Physical Science Laboratory Technician in Denver, Colorado at MONTECH INC.

Montech Inc. is a leader in business support solutions, offering professional and technical services for federal and state clients, tribal governments, and commercial customers. Headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Montech Inc. has employees who perform work in multiple states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Washington and Texas. Established in 2011, we are a U.S. SBA 8(a) Program Graduate, a Minority Owned Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Indian Small Business Economic Enterprise (ISBEE), and Woman-Owned Small Business.

Montech Inc. currently recruits for over 90 different labor categories. Montech Inc. has established strict screening, hiring and retention processes to provide our customers with the best technical support staff. Our team is passionate about the work we do and the important missions we support. We pride ourselves on being a responsible partner our customers can count on for reliable performance and outstanding customer service.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

Overview

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is the nation’s largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency, serving as the science arm for the Department of the Interior (DOI). For over a century, USGS has delivered unbiased science used by decision-makers, federal agencies, industry, and the public. National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL) reports to the Laboratory & Analytical Services Division (LASD) within the Water Mission Area at the USGS. As a legally identifiable organization, NWQL carries out laboratory testing in compliance with the NELAC standard (National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference) and the ISO/IEC 17025 standard (International Organization for Standardization) to meet the needs of nationwide stakeholders. NWQL regularly services 35 Water Science Centers. NWQL is the primary laboratory for USGS for determining organic and inorganic constituents in groundwater, surface water, river and lake sediments, aquatic plant and animal tissues, as well as for identifying and enumerating benthic invertebrate populations and analyzing atmospheric precipitation from the United States and its protectorates. To accomplish its mission, the NWQL necessities technicians to batch samples in a computing system, perform basic measurements in support of federal chemists.

Place of Performance

Personnel will provide services in-person/on-site at the USGS National Water Quality Laboratory, Building 95, Denver Federal Center, Lakewood, CO 80225.

Hours of Operation

Personnel shall maintain a normal schedule Monday through Friday, working 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. Hours shall be performed between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (subject to change per NWQL Memo 08.01 Policy for Conducting Chemical and Other Potentially Hazardous Operations at the NWQL). Work hours must provide maximum responsiveness to the Governments requirements as it applies to Safety compliance and operations.

Any Hours Outside of Normal Schedule Requires Prior Approval from Montech and Government:

• Teleworking is not permitted.

• On-site work performed outside the normal workdays and core hours specified herein is subject to prior approval. Building access outside the normal workdays and core hours may be limited.

• Any hours over 8 per day, or 40 hours per week are considered overtime. This is not authorized without prior approval.

Summary of Responsibilities and Measuring Success

The tasks involve daily sample preparation and analysis of environmental samples with short expiration dates (holding times) associated with the following lab codes.

The Physical Science Laboratory Technician is responsible for following responsibilities in alignment with the Performance Work Statement and the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) set forth by USGS, NWQL. Tasks include the analysis and testing of environmental samples in accordance with the current and applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) per the method being performed along with Safety, Hazardous Waste, NELAC, NWQL, USGS, and DOI policies, procedures, requirements, and guidelines, as well as additional tasks as defined below (all required tasks):

Daily Tasks

• Batch samples in computing system (LIMS).

• Retrieve samples associated with each batch.

• Follow sample preparation procedures per NWQL SOPs and guidelines.

• Operate entry-level instruments (list) to test environmental samples per USGS method Standard Operating Procedures.

o Monitor the run and reprepare/re-run QC samples once if needed to rule out random errors.

o Notify management if QA/QC criteria is not met for Federal staff to troubleshoot the instrument.

• Provide reports of completed analytical testing and attest to the validity of the data in compliance with the USGS methods/SOPs.

o This includes documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks. All documentation follows appropriate SOP guidelines and established QA and Quality Management System (QMS) policy at the USGS.

• Upload the data in LIMS.

• Perform sample disposal.

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP): Each task/responsibility requires 99% (or better) of completion and accuracy as the “Acceptable Quality Level”. The inspection technique will include a daily (or weekly/monthly) review for completeness.

• The Government may monitor performance of routine functional requirements and outputs, as well as the milestones and deliverables of specific project requirements as deemed necessary to ensure acceptable progress and compliance with contract requirements. The Government may use a variety of methods to evaluate performance.

• The Quality Assurance Plan focuses on key performance measures that are central to accurate support of office activities and that have the highest potential for having an adverse effect on accurate research accomplishment.

