Laboratory Technician in Villa Hills, Kentucky at Sanitation District 1 Of Northern Kentucky

Laboratory Technician (Environmental/Wastewater Laboratory)
Department: Operations
Reports To: Laboratory/Pretreatment Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Pay Range: $22.00 - $26.00 hourly
Location: Dry Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, Villa Hills, Kentucky
Schedule: Full-time, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday; 10-hour shifts, with an anticipated start time of 7:30 a.m. Some flexibility in start time may be considered. Occasional holiday or adjusted schedule coverage may be required based on operational needs.

About the Role

SD1 is seeking a Laboratory Technician to support our centralized analytical laboratory located at the Dry Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. This position performs routine laboratory testing on wastewater, stormwater, biosolids, industrial, and process-control samples that help protect public health, the environment, and the reliability of regional wastewater operations.

What You’ll Do

The Laboratory Technician performs routine analytical and support work, including:

• Perform routine laboratory analyses such as BOD, TSS, pH, solids, bacteria testing, and other wastewater, stormwater, industrial, and process-control testing as assigned.
• Follow approved laboratory methods, standard operating procedures, quality assurance/quality control practices, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Receive and evaluate samples in accordance with SD1’s sample acceptance policy.
• Log samples, test results, and supporting documentation into the laboratory information management system.
• Maintain complete and accurate laboratory records, including chains of custody, bench sheets, reports, and quality control documentation.
• Prepare reagents, media, standards, and other laboratory materials needed for testing.
• Calibrate, clean, and maintain laboratory instruments, equipment, glassware, and work areas.
• Meet test-specific deadlines, sample holding times, and internal customer needs.
• Follow laboratory safety requirements, chemical hygiene practices, PPE requirements, and SDS guidance.
• Communicate professionally with laboratory staff, operations staff, pretreatment/compliance staff, and other internal customers.
• Assist with sample collection, field measurements, inventory, supply tracking, special projects, or other related work as assigned.

• What We’re Looking For

  The successful candidate will be someone who can work carefully, follow procedures, and understand that small details can have big compliance and operational consequences. This position is a good fit for someone who enjoys laboratory work, values accuracy, and can stay organized when multiple samples and deadlines are moving at the same time.

  Minimum Qualifications

  • Associate degree with major coursework in chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental science or a closely related field.
  • Valid driver’s license.
• • Ability to understand written and verbal instructions and apply them accurately.
  • Ability to follow standard operating procedures, approved test methods, and quality control requirements.
  • Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and maintain accurate laboratory records.
  • Ability to use computers and software systems for communication, data entry, timekeeping, recordkeeping, and laboratory documentation.
  • Ability to work safely with wastewater samples, chemicals, laboratory equipment, and required personal protective equipment.

  Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology, environmental science, or a closely related field.
  • Experience working in a laboratory setting through school, internship, employment, research, or other hands-on training.
  • Familiarity with basic laboratory practices, including accurate measurement, sample handling, recordkeeping, cleanliness, and safety procedures.
  • Interest in wastewater treatment, water quality, environmental protection, public utilities, or regulatory compliance.

  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Dependability and willingness to seek clarification when procedures, samples, or results are unclear.
  • Ability to organize work around test deadlines and sample holding times.
  • Ability to recognize and report trends, unusual results, sample concerns, or laboratory conditions that may require follow-up.
  • Ability to work independently while also contributing to a team environment.
  • Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and promptly.
  • Commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and reliable public service.
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  Physical and Work Environment Requirements

  This position works primarily in a laboratory at an operating wastewater treatment plant. Employees may be exposed to typical laboratory hazards, including chemicals, biological materials, wastewater, stormwater, industrial samples, and analytical equipment. The role may require standing, sitting, walking, bending, reaching, lifting or moving items up to approximately 45 pounds, and using laboratory instruments, glassware, and computers.

  Why Join SD1?

  At SD1, laboratory work directly supports clean water, environmental protection, public health, and reliable wastewater service for the Northern Kentucky region. This role is part of a technical team that provides data used every day for treatment decisions, regulatory reporting, and compliance oversight.