Utilities Laboratory Technician at City of Moline

Utilities Laboratory Technician

Application Deadline: Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Pay Range: $30.6584 - $44.4547 Hourly / $63,769.47 - $92,465.78 Annually 

Starting Pay: $30.6584 Hourly / $63,769.47 Annually

Characteristics of the Job

Under direction of the Water Laboratory Chemist, performs technical laboratory work in the analysis of water or wastewater; responsible for conducting a variety of technical laboratory analyses to ensure quality standards are being met and to identify and determine the characteristics of source, treatment plant, finished and distribution water, industrial, commercial and institutional waste in the sewage system; interprets test results; informs appropriate personnel of abnormal test results.

Examples of Duties

• Perform chemical, physical and biological analysis as required by federal and state regulations, city ordinance and department policies and procedures and record results.
• Perform required analysis in and around the laboratory and sample collection sites that are related to lab and treatment plant operations.
• Secure representative samples from residential, industrial, commercial and institutional establishments and perform laboratory analyses as directed.
• Conduct routine and special tests to ascertain the characteristics of materials likely to require special treatment.
• Maintain laboratory quality assurance records and test results using various forms and computer spreadsheets and databases.
• Maintain proper operation, quality assurance and calibration of laboratory related equipment.
• Assist manager in analyzing test results that are abnormal according to standard operating procedures and assist in corrective actions.
• Maintain laboratory inventory and notify manager of needed supplies.
• Prepare chemical solutions and reagents as directed.
• Clean and sterilize glassware and other laboratory equipment.
• Implement new laboratory procedures as directed.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Training and Experience

High school diploma or GED equivalent supplemented by college level course work in chemistry, biology, microbiology and related sciences; one (1) year progressively responsible experience in water or wastewater plant operations, wet chemistry or microbiological laboratory operations; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of chemical and biological principles, terminology, techniques, equipment and laboratory tests pertaining to analysis of samples; good knowledge of microbiological test procedures including heterotrophic plate counts, total coliform and fecal coliform testing; and the processes and treatment stages involved in water and wastewater; knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions and personal protective equipment (PPE) related to water and wastewater treatment and laboratory operations.

Exceptional skill in providing customer service and in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, officials, and the general public, skill in developing and maintaining manual and computerized record systems of water analysis and laboratory operations; and operating Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

Ability to use laboratory and related equipment and to compute and record test results; perform required tests; plan workload to meet time requirements; comply with all local, state and federal safety regulations related to the work performed; prepare professional reports;  perform routine tests to maintain status in the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Quality Assurance Programs and train other employees in laboratory procedures.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Valid Illinois driver’s license or equivalent.
• Certification from Illinois Public Health Department to perform heterotrophic plate counts, total coliform and fecal coliform testing within six (6) months of hire.

Physical Demands

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 is regularly required to talk or hear; frequently required to walk; occasionally required to stand, sit, use hands and fingers to handle, feel and make fine adjustments, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.  Must be able to work under varied weather conditions. Employee is regularly exposed to hazardous chemicals, microorganisms, and biological matter, as well as domestic and industrial wastes.

Residency

AFSCME employees shall live within a 20-mile radius from the City’s Emergency Center, located at 1630 8^th Avenue in Moline, within 180 days of hire.