Water Laboratory Technician

Applications will be accepted until May 14, 2025 - Apply on-line at www.wfec.com

SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Plant Manager, the Water Laboratory Technician performs water tests, adds chemicals to plant water systems to ensure water quality, conducts other general laboratory duties, and conforms to environmental requirements. The incumbent chemically treats water systems used in the boilers and cooling systems. In addition, the incumbent performs all general laboratory duties, assists with safety and environmental duties, and assists with the upkeep and maintenance of the water treatment equipment in the plant. All duties are performed in close cooperation and support of the Plant Chemist.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Analyzes discharge water and performs all environmental tests for state and federal permits. Records the data and compiles the report for the Plant Chemist's review and signature. Prepares reagents and standards used in testing and treatment programs. Adds chemicals to water used in boilers, cooling towers, and closed cooling systems to ensure safe and reliable plant operation as determined by analysis of the sample. Samples and analyzes all plant water systems to determine actions necessary to maintain or regain proper chemical balance. Communicates to the Plant Chemist or operations department corrective action to maintain plant availability. Assist with maintaining and monitoring the corrosion rates that are within industry limits in cooling water and boiler water systems. Uses coupons, tube samples and physical measurements for monitoring and documentation of treatment programs. Maintains and monitors the performance of the anodic protection systems. Calibrates equipment and performs preventative and routine maintenance on the chemical feed systems, spectrophotometer, and water analysis panel instrumentation. Records all required data, test results, and activities on proper forms, logs, and computer automated systems. Handles hazardous materials such as chlorine, sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, and hydrazine safely and in accordance to plant procedures. Complies with regulatory agency requirements including OSHA and NIOSH, whichever is more stringent, while unloading and normal routines. May need to analyze asbestos samples and properly document this information. Perform internal inspections on plant equipment such as boiler drums, deaerators, water boxes, cooling towers, and demineralizers all of which require working in extremely tight conditions and accessing through small manholes. Performs routine inspections and those required by regulatory and insurance companies. Assists with demineralizer regenerations and monitors performance. Maintains plant MSDS documents and tracks, files, updates logbooks, and completes requests for HAZMIN information. Assist with the maintenance and cleaning of the plant's safety equipment and spill kits. Operate the Reverse Osmosis system. Performs trouble shooting and maintenance on the system. Performs EPA certification tests to maintain the Laboratory's EPA certification. Completes the daily, weekly, monthly, and inventory checklists. Maintains chemicals and other supplies in a safe and orderly manner including inventory control.

COMPETENCIES: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Technical Skills: Displays technical knowledge equal to job requirements; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.

Quantity: Meets productivity goals; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity.

Quality: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully.

Attendance/Punctuality: Is consistently at work and on time; Uses paid leave within policy requirements; Informs supervisor about necessary absences in a timely manner.

Organizational Support: Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values.

Dependability: Follows instructions and responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

Safety and Security: Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.

Customer Service: Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments to customers.

Cost Consciousness: Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Conserves organizational resources.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors required.

Education and Experience: Must have completed a minimum of nine college credit hours in chemistry and two years of directly related laboratory or water treatment experience or a minimum of three years of related power plant experience working with water treatment systems. Knowledge and understanding of demineralizers and reverse osmosis operations is required. Knowledge of water treatment chemistry in boilers and cooling water systems is required.

Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively with other employees.

Math Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer Skills: Ability to use a personal computer to access the intranet and Microsoft Office software as required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: This job requires completion of applicable state certifications. A current driver's license is required.

WORK SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS: This job works a regular work week but may be required to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and be available for call in on short notice.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job requires climbing ladders and stairs and working on elevated platforms or scaffolding; walking and/or standing for extended periods of time; kneeling, crawling, stooping, bending, or twisting for extended periods of time; pushing, pulling, and reaching above the shoulders; wearing personal safety equipment including breathing apparatus; manual and detailed hand work using both hands and may require repetitive manual tasks. The job also requires lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying of weights equal to 50 pounds or more; quick, calm action in response to emergency situations; and the wearing and use of personal protective equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job occasionally requires working in confined spaces for extended periods of time; walking or standing on inclined, uneven, or slippery surfaces; working with or near hazardous chemicals, materials, fumes, dust, or smoke; and working in areas of constant high noise and vibration levels. It also requires working near high voltage; working at night inside or outside in all weather conditions; and working inside in a controlled environment. In accordance with WFEC Administrative Procedure 805-Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace this position is classified as "safety sensitive".

MUST MEET ALL PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WFEC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER

MINORITIES, FEMALES, DISABILITY, AND

VETS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

EOE/AA/M/F/DISABILITY/VETS