Laboratory Technician I - WaterOne

Summary/Objective

The purpose of this position is to perform sample collection, sample processing, chemical, biological, and microbiological analyses of source & treated water, particulates, and other materials; participates in special study projects, process control and compliance monitoring/testing and quality assurance programs; assists in water quality investigations; assists with inventory management & purchasing; performs related work as required.

WaterOne is an independent public water utility. We’ve been proudly serving the Johnson County, Kansas area since 1957. Every day, nearly 455,000 customers rely on WaterOne to provide fresh, clean water on demand. It’s a responsibility we deliver on. Our passion is water because water touches everything we care about: family, health, safety, and community. We serve our community by bringing award-winning water to their homes, businesses, and public places.

WaterOne provides competitive benefits and compensation ranges.  Selected candidates are placed in the position’s pay range based on their qualifications.

Pay Range:  From $24.71

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Performs both unusual and routine physical, chemical, biological, and microbiological analyses of water and a variety of related materials following specific procedures.
• Recognizes potential or actual problems which may occur in an analytical procedure; applies known procedures or confers with other to find solutions.
• Sets up, calibrates, operates, performs, and keeps records of routine maintenance on a variety of complex laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Collects, receives, extracts, and digests, a variety of samples; prepares field and sample control documentation and submits / receives samples for analysis; may plan short-term project sampling programs.
• Assists chemists & microbiologists in performing research and experiments to solve problems; may perform specialized research assignments on well-defined projects.
• Compiles and records data for a variety of logs, reports, and records, performing calculations as required; performs peer data review to ensure accuracy of calculations and records prepared by others; recommends modifications to procedures and forms; enters results of analyses into the laboratory information management system (LIMS) and produces reports.
• Prepares standard and uncommon chemical solutions, reagents, stains, and bacteriological media.
• Conducts various field screening assays, routine and advanced.
• Maintains proper QA/QC records and documentation; assists with implementation of QA/QC programs.
• Observes standard safety precautions related to the work; maintains proper quality assurance techniques in performing analytical work.

Other Duties

• Assists in the evaluation of laboratory services and equipment and assists in the specification and selection of such equipment; maintains an inventory of laboratory equipment and supplies according to predetermined levels; makes recommendations for the purchasing of equipment and chemicals.
• Assists with ordering, receiving, and maintaining an adequate supply of chemicals, supplies and replacement laboratory equipment.
• Helps prepare material for shipping, including materials being returned to vendors. Assists with receipt of materials, inspecting materials for damage, checking for correct amount shipped, and storing material appropriately.
• Assists with managing materials stock levels in Laboratory central storage areas.
• Confers with other WaterOne employees, representatives of governmental or other organizations, and consumers of WaterOne water, and others on matters relating to the work.
• Performs all duties pertaining to all hazardous waste operations in accordance with all applicable requirements.
• Performs other duties assigned.

Core Competencies

These key core competencies are expected to be demonstrated by each employee at WaterOne:

• Communicates Effectively – Demonstrates ability to listen and express oneself effectively and shares information as appropriate for the position needed to perform the job effectively.
• Conscientiousness – Expresses the motivation to perform one's job in a careful, thorough way that adheres to the standards of honesty and integrity.
• Customer Focus – Demonstrates a concern for satisfying both internal and external customers and builds collaborative relationships with customers and stakeholders.
• Interpersonal Savvy – Demonstrates the ability to effectively coordinate with others to achieve goals and solve problems by maintaining flexibility and open mindedness.
• Problem Solving/Drive for Results – Demonstrates the ability to find solutions to complex problems and consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances.

Position Competencies

In addition to the core competencies, these key competencies are expected to be demonstrated by each employee in this position:

• Development and Continual Learning – Displays an ongoing commitment to learning and self-improvement.
• Job Knowledge – Understands the purpose of the position and demonstrates knowledge by staying current with changes impacting their job.
• Planning, Organizing, and Scheduling – Effectively prioritizes, plans, and schedules work while maintaining focus on mission.
• Safety and Security Focus – Adheres to all workplace safety and security policies, standards, and practices.
• Working Independently – Makes decisions in own area of responsibility and takes initiative in identifying and completing tasks.

Required Education, Skills & Experience

• High School diploma or GED.
• Experience in an environmental laboratory.
• Thorough knowledge of standard methods for the analysis of water samples, standard laboratory equipment and its uses; statistical analyses, and laboratory safety practices.
• Working knowledge of methods to determine water contamination sources; skill & ability to perform difficult and precise analyses of water according to established procedures; evaluating the outcome of laboratory determinations in order to detect errors and recommending effective solutions.
• Ability to adapt analytical methods and equipment to obtain accurate test results; setting up, using, calibrating and performing routine maintenance on complex analytical instruments.
• Ability to make accurate calculations; keep accurate records; make clear and concise reports; prepare media and reagents to exact specifications and perform standard laboratory support work.
• Ability to read and interpret technical operations manuals.
• Ability to make decisions under high stress situations and to continuously show good judgment in routine decisions.
• Requires the ability to train others.
• General knowledge of principles of water treatment and distribution.
• Skills in analyzing complex problems, interpreting laboratory and plant operating data, data mining, report generation, reaching sound conclusions, and making appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to develop new methods of analysis/sampling; write standard operating procedures; or adapt existing methods to new or unusual problems.
• Ability to adhere to and provide recommendations to improve process control and laboratory quality assurance programs.
• Ability to learn and apply all applicable requirements pertaining to hazardous waste operations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate effectively with WaterOne employees and other agencies.
• Good oral and written communication skills and be a good listener.
• Knowledge of personal computer technology and applications (i.e., Excel, Access, Word, Outlook, and Windows). Demonstrates proficiency with spreadsheets and word processing.
• Ability to work individually or in a team setting; ability to work effectively with the public.
• Have a valid driver's license and continuously meet WaterOne driving standards.
• Must be available for occasional overtime and emergency call-out. Must be able to work a schedule that includes periodic weekends and holidays.
• Must pass post offer medical exam, including drug screen and background verification (may not apply to current employees).

Preferred Education, Skills & Experience

• Experience in Chemistry, Biology, or Environmental Science may be substituted for environmental laboratory experience.
• Experience with laboratory information management system and enterprise resource planning software such as SAP.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally lift/or move up to 75 pounds with assistance and frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. The employee must be able to use a computer for five hours a day. The employee must be able to move occasionally from one location to another or be able to remain in a stationary position for up to several hours a day. The employee must be able to use office productivity equipment such as a personal computer, calculator, printer, and copy machine. The employee must be in possession of a licenses and be able to operate a vehicle at any given time. The employee must be able to occasionally position self collect samples, use equipment, perform analyses and be able to work in outdoor weather conditions. The employee must be able to distinguish colors. The employee must meet qualifications for using air purifying and air supplied respiratory protection

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Protective equipment, including but not limited to personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers, may be required and shall be maintained in the sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards of process or environment, chemical hazards, or mechanical hazard encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact.

Equal Opportunity Employer

WaterOne is an equal opportunity employer and upholds a non-discrimination policy. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, military status, or marital status in making employment and business decisions. We also prohibit harassment and retaliation in the workplace and in our dealings with the public. We encourage and welcome diversity of backgrounds in our workforce. WaterOne complies with the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA).

Complete job description is available upon request and will be provided during the selection process.