Senior Lab Technician

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to coordinate and perform a variety of standard physical, chemical and bacteriological laboratory tests to maintain compliance with EPD and EPA standards for drinking water.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Collects water samples from locations throughout the County, and tests for fluoride, iron, chlorine, pH (potential hydrogen), and bacteria.

Conducts microbiological testing of water mandated by regulatory agency, and performs calculations for microbiological and chemical testing; performs daily chemical analysis with instrumentation; performs daily and monthly calibration checks on instrumentation; performs physical testing (color turbidity, suspended solids, etc.); prepares/sterilizes bottles for sample collection; and communicates results to supervisors, operations management, and other County personnel.

Prepares all bacteriological media and reagents needed for testing; performs microbiological testing of distribution system samples; records results of microbiological testing for distribution system samples, customers concerns, and ma'ins; and performs monthly checks of safety stations, balances, instrumentation, etc.

Records and maintains testing results, compiles and prepares forms, reports analyses, and sample documentation; and analyzes water testing to identify trends and patterns.

Trains new lab and operations employees to aid in acquiring licenses.

Performs housekeeping duties and tracks inventory; assists in maintaining adequate supplies to perform collection and sampling; cleans hazardous spills (mercury, etc.); washes and sterilizes glassware; and completes routine safety checks.

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or related field; either three years of experience in aseptic techniques, safe laboratory practices and testing, to include bacteriological testing, physical and chemical analysis; or have one year as Laboratory Technician as a Water or Wastewater Laboratory Technician with DeKalb County; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license; and must possess and maintain a Water or Wastewater Laboratory Analyst license.