Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state footprint, ranging from field workers and customer service representatives who are on the front lines working with customers, to scientists and engineers who help ensure we’re delivering reliable water and wastewater services to our communities. If you’re looking for a rewarding career helping improve our environment and protect our natural resources, we encourage you to join our team! About Essential Utilities Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities. Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities. We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint. Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S. JOB SUMMARY The Laboratory Assistant position involves assisting the Laboratory and Quality Assurance staff by preparing glassware, sample containers and performing other tasks as assigned. The lab assistant follows Standard Operating Procedures to help enable water quality testing. ESSENTIAL DUTIES Prepares glassware and sample containers for all sections of the laboratory. This involves following specific reagent preparation protocols for each type of container or glassware. Maintains prepared stock of various sampling kits and clean glassware/sample tubes. Cleans and sterilizes volumetric pipets and culture tubes. Sterilizes laboratory waste prior to disposal. Safely operates an autoclave, hot air oven and laboratory glassware/pipet washer. Documents sterilization cycles and records pertinent information, such as date, time, and temperature or pressure neatly and accurately in a laboratory logbook. Assists the Laboratory and Quality Assurance staff as needed. This may involve scanning/filing reports, logging samples into LIMS, organizing samples, recording temperatures, pouring samples to prepare them for analysis, packing and un-packing sample coolers, unpacking delivered laboratory supplies. Any other tasks assigned by supervisor. QUALIFICATIONS High school diploma or GED required. Training will be provided by the laboratory staff. Must be able to work independently, follow directions, and adhere to laboratory Standard Operating Procedures. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Basic computer skills required. Excellent written and verbal communications skills; communicate effectively (clearly, concisely, and professionally) with internal customers. Strong customer service skills. Ability to work independently and react to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment. A team player able to work effectively in a team fostered multi-tasking environment. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS: May be subject to fluctuation of temperature and humidity, mechanical, electrical, or laboratory hazards, fumes, dust, mists, gases, and poor ventilation conditions. May involve standing for long periods of time. Must be able to lift and carry up to 10 lbs. Must be able to work a Monday-Friday schedule. Aqua, an Essential Utilities company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law. Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-877-271-9012). To maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest due to employment and/or assignment of family members and personal referrals, specific guidelines apply to the hiring and assignment of these individuals including, but not limited to: Family members cannot result in a supervisor/subordinate reporting relationship Family members cannot work in the same department. Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities. Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package. We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint. Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S.