Laboratory Field Technician

Summary

Minimum Starting Salary: $20.3245 per hour

The City Of Waco Seeks

The City of Waco is seeking a knowledgeable Laboratory Field Technician. This role will perform field-based sampling, monitoring, and documentation for the Environmental Laboratory of the Compliance Division of Infrastructure Services.

Required

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s Degree in Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or
• H.S. Diploma or GED equivalent and 2 years progressively responsible experience in environmental sampling, water or wastewater operations, or laboratory support work.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License.
• Class C Surface Water or Wastewater Operator License issued by TCEQ within 2 ½ years.
  
  

Preferred

• Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Experience supporting a NELAP accredited laboratory.
  
  

Position Description

The Laboratory Field Technician, within the Environmental Laboratory of the Compliance Division of Infrastructure Services, performs field-based sampling, monitoring, and documentation in support of water, wastewater, stormwater, Industrial Pretreatment, FOG, and distribution system compliance programs. This position is primarily responsible for coordinating and collecting regulatory and response driven samples; maintaining accurate chain of custody documentation; transporting specimens; and conducting routine field measurements in accordance with approved methods, laboratory accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements. The role is schedule driven and response driven, requires independent field work, and does not provide supervisory oversight.

Essential Functions

• Collects water, wastewater, stormwater, industrial, and environmental samples in accordance with approved sampling plans, TCEQ requirements, and laboratory standard operating procedures.
• Coordinates and completes compliance based, complaint based, and response driven sampling across multiple programs including Pretreatment, FOG, Stormwater, watershed monitoring, and distribution system water quality.
• Performs field measurements including but not limited to pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, chlorine residual, conductivity, and other routine parameters.
• Maintains accurate chain of custody documentation and ensures proper labeling, preservation, storage, and transport of samples.
• Transports samples to the Environmental Laboratory within required holding times.
• Assists with distribution system flushing coordination and water quality investigations.
• Supports stormwater and watershed monitoring efforts, including sampling from creeks, outfalls, and remote locations.
• Operates a city assigned vehicle equipped with laboratory transport containers, field testing instruments, and safety equipment. May tow boats and trailers as required.
• Participates in after hours and weekend on call rotation for emergency response sampling.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to support laboratory and compliance program objectives.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Waco and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with residents, visitors, and City staff, maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information
• Lives the City of Waco Values: equity & inclusion, excellence & innovation, integrity, people, and teamwork.