, checks and documents lab refrigerator temperatures as well as safety equipment. Manages monthly checks of safety equipment – showers, emergency eye wash, etc. Collects, documents, and properly stores laboratory hazardous waste materials. Assists in the proper lab packing and vendor disposal processes for these materials.

• Prepares samples for analysis by following EPA sample preparation procedures such as sample concentration, extraction, derivatization, and clean‑up. Works closely with Chemists to set priority in scheduling and to ensure validity of sample shelf life. Collaborates with all Chemist levels to develop timeline for chemical preparation and analysis of samples. Performs CN distillation, prep for FIA, and Metals prep for ICP systems.

• Provides processing of the performance testing (PT) samples required for State certification. Participates in the SWRCB-required audits by providing data and information – tested on knowledge of EPA methodology and good laboratory techniques by auditors.

• Tracks and maintains laboratory inventory, supplies, and chemicals; discards expired materials, communicates with vendors where applicable and prepares purchase requisitions within the JDE ordering system. Tracks delivery and ordering information to ensure processes have required supplies and materials. Orders consumables for just in time process – keeps inventory of hazardous materials as low as possible in the working lab areas. Works closely with vendors and negotiates price and delivery specification on reagents and chemicals.

• Utilizes LIMS applications to report test results and proper generation of data packets and extraction logs. Reviews and approves coworkers’ data packages and identifies exceptions to supervisors. Generates transfer files for samples identified as ready to report; reviews information for errors and takes appropriate corrective action.

• Prepares a variety of reports that summarize data results; files and maintains technical reports and chemical data summaries. Assists Chemists, Geology, Engineering, and R&D with various District projects and monitoring programs. Collaborates with other chemists on projects and new monitoring programs. Maintains laboratory records, QA/QC charts, and documentation - schedules record storage to outside facility.

• Handles job stress.

• Interacts effectively with others in the workplace.

• Follows all workplace and job safety rules and policies.

• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level as required.

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Chemistry principles; Biology principles.
• Extraction and Instrumental analysis techniques.
• Preventive Maintenance and Optimization.
• Mathematical principles.
• Hazardous waste management principles.
• Laboratory methods; LIMS applications.
• Training principles.
• Applicable Federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
• Statistical analysis techniques.
• Research methods; EPA methods; and Standard Method Techniques.
• Quantitative methods and theory.
• Regulatory agencies– EPA, ELAP, TNI 2016 Standards, CFR drinking water and wastewater requirements.
• Specific Water Quality Health Requirements – Action Level Notification Levels.
• Specific Chromatography and instrument software systems.
• Proper database and file management techniques.
• Quality Assurance and Quality Control procedures and documentation requirements.
• Safe work practices.

Ability and Skills in:

• Using computers and related software applications.
• Performing data entry.
• Neutralizing dangerous chemical spills.
• Using and caring for personal protective equipment.
• Preparing reports.
• Reading and comprehending Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Reading, analyzing, and interpreting documents such as safety rules, operating, and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; Writing routine correspondence.
• Dealing with problems involving manipulating variables in standardized solution equations.
• Handling chemical reagents.
• Calibrating laboratory equipment; Performing chemistry calculations.
• Preparing and processing samples for analysis; Analyzing laboratory samples.
• Dealing with abstract and concrete variables.
• Performing chemical analyses of water, wastewater, and related samples.
• Interpreting and applying standard operating procedures.
• Reading, analyzing, and interpreting common scientific and technical journals.
• Responding to inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Calculating probability and statistical inference
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

Bachelor’s Degree in related field with coursework in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology or related field is preferred. AWWA and/or CWEA laboratory analyst certification preferred.

Experience:

Two years of related laboratory and computer experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

The Senior Laboratory Technician requires a minimum of four years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Organic Lab Experience preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Positions in this class typically require stooping, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion. Light Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, extreme temperatures, and intense noises. Incumbents require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting; stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; operate office equipment including use of a computer keyboard; push, pull, lift, and/or carry light amounts of weight; verbally communicate to exchange information.

Vision:

See in the normal visualrange with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; and to operate assigned equipment.

Hearing:

Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All Orange County Water District employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employees are required to complete all related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Schedule:

9/80 with alternating Fridays off. Must be able to work additional hours and weekends when required.

Candidates given an offer of employment will be required to pass a medical examination and background check. You must submit an OCWD online employment application to be considered. Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number apply. EOE