The City of Boise is committed to protecting the environment and ensuring the sustainable use of our resources. The Water Quality Laboratory is responsible for testing the quality of water as it passes through each plant process and the sludge quality as it passes through the solids process. We are hiring multiple Lab Technicians to join our exceptional team at the City's Water Quality Laboratory. 

• Performs a wide range of highly technical and specialized laboratory analyses using advanced instrumentation and data evaluation in support of the city’s wastewater, environmental, and utility operations. 
• Acts as lead, trains lab staff and performs research and method development 
• Troubleshoots methods and instrumentation, maintains the lab database and ensures that testing methods comply with all federal, state and city regulations, lab policies and procedures
• Work is performed under general supervision

Become part of the City and have an opportunity to make a difference. We’re honored to serve and positively affect the lives of our community. The City provides top notch healthcare for you and your family at little to no cost. Plus, an actual pension plan, 401k matching, a wellness program, tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, and more. Imagine that. Prepares and maintains complex technical laboratory instrumentation/equipment, supplies, lab infrastructure and samples for testing. Performs instrumentation checks, optimizations and tunes according to method or EPA regulatory specifications. Inspects laboratory equipment, instrumentation, building infrastructure. Performs and documents preventative and corrective maintenance. Troubleshoots LIMS database and instrumentation software anomalies, analytical methods and instrumentation, and consults manufacturer’s technical support staff if needed. Develops written standard operating procedures for analytical procedures meeting regulatory requirements. Schedules daily analytical testing for wet chemistry lab staff. Reacts and re-prioritizes analytical testing to meet regulatory compliance, accommodate rush samples, respond to treatment plant anomalies, assist technicians with troubleshooting or address short staffing. Maintains LIMS database, modifies the supporting tables, creates customized queries, dashboards, reports and calculation workbooks. Previews and parallel tests LIMS software updates in a “test” database before implementation. Develops and provides state approved Continuing Education Unit (CEU) training to division staff and other associated personnel. Assists city staff with and trains staff in the calibration of field instruments and sampling protocols. (40%)
Conducts advanced analytical testing. Optimizes and calibrates complex instrumentation. Assesses analytical performance against established QC (quality control) criteria. Performs statistical calculations and imports/manually enters data into LIMS database. Formulates complex multi-component reagents and standards. Develops calculation spreadsheets using computerized applications. Documents calibration, maintenance and analytical analysis actions and results to meet regulatory and legal scrutiny for audits. Peer reviews computerized data entry of other analysts and technicians. (30%)
Pre-populates expected samples and corresponding analyses needed in the LIMS sample scheduler for planned sampling throughout the year. As sample custodian, receives and inspects sample container for leaks, sample temperature, proper containers, sample preservation and completeness of corresponding chain of custody. Log samples into LIMS and ensures all analyses on chain of custody assigned, documents client comments and sample anomalies. Arranges for staffing, equipment, supplies and sampling containers to meet the needs of daily, weekly, infrequent and special project schedules. Forecasts chemicals, consumables and supplies for upcoming engineering projects. Communicates any resource needs and schedules complexities to management. (20%)
Act as project lead for special projects. Researches chemical theory for new method development and current method optimization. Researches new instrumentation. Assists in the development of technical, objective and defensible purchase specifications to submit to purchasing. Serves as a representative on various city committees. (10%)
Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time. Total Percentage = 100%Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in science, chemistry, biology or environmental science, and 
• 3 years' lab experience with advanced technical instrumentation, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• Advanced degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science or engineering, and/or 
• 8 years analytical lab experience in microbiology, soil science, quality assurance/quality control, instrument maintenance, and advanced instrumentation.
• Possession of a Wastewater Lab Operator Class II license or higher.

Level of Knowledge:

• Intermediate knowledge in quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) theory, measures and protocols
• Statistics
• Automated equipment and complex instrumentation, including theory, methodology, maintenance, and software/hardware functionality
• Functional knowledge of computer software including Word and Excel
• Working knowledge of various time, labor, resource and data management software and databases for payroll, asset management and laboratory information management (LIMS).

Ability To: 

• Interpret and apply federal, state, and city policies, procedures, laws, codes, rules and regulations
• Evaluate a variety of laboratory tests relating to wastewater, water, biosolids and soil
• Understand complex technical literature, theory and instrumentation
• Conduct research and analyze data
• Operate and utilize a wide variety of laboratory equipment and instruments
• Prepare clear, accurate and concise technical reports
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, co-workers, clients, and others
• Display an attitude of cooperation and work harmoniously with all levels of city employees, the general public and other organizations
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance
• Complete assignments in a timely fashion
• Understand and comply with all rules, policies and regulations; maintain prompt and regular attendance
• Perform all essential and marginal functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without a reasonable accommodation
• Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record

Licensing And Other Requirements

• Valid driver’s license.

• A Wastewater Operator Laboratory Class III license and ability to obtain an Idaho Wastewater Treatment Operator Class I or Operator-in-training license within six months of meeting Idaho Bureau of Occupational License’s eligibility requirements.

Special Requirements
Applicants must be able to pass:

• City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
• Driving Record Check
• Drug Free Workplace: In accordance with the City of Boise Drug Free Workplace Regulation, this position is designated as safety sensitive and is subject to testing requirements including Post Offer Applicant Testing, Random Testing, Reasonable Suspicion, Post - Accident, etc. Applicants will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to hire. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative pre-employment drug test
• This position is required to handle hazardous materials that if mishandled, place the general public at risk of serious injury

The physical effort characteristics and working environment 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.
Physical Efforts
While performing the duties of this job the employee is always lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds, occasionally lifting/carrying up to 35 pounds and rarely lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds. Also, the employee is occasionally pushing/pulling up to 35 pounds and rarely pushing/pulling up to 50 pounds. The noise level is frequently moderate and occasionally loud. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear, smell and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees will sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, climb and balance. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.Additional physical efforts include: uses step stools and ladders..
Working Environment
The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, extreme temperatures, in wet and humid conditions, areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter. Employees are exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position. Work includes protected exposure to infectious bacteria, bodily fluids and chemicals. Work areas include wet floors, uneven outdoor walkways, broken glass, sewage, harmful chemicals and compressed gasses appropriate mechanical controls and personal protective equipment to minimize exposure to caustic chemicals, strong acids, toxic fumes, strong magnets, and heat. Requires the handling of hot equipment, media and reagents that can cause burns.
This position works: weekdays but rotates Saturday coverage. There is occasional overtime, and work schedule adjustments to meet the demands of the stormwater permit, special sampling events and/or environmental emergencies.