Water Quality Technician

City of Las Vegas; Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Las Vegas seeks a Water Quality Technician to perform laboratory tests on wastewater, groundwater and surface water. The role collects samples, analyzes physical, chemical and biological parameters, enters data for reporting and process control, and prepares reports to support compliance.

Essential duties include maintaining chain of custody, operating lab and field equipment, and assisting chemists and biologists in research.

Qualifications

• Two years of college-level chemistry/biology/environmental science coursework.
• Substitution of equivalent education and related experience allowed.
• Experience in environmental sample collection is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Receives and checks samples for proper identification and condition.
• Maintains chain of custody and ensures sample integrity.
• Collects limnological samples and measures physical parameters on Lake Mead.
• Performs routine analyses on water, wastewater and sludge samples.
• Performs calculations and enters results into LIMS and spreadsheets.
• Assists with testing and training of staff on procedures.
• Prepares standards and reagents for chemical analyses.
• Operates, calibrates and maintains lab and field equipment.

Skills

Laboratory data entry

Sample collection

Mathematical calculations

Communication skills

Education

Two years of college-level coursework in Chemistry/ Biology/ Environmental Science or related field

Substitution of equivalent education and related experience

Tools

LIMS

Spreadsheets

Word processing

Database software

Job description

Career Opportunity

The city of Las Vegas invites applicants for Water Quality Technician. This position collects and performs routine laboratory tests on wastewater, groundwater, surface water, and other samples for physical, biological and chemical components; enters and evaluates data for reporting purposes and process control decisions; prepares a variety of analytical reports; and performs a variety of other technical tasks relative to area of responsibility.

Supervision Received

Receives general supervision from the Environmental Laboratory & Compliance Manager or higher level management staff.

May receive technical instruction and direction from Chemists, Biologists or other lead level classifications.

Examination Process

A civil service examination will be conducted in accordance with the Civil Service Rules of the city of Las Vegas. The supplemental questions are the examination. Falsification of information may result in disqualification from a recruitment or removal from a city position. Additional information will not be accepted after the closing date. The supplemental questions are weighted 100% for placement on an eligible list, and must be worked on individually by the applicant only.

The supplemental questions of all qualified applicants will be reviewed for placement on an eligible list.

Eligible List

You must score 70% or higher on the examination to be placed on the eligible list.

The eligible list will remain in effect for a period of 6 months from the date of certification and may be extended for a period of up to 2 years.

Selection Process

Final candidate selection will include list placement and may include hiring interview and assessment (if applicable). Any individual offered employment will be required to pass a pre-employment drug test, complete background check, and may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform the physical requirements of the job. Some positions may require preliminary background checks. The purpose of this recruitment is to establish an eligible list for current and/ or future openings which may include part-time or full-time positions.

Essential Functions

1. Receives samples as they arrive in the laboratory; checks samples for proper identification and condition; records any irregularities or other relevant data concerning sample receipt and analyses to be performed
2. Maintains complete chain of custody of laboratory samples; observes holding times, preservation techniques, and ensures samples are properly stored and disposed of for ongoing sample integrity
3. Collects limnological samples and measures physical parameters as necessary onboard a boat at Lake Mead
4. Collects a variety of limnological, wastewater treatment process control and permit compliance samples according to regulatory requirements and good laboratory practice standards
5. Conducts routine physical, chemical, biological and field analyses on water; wastewater and sludge samples according to standardized procedures
6. Performs calculations and evaluates results prior to reporting; completes documentation; enters data into LIMS and spreadsheets
7. Assists Chemist and Biologists in water quality or bacteriological research by conducting various tests on water and sludge samples
8. Prepares standard chemical solutions and reagents needed to perform chemical analysis, ensuring that expired solutions and reagents are discarded in the proper manner
9. Operates, calibrates, repairs and cleans laboratory and field testing equipment following standard procedures
10. Performs laboratory duties such as unpacking and putting away supplies, restocking benches and organizing supplies, stock rooms, and glassware
11. Cleans glassware and equipment; performs laboratory housekeeping
12. Performs peer review of laboratory data, verifying completion of bench sheets and correct data input into LIMS and other spreadsheets
13. May provide training to less experienced staff in routine sampling, testing procedures and associated duties

Marginal Functions

1. Assists with bioassay process
2. Operates boat according to proper procedure
3. Operates City vehicle for official business purposes
4. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required

Experience

One year of experience with environmental sample collection or conducting a variety of tests in a physical, chemical or biological laboratory is desirable

Experience operating a boat is desirable

Training

Two years of college level course and laboratory work in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or related field

May substitute a combination of equivalent education and related experience. The city assesses 1.5 years of fulltime experience as equivalent to one year of education

Any work experience, paid internships, work study, or volunteer assignments in the area of water quality is acceptable

Licenses and Certifications

Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license within 6 months of appointment, and maintenance thereafter

Possession of a State of Nevada Division of Wildlife Safe Boating certificate within 6 months of the date of appointment, and maintenance thereafter

Possession of a Wastewater Quality Analyst Restricted certificate from the Nevada Water Environment Association within 9 months of the date of appointment. Possession of a Grade 1 Wastewater Quality Analyst certificate from the Nevada Water Environment Association within 1 year of the date of appointment

Possession of a Grade 2 Wastewater Quality Analyst certificate from the Nevada Water Environment Association within 2 years of the date of appointment, and maintenance thereafter

Knowledge of

Environmental sampling procedures, sampling equipment and field equipment

Modern laboratory techniques, methods, equipment, terminology and procedures

Word processing, spreadsheet, graphing and database software

Principles of chemical and physical analysis

Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations

Occupational hazards and standard safety practices

Skills in

Conducting routine mathematical calculations

Preparing a variety of standards and reagents used in a water or wastewater bacteriological laboratory

Learning the pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations

Swimming at a sufficient level to ensure personal safety while taking samples on Lake Mead

Operating a boat according to proper procedure

Using computers and a variety of computer software programs

Preparing clear, concise and technical reports

Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing

Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including city officials and the general public

Competencies

Core Workforce Competencies

Professionalism... Demonstrates core values by being honest, respectful and positive

Effective Communication... Expresses verbal and written thought in a clear and understandable manner

Customer Focus... Demonstrates genuine concern and satisfies external and/or internal customers based on the CLV core purpose and values

Adaptability... Able to effectively modify behavior to suit changing workforce demands

Problem Solving... Solves problems by considering all causes, solutions and outcomes

Productive Partnerships... Develops, maintains and strengthens partnerships with others

Technical and Safety Expertise... Possesses a depth of knowledge, skill and ability in a technical (job) area