Water Quality Lab Technician

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $27.21 - Midpoint: $35.35 (Hourly N9)

Department/Organization: 750501 - Alabama Water Institute (AWI)

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Job Summary: The Water Quality Lab Technician provides advanced technical inspection, testing, verification, and qualification of laboratory instruments, sensors, and analytical systems using established and specialized procedures. Conducts diagnostics, adjustments, calibration, and complex repairs on laboratory and field equipment. Evaluates instrument performance and associated data output to ensure compliance with technical and quality standards, identifying anomalies or performance deficiencies, and implementing corrective actions to maintain system reliability and data integrity.

Additional Department Summary: The Alabama Water Institute (AWI) is one of four research institutes at The University of Alabama. AWI serves as a catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration across the University’s various colleges, uniting engineers, computer scientists, biologists, social scientists, economists, and more to tackle the pressing water challenges faced by Alabama and the world. AWI-affiliated researchers specialize in water security and quality, remote sensing, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and watershed management through synergies with AWI research entities, including the NOAA Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology, the Global Water Security Center, and the CONSERVE Research Group.

This position provides independent technical judgment to evaluate instrument performance, ensure data quality, and maintain continuity of monitoring systems critical to research and operational objectives. Responsibilities include instrument verification, diagnostics, repair, deployment readiness, and support of data integrity through established quality assurance practices. Serves as a key technical resource supporting both laboratory and field operations and contributes directly to the reliability and usability of environmental data. Ensures the operational readiness, performance, and data quality of instrumentation systems supporting laboratory and field monitoring activities.

Required Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or GED and four (4) years of laboratory or field instrumentation experience; OR associate's degree and two (2) years of laboratory or field instrumentation experience; OR bachelor's degree and some laboratory or field instrumentation experience.

Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Due to requirements of the funding source, must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident.

Skills and Knowledge: Knowledge of laboratory and field instrumentation, including operation, calibration, testing, and troubleshooting of environmental monitoring equipment. Ability to apply technical procedures and exercise independent judgment in evaluating instrument performance and resolving equipment issues. Familiarity with equipment handling, deployment readiness, and tracking processes. Strong communication and customer support skills, with the ability to convey technical information to a range of users. Working knowledge of mechanical and basic electrical systems associated with instrumentation.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, environmental science, physical science, engineering technology, or a closely related field and four (4) years of relevant experience supporting laboratory or field instrumentation, environmental monitoring, or technical operations. Experience with water quality, hydrologic, or environmental monitoring instrumentation. Experience performing calibration, troubleshooting, maintenance, or operational support of scientific or environmental equipment. Experience supporting data quality assurance, validation, and technical documentation in laboratory or field environments.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.