Salary: $23.16 - $26.36 Hourly
Location : 9500 Birdwood, Little Rock
Job Type: Full time
Job Number: 24-28
Department: Environmental Affairs
Opening Date: 05/29/2024
Closing Date: 6/13/2024 11:59 PM Central
Description

Safety Sensitive - YES
Uniform Required - YES
NOTE: The Laboratory Technician positions are set up to allow the employee to progress automatically to the next position upon achievement of the noted qualifications. This is part of the LRW career path planning process. The Scope and Duties listed on this page are basic to both positions; the qualifications on the following pages detail and determine the expertise and experienced required for each position.
Scope of Responsibilities:
Responsible for performing basic and advanced laboratory analyses on compliance and environmental samples. Responsible for analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting quality control (QC) tests. Responsible for accurately maintaining records of tests conducted and a clean laboratory.
Examples of Duties

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Perform biological, bacteriological, chemical, and physical tests on compliance, environmental and QC samples. Collect in plant grab samples for field testing and biological analysis.
• Log results accurately and maintains records of all tests conducted. Review work for accuracy and completeness. Analyze and interpret test results for changes in process control. Compile data/information for reports.
• Operates, cleans, maintains, and calibrates laboratory equipment, instruments, glassware and work area. Prepares reagents, standards, and solutions and maintain chemical preparation log.
• Perform complex instrumental analyses using an inductively coupled plasma - optical emission analytical techniques.
• Review work for accuracy, precision, comparability, and completeness. Conduct on-the-job-training as directed. Verify data on printouts. Analyze data to discover patterns and/or discrepancies. Statistically evaluate QC data for each test conducted.
• Assist in Laboratory inventory control of consumables and chemicals.
• Attend LRWRA safety meetings and follow safety practices and guidelines at all times.
• Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect. Be an integral team player which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
• Follows established work procedures and practices; and undertakes any reasonable request within capabilities that is for the good of the community and the Utility.

This position has been evaluated as to whether a momentary lapse of attention may result in grave and immediate danger to the employee, coworkers, or the public. If the designation is yes, the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act (AMMA) of 2016 will govern working conditions. If no, the AMMA will not apply to the position.

This position has been evaluated as to the mandated wearing of a company uniform during working hours.

Typical Qualifications

Qualifications: Each position has separate, progressive requirements which must be maintained through out the position's career path. See following pages for breakdown.
Career Path Qualification Chart Summary 8034NE 8035NE Lab Tech I Lab Tech II NE - Grade 6 NE - Grade 9 Education - High School Graduate or GED
- Ability to read, write and work basic mathematics
- Successful completion of two (2) semesters of high school chemistry, biology and algebra; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.- Successful completion of at least fifteen (15) hours of college courses in chemistry, biology or other environmental sciences (equivalent combination of training and experience preferred) Experience & Training One (1) year of experience in performing water/wastewater analysis is preferred.Two (2) years of experience working in a water/wastewater laboratory performing analysis. Working Knowledge Basic:Additional knowledge:Knowledge of the principles, techniques, methods and procedures used in performing basic water/wastewater laboratory analysis.Knowledge of the principles, techniques, methods and procedures used in performing complex water/wastewater biosolids analysis.Knowledge of basic quantitative/qualitative analysis used in laboratory testing. Knowledge of complex quantitative/qualitative analysis used in laboratory testing. Knowledge of basic mathematics.Knowledge in the use of computers using basic Windows based word-processing, spreadsheet, and database application software. Knowledge in the use of computers using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Knowledge in the use of complex database application software used in the Laboratory.Knowledge in the use of complex database application software used in the Laboratory. Ability to obtain and maintain: Valid Arkansas driver's licenseArkansas Class II Wastewater License within two (2) yearsArkansas Class I Wastewater License or obtain within 3 years
Skills & Ability to perform the following: Skill in making accurate measurements and computationSkill in performing advanced laboratory testsSkill in performing basic laboratory testsSkill in use of more advanced laboratory equipment and instruments such as the ICP-OESSkill in use and maintenance of basic laboratory equipment and instrumentsSkill in determining needs, gathering, analyzing and presenting data to provide accurate information for management's use.Skill in proofreading work to ensure accuracy, completeness and adherence to established procedures.Skill in performing algebraic and statistical calculations.
Skill in evaluating contract lab reports and chain of custody packets for completeness and accuracy.Skill in interpreting laboratory test data.Ability to read, comprehend and interpret Federal, State and Local environmental regulations. Skill in recognizing hazards associated with malfunctioning equipment and unsafe conditions.Ability to develop new test methods and draft standard operating procedures. Skill in safely driving LRWRA vehicles while carrying out job duties.

Ability to obtain and maintain an AR Class I Wastewater Operator's License within 3 years. Ability to effectively communicate both in writing and orally Ability to apply approved techniques in performing sampling and analytical procedures Ability to take representative wastewater samples Ability to keep accurate records and make precise determinations Ability to provide a reliable record of attendance, including rotating work duty on weekends and holidays.
Employee Benefits

Health/Prescription/Dental/Drug/Vision

• Health & Prescription Drug - UMR (United Healthcare) - High Deductible with H.S.A
• Dental - Delta Dental Plan of Arkansas
• Vision - DeltaVision / EyeMed Insight

Holidays

• 11 days per calendar year.
• Paid Time Off (PTO)- Hours accrue based on length of service (1 day equals 8 hours):
  • 0-1 years: 18 days
  • 1-5 years: 20 days
  • 6-15 years: 25 days
  • 16-25 years: 30 days
  • 26 years : 35 days

Retirement Plans

• Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System (APERS) . Defined benefit. Mandatory employee contribution of 5.25% tax-deferred. Employer contribution of 15.32%. Vested at 5 years of employment.
• 401(a) Money Purchase Plans. Mandatory employee contribution schedule. Employer contribution schedule based on tenure. Vested at 5 years of employment.
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plans. Supplemental pre-tax plan. Funded entirely by employee.

Disability Leaves

• Short Term Disability (STD) employer paid.
• Short Term Disability (STD) Buy Up (optional) employee paid.
• Long Term Disability (LTD) employer paid.

Miscellaneous Benefits

• Health Savings Account with employer contribution available.
• Group Term Life Insurance (1x annual salary) employer paid.
• Additional life insurance. Funded entirely by employee.
• Direct deposit of payroll.
• Education Reimbursement of up to $5250.00 annually (after 1 year of employment).
• University of Little Rock, AR tuition discounts.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligible employer.
• Fitness Reimbursement of up to $300.00 annually.