HomeMy WebLinkAboutLaboratory Technician - WastewaterUpdated: March 2024
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Posi�on Title: Laboratory Technician – Wastewater
Department: Public Works
Division: Wastewater
Supervisor: Assistant Superintendent – Wastewater / Wastewater
Superintendent
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Civil Service: Yes
Pay Grade: 8
Job Number: 0803
Job Summary
Under general direc�on, performs analyses on environmental, industrial and wastewater
samples for both biological and chemical components.
Essen�al Job Du�es and Responsibili�es
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Schedules and coordinates the sampling for the wastewater treatment plant.
• Performs rou�ne wet chemistry, microbiological and biological analyses, both in the field
and in the laboratory on samples obtained for treatment process control.
• Performs advanced analysis for inorganic, organic, microbiological, and biological
analyses for NPDES permit reports and special projects.
• Collects liquid and sludge samples, performs sample prepara�on, tests samples for pH,
alkalinity, and ammonia.
• Prepares chemical reagents for use in tes�ng procedures.
• Calibrates instruments used for laboratory analysis.
• Cleans and maintains lab facili�es and equipment including washing glassware on a daily
basis to ensure accuracy of tes�ng and analysis, records temperatures of lab and
equipment, maintains equipment used in laboratory, schedules repairs, as needed,
troubleshoots and repairs equipment and processes.
• Accurately performs quality control/quality assurance to ensure con�nued accredita�on.
• Performs calcula�ons, completes logs and reports and maintains detailed records of
work performed and results obtained, enters data on computers.
• Maintains sample integrity through strict chain of custody requirements, prepares
samples for shipment, tracks sample storage, discards expired samples.
• Develops and implements new methods and procedures.
• Reports analy�cal results to Operators, Chemists and Superintendents.
• Tracks inventory and reorders before supply is depleted.
• Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the
workplace and community.
• Performs other du�es as assigned.
Updated: March 2024
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Associate’s degree from an accredited educational institution; or two years of related
experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in
laboratory environment.
• Valid State of Iowa driver’s license with sa�sfactory driving record. Must be 18 years of
age. Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Associate’s degree from an accredited educational institution and one year of related
experience; or three years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of
education and experience. Experience in wastewater laboratory work and/or chemistry.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abili�es
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instruc�ons furnished in
writen, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized
situa�ons.
• Ability to dis�nguish colors.
• Ability to keep accurate detailed records and follow quality control/quality assurance
procedures.
• Ability to perform semi advanced mathema�cal calcula�ons which require ability to
calculate figures and amounts such as propor�ons, frac�ons, percentages,
circumference, area, volume, velocity and flow and applica�on of basic algebra.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, opera�ng and maintenance
instruc�ons, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to read and interpret technical materials.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out du�es.
• Ability to speak effec�vely before groups of customers or employees of organiza�on.
• Ability to write rou�ne reports and correspondence.
• Knowledge of chemical and biological laboratory procedures.
• Knowledge of laboratory instrumenta�on and maintenance.
• Skill in using computers and applicable software applications (Microsoft Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook).
Supervision
No supervision of direct reports.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
Updated: March 2024
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The
employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands
and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or
crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision
abilities required by this job include close vision, distance 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 duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving
mechanical parts, high or precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic
chemicals, risk of electrical shock, vibration, confined space, and traffic hazards. The employee
is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions, dampness, direct sunlight, dust, pollen,
insect stings, animals, and communicable diseases. The noise level in the work environment is
usually loud. Involves some exposure to stress due to the work environment and/or crisis
situations.
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Ron Knoche, Public Works Director (4/2024)
I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
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