Lab Technician

Salary Range:  $21.39/hour - $34.44/hour      Salary Grade:  13     FLSA:  Exempt

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to run, analyze, and interpret various chemical tests on water plant samples collected from wastewater plant processes or received from vendors supplying chemicals for plant operational and permit compliance purposes.

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 mains; 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related field; two years of experience in aseptic techniques, safe laboratory practices and testing to include bacteriological testing, physical and chemical analysis; 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 obtain a Georgia Water or Wastewater Laboratory Analyst license within one year of date of employment and maintain such license during employment in this classification. The probationary period for this classification is 12 months.