Laboratory Technician

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) is a regional governmental agency that serves 1.1 million people in the greater Milwaukee area. MMSD provides water reclamation, flood management, and green infrastructure services for our community.  Our mission is to protect public health and the environment through world-class, cost-effective water resource management, leadership, and partnership. Join our diverse team and support your community while protecting our environment.

MMSD is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Laboratory Technician in the Water Quality Protection Division.  Reporting to the Laboratory Supervisor, you perform routine and non-routine qualitative and quantitative chemical, physical, and bacteriological analyses on waters, wastewaters, wastes, sludges, and biosolids.

• Perform routine chemical and bacteriological analysis, following established, documented procedures as required by NR149, NR219, and other regulatory documents as appropriate using specialized instrumentation and technique.
• Conduct secondary review of analyses performed by the team.
• Perform specific tasks required to support the operation of the laboratory, including but not limited to preparation of reagents and analytical standards, preparation of bottles for samples, glassware cleaning and preparation, sample preparation, laboratory housekeeping, and document and file maintenance.
• Review, record, and store analytical results manually and/or electronically.
• Operate analytical instruments using established, documented procedures.
• Maintain inventory of necessary supplies for assigned analyses.
• Perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot, and execute minor repairs and adjustments for assigned instruments.
• Train personnel and temporary help on assigned analyses and safety protocols.
• Obtain samples for routine, project, or emergency purposes.
• Ensure the completion of all required records, paperwork, documents, etc.
• Maintain technical competency and remain current in technology and changes in the industry.
• Follow and comply with all safety and work rules.  Maintain departmental housekeeping standards.
• Complete special projects as assigned.

• Associate degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or a closely related field that includes basic techniques in chemistry obtained in an analytical laboratory course.
• Two years of job-related experience (advanced education degrees will be considered in lieu of experience).
• Knowledge of and the ability to apply basic principles, practices, and techniques used in chemistry, quantitative analyses, and conduct of laboratory analyses.
• Ability to maintain accuracy in methods and calculations.
• Knowledge and understanding of NR149, NR219, and other regulatory requirements.
• Ability to operate specialized tools and semi-complex to complex laboratory equipment, such as gravimetric, titrator, spectrophotometer, digestive and automated equipment, etc.
• Computer software proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Physical Requirements:

• This work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 lbs. of force and occasional exertion of up to 50 lbs. of force.
• Work regularly requires standing, walking, speaking, hearing, using hands, reaching with hands and arms, smelling, pushing or pulling, and repetitive motions.  Work occasionally requires sitting, kneeling, or crawling. 

Sensory Requirements:

• Work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, and depth and color perception. Vocal communication is required for expressing ideas by means of the spoken word, and hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, assembly or fabrication of parts within arm's length, operating machinery, and observing general surroundings and activities. 

Environmental Exposures:

• Work regularly requires exposure to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and bloodborne pathogens.  Work occasionally requires exposure to wet/humid conditions (non-weather), working near moving mechanical parts, extreme heat (non-weather), risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
• Work is generally in a loud noise location.

Requires the use of a lab coat, safety glasses, gloves, safety shoes, and other appropriate protective equipment as dictated by the location and type of work being performed.
 
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. 

Salary : $32 - $36