Water Reclamation Laboratory Technician

Location: [[filter6]], [[filter8]]

Salary Range: [[salaryMin]] - [[salaryMax]]

Application Deadline: Applications must be received by [[applicationDeadline]].

Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) is seeking a dedicated Wastewater Laboratory Technician to perform testing and analysis in its Florida Department of Health (FDOH)-certified laboratory. This work is critical to wastewater treatment operations and compliance with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) requirements. The position requires strong attention to detail, laboratory knowledge and technical skills, and a commitment to producing accurate, reliable results. Join a team whose work supports essential utility services and protects public health and the environment.

Note: This position is in-person and based in Gainesville, Florida. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies, and an eligibility list may be established for future openings.

FLSA Exemption Status

Non-Exempt

Summary

This is skilled technical work in the analysis of utility water and wastewater samples in water reclamation plant laboratories.

Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from higher classes by its lack of management responsibility and from lower classes by its emphasis on the analysis of water and wastewater samples in the utility environmental programs. Work is performed in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Examples of Work

*This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job. Performance of lower level duties may be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Attends and successfully completes the Water/Wastewater System Orientation.
• Attends and successfully completes an 8-hour Hazardous Materials Awareness training course.
• Attends and successfully completes the National Incident Management System (NIMS) 100, 200 and 700 training courses.
• Attends and successfully completes a Fire Extinguisher, Eye Wash/Safety Shower Use and Inspection class. Performs monthly inspection of fire extinguishers and eye wash/shower stations for defects and records inspection data on proper forms.
• Attends and successfully completes a Hazardous Energy (Lock Out/Tag Out) training class. Completes proper forms during and after performance of tasks. Notifies affected staff and correctly documents lockout.
• Independently performs chemical analysis using gravimetric, spectrophotometric, turbidimetric, potentiometric, titrimetric, spectrometric and chromatographic methods.
• Independently performs microbiological analysis on collected samples.
• Successfully participates in various training modules and engages in independent study of laboratory instrument operation and analytical techniques as set forth in the PTTP.
• Assists in the planning and establishing of laboratory work schedules, in the preparation of data reports, and in the administration of a quality control program in compliance with Florida Department of Health and TNI/NELAC standards.
• Makes qualitative chemical examination of samples from the wastewater treatment process.
• Maintains records and logs in accordance with TNI/NELAC standards and writes routine reports.
• Performs data entry into Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) computers.
• Maintains and repairs all laboratory instrumentation and continuous analyzers, pH, conductivity, spectrophotometers, Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES), ICP automated nutrient analyzer, dissolved oxygen, block digestors, etc.
• Assists in the development and evaluation of new analytical methods.
• Operates advanced analytical instruments such as a discrete analyzer, and ICP-OES. Prepares laboratory reagents for laboratory procedures and operational quality control processes.
• Performs sampling as required.
• Responds under emergency conditions.
• Attends work on continuous and regular basis.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs housekeeping tasks as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate’s degree from an accredited institution in the chemical, environmental, biological sciences, physical sciences or engineering, and at least six (6) months of experience in the environmental analysis of representative inorganic and organic analyses for which the laboratory seeks or maintains accreditation.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in one of the above disciplines is preferred.
• A Master’s degree from an accredited institution in one of the above disciplines may be substituted for the required experience.
• Incumbents in this classification must meet the minimum requirements established in the Water Reclamation Laboratory Technician Progression-Through-Training Program (PTTP) or pass departmental equivalency test. Failure to progress to the maximum level of the Water Reclamation Laboratory Technician Progression-Through-Training program within the timeframes established in the program will be grounds for termination of employment.

Note: a copy of the Progression-Through-Training-Program is available upon request

CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES

Licenses:

None.

Certifications:

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Computer software skills will be required as specified by the department.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and accident prevention methods in assigned area of responsibility.
• Knowledge of principles and methods of qualitative and quantitative chemical and biological analysis of water treatment and of the physical treatment procedures.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations relative to advanced and secondary wastewater plants.
• Knowledge of the principles and operation of wastewater treatment facilities.
• Ability to keep records and prepare reports.
• Ability to maintain and repair liquid analysis instruments.
• Ability to operate work related equipment.
• Ability to plan, assign, and direct the work of self and others.
• Ability to communicate effectively and understand, give and carry out complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perform and check mathematical calculations accurately.
• Skill in the care and use of laboratory equipment and materials.
• Ability to work effectively with coworkers and the general public.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work related environmental conditions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to speak, read and write in English and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Work requires physical strength, abilities and agilities sufficient to safely perform all essential functions.
• Must possess 20/20 corrected vision and normal red/green color perception.
• Must possess senses of smell and hearing within established normal ranges
• Ability to use personal protection equipment including hearing protection, eye protection, foot protection, hand protection, and head protection.
• Ability to bend, squat, walk and lift 25 pounds to required height.
• Must be able to perform sedentary work on an uninterrupted basis.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Will be required to transport, mix, handle, or use hazardous materials or may be responsible for facilities or equipment carrying current, fluid, or gas that could endanger other employees.
• Must be willing to work unscheduled and emergency overtime, as required.
• Ability to withstand exposure to prolonged high noise levels.
• Ability to withstand exposure to hazardous conditions and noxious chemicals.
• Ability to perform tasks in extreme heat and confined areas.

GRU Competencies

Contributes to a Positive Work Environment Safety Accountability & Dependability