What are the responsibilities and job description for the Water Lab Technician position at City of Hillsboro Oregon?
PURPOSE STATEMENT:
Under the direction of the assigned supervisor, the Water Lab Technician independently performs analytical tasks and provides technical assistance to treatment operators performing such tasks to maintain water treatment plant production that achieves the required water quality standards. This position is responsible for following overall lab policies, procedures, and capabilities. This position provides technical training and assistance to others as needed.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND TASKS:
The following list of functions, duties, and tasks is typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform other closely related or department-specific functions, duties, and tasks from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
- Performs chemical, physical, and microbiological analysis of raw and treated water, and related byproducts to monitor and control treatment plant operations and the quality of potable water.
- Operates laboratory instruments and related equipment used to analyze compounds and elements in water, sludge, and other matrices as required.
- Performs calibrations on laboratory instrumentation and documents such work using the asset management system.
- Assists with special analytical studies related to source control, process control, or other aspects related to water quality standards or analytical procedures.
- Performs quality control/ quality assurance testing by prescribed methods to ensure the quality of laboratory data.
- Compiles and records laboratory data using manual and computer-based data management systems. Performs mathematical calculations and statistical analyses for test results, using both manual and computer-based methods.
- Monitors supply of consumables, glassware, and reagents; tracks purchases; receives inventory; and ensures quality of supplies upon receipt.
- Maintains various reports, worksheets, plans, correspondence, graphs, and work orders; enters data in systems; reviews documents and data input for accuracy and integrity.
- Manages records and information in any format, in accordance with applicable statutes, regulations, and city policy, guidance, and records retention schedule.
OTHER DUTIES:
- Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (At time of application)
Knowledge of:
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and/or ordinances
- Applicable procedures, processes, and methods of water treatment technology
- Water sampling and testing protocol, and methods
- Basic laboratory principles, practices, instrumentation, and equipment
- Monitoring and maintaining inventory of supplies inventory
- Positive and effective customer service principles
- Safe work practices and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Basic mathematical concepts
- Modern office equipment
- Concepts and significance of laboratory ethics
- Scientific method and basic experimental design
Skills and Abilities to:
- Relate well, communicate, and work effectively with diverse groups of stakeholders who represent a range of ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Engage in growth, learning, and self-awareness related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Learn how to communicate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, principles and put them into practice
- Provide positive and effective customer service
- Identify issues and recommending solutions
- Read and interpreting technical documents
- Utilize a computer and relevant software applications
- Summarizing study results and writing a variety of lab reports
JOB QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS: (At time of application and in addition to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed above.)
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or a related field; and one year of experience in an analytical or environmental laboratory where the major portion of the workload involved the analysis of drinking water; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
LICENSE(S) / CERTIFICATIONS:
- Valid, current Driver’s License and safe driving record
- First Aid and CPR Certification
WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
(Must be performed with or without reasonable accommodations)
- This position works primarily indoors in an office environment, but also outdoors in the field, exposed to the weather
- This is a Safety Sensitive position - this position/classification impacts the safety of the employee and the safety of others as a result of performing that job
- Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, kneeling, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions with or without reasonable accommodation
- Medium Work: Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally (up to 1/3 of workday), and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of workday), and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly (2/3 or more of workday) to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work
- Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, intense noises, travel, and environmental conditions
- This position may be subjected to working in an environment that has moisture and/or humidity, dust, electrical hazards, and noise due to testing and/or sampling locations
Why Work for Hillsboro?
At the City of Hillsboro, we’re committed to supporting employees with a comprehensive package of benefits and resources designed to promote health, well-being, and growth.
When you join our team, you’ll enjoy:
- Competitive pay with City contributions to PERS retirement
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- paid time off for vacation, sick leave, holidays, and more
- Deferred compensation match and HRA VEBA contributions to boost your future savings
- City-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance
- Extra perks like bilingual pay incentives and wellness reimbursements
- Free TriMet annual Hop pass and SHARC recreation access for you and your family
- Paid time off to volunteer in the community through Hillsboro Helps
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
- A supportive workplace that values work/life balance and employee wellness
To learn more about our robust benefits package please click here.
Application Instructions
To ensure your application receives full consideration, please complete all sections of the online application thoroughly. Please note that Resumes and Cover Letters will not be accepted and should not be submitted in place of the completed application. Please see the guidelines below to successfully submit your application:
- Include detailed information about your work experience, education, and relevant qualifications directly in the application. Taking the time to provide complete and accurate information helps the review panel fully understand your background and experience.
- Please answer all supplemental questions thoughtfully and thoroughly. Your responses provide valuable insight into your qualifications and experience. They will help the hiring manager better understand how your background aligns with the needs of the position.
- Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
- Only Veterans’ Preference documents will be reviewed as attachments.
Commitment To Diversity
Hiring a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve is essential to delivering exceptional City services and programs. The City of Hillsboro is committed to creating and supporting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees to thrive. We value, respect, and empower employees as unique individuals with authentic voices and diverse ideas.
City of Hillsboro is proud to offer robust benefit packages to employees. Please check out our Salary and Benefits page for benefit guides for our non-represented full-time employees and part-time employees. Benefits may vary for positions identified in Police, Fire, and Library collective bargaining agreements, which can also be found on the Salary and Benefits page.