Laboratory Technician I, II, or III

Company Summary Statement

Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies, are regulated utilities that serve more than 1.3 million customers and have consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. LG&E serves 334,000 natural gas and 433,000 electric customers in Louisville and 16 surrounding counties. KU serves 569,000 customers in 77 Kentucky counties and five counties in Virginia. LG&E and KU are major employers and active supporters of the communities they serve. They empower employees, community members and initiatives across their service territory through volunteerism and investments in organizations that support education, sustainability and wellbeing.

Overview

Entry level laboratory position, responsible for assisting with collection, analysis, and monitoring of power plant system samples (e.g. boiler, demineralizer, cooling, make-up, waste water, and flue gas desulfurization) as well as the discharges associated with each, in order to maintain proper chemical control necessary for efficient steam production. Typically works under close supervision of Laboratory Supervisor and/or experienced Senior Laboratory Technician(s).

Responsibilities

• Sample, analyze, monitor and make chemical adjustments to the internal treatment of boiler water systems, cooling water systems, demineralizer systems, scrubber systems and wastewater treatment system to ensure proper chemical treatment and efficiency.
• Collect samples of plant discharges, analyze and monitor them, and comply with requirements of KPDES.
• Maintain on-line analyzers used to monitor systems on continuous basis.
• Operate and maintain various chemical feed systems to ensure efficient and reliable plant operation.
• Maintain documentation/computer entry of daily data.
• Prepare laboratory reagents necessary for lab procedures.
• Monitor wastewater treatment plant for efficient operation.
• Maintain compliance with various state and EPA water quality and discharge limitations.
• Monitor unit start-ups and upset conditions to restrict or release boiler drum pressure limits.
• Perform routine inspections for equipment reliability and environmental compliance which may require confined space entry.
• Handle hazardous chemical unloading on a routine basis requiring the use of proper PPE.
• Troubleshoot plant water system equipment for operational problems.
  
  
  

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in Chemistry, Laboratory Technology, or related scientific field or
• High School Diploma GED
• 2 years experience of combined chemistry and math coursework and laboratory experience that result in equivalent job knowledge and skills
• Must be in good physical condition, be able to wear a respirator, be able to work outdoors in any weather, and be able to lift up to 50 lbs
• Must be able to climb ladders and work in hot and cold environments
• Must be detail oriented and willing to closely follow acceptable practices and procedures
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Obtain water treatments and wastewater treatment operator’s license
• Strong verbal and written communications skills necessary for making recommendations.
• Working with management and employees, and in some cases directing the activities of others.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem solving, and analytical skills.
• Good understanding and compliance with safety procedures regarding hazardous chemicals.
• Familiarity with applicable computer systems and software.
• Ability to interpret results of analysis and develop appropriate courses of action based on the analysis.
• Working knowledge of mechanical operation, troubleshooting and minor repairs of pumps and valves.
  
  
  

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