• Contractor (Montech Inc.) and the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) shall monitor the working relationship between the Government and Contractor personnel to ensure that services do NOT develop into a personal service relationship as defined in FAR 37.104. Questions concerning this matter shall immediately be directed to Montech’s Program Manager.

Monthly Progress Report: Each Task Order will be required to provide metrics, accomplishments, progress, issues encountered, etc. on a monthly basis. Montech Program Manager will communicate instructions and provide template for submission. Due at the end of each month.

Qualifications

The Physical Science Laboratory Technician shall possess a minimum of four (4) years of experience or more of industry experience. Candidate must possess a High School Diploma; it is preferred that candidate possess an associate degree (or similar or advanced degree). The Physical Science Laboratory Technician shall:

• Demonstrate proficiency in Windows, Microsoft Suite products (Word, Excel, Power Point, Teams, SharePoint, OneNote, etc.).

• Preferred: Have proficiency utilizing Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS); and other automated laboratory systems (for log-in and database entry).

• Prepare and analyze trace level environmental samples in air, water, sediment and tissues.

• Mathematical skills such as Algebra.

• Experience with automated laboratory systems.

• Experience with programs such as Microsoft Suite.

Candidate shall be fully trained and possess the knowledge and skills necessary to support the responsibilities of this role and Task Order (to include using US EPA, Standard Methods and/or USGS Methods). The Government will provide training exclusively for tasks that require knowledge of systems unique to USGS. USGS required safety and security training to be provided by DOI/USGS.

Physical Demands and Other Requirements

Instrumental analysis and sample preparation can require physical exertion of lifting 35 pounds along with bending, reaching, stooping, and walking as well as remaining standing for prolonged periods of time at a laboratory bench. Office work is sedentary and may involve long periods of working at a desk or computers.

Health Examinations: Pre-employment medical exams will be used to assess Contractor employee suitability for work outlined in the Task Order Performance Work Statement. These exams are based on the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) OF 178 Certificate of Medical Examination and will be paid for directly by the government using a third-party medical facility. Changes to physical requirements in a task order or changes in the work environment may require additional screening.

Security

Employment is contingent upon the ability to pass the pre-employment drug test, background check, and Federal security investigation per required level with the U.S. Government (Public Trust). Any notification from Government to Montech notifying that the employee has compromised the security requirements will warrant immediate termination from employment. Applicants must be a citizen of the United States of America to work in support of Federal agency (or a lawfully admitted permanent resident who has resided in the United States for a minimum of 3 years). The background investigation reviews employment, criminal, financial, and personal history to ensure there are no outstanding violations. To gain Entry of Duty to commence work, applicants must: Complete the online questionnaire (e-QIP/eAPP); Fair Credit Release; OF-306; Be favorably adjudicated National Criminal History Check (NCHC) and National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) or higher; Be fingerprinted for an FBI criminal history and credit report.

Safety Management (Buddy System)

The NWQL is a chemical operation which deals with hazardous chemicals. The Buddy System is a system within the NWQL for organizing employees into work areas in such a manner that each employee can be monitored, visually or audibly by at least one other employee in the work area. The purpose of the Buddy System is to provide rapid assistance in the event of an emergency such as a chemical spill. The Buddy System will be enforced for all personnel working in a chemical environment such as a laboratory area. The NWQL is required to provide sufficient safety coverage while performing chemical operations or handling of chemicals. The Buddy System is a safety requirement that is made of all personnel at the NWQL regardless of whether they are students, techs, chemists, Contractors, or volunteers. The Buddy System is not a system that involves supervision of another employee. Its intent is to address the safety of all personnel that work in the same areas. The Buddy System’s primary purpose is to assure a safe work environment.

A buddy must be an employee who is able to: 1) provide assistance; 2) work in the same room or in visual sight or hearing of the partner; 3) periodically check on the well-being of the partner; and 4) if emergency help is needed, notify the appropriate individuals or agency (i.e., Safety, Health and Environmental Compliance (SHE) Office, Department of Homeland Security, Mega Center emergency 6-2911 or 6-911.)

• During regular, official operating hours the buddy system will be active and the SHE office will have primary responsibility for spill containment, clean up, and notification to the Department of Homeland Security or the Mega Center.

• Outside of official operating hours four (4) requirements must exist for any chemical operation to proceed: (1) written approval by the appropriate supervisor or Management Team member; (2) spill containment training for the employees performing the operations; and (3) prior notification and written approval by the SHE office; and 4) application of the Buddy System. The conduct of chemical operations outside of the General Policy times stated below are to be the exception and are to be used when instrumental or other impacts have caused unforeseen delays in completing analytical runs or shutdown operations. Operations outside of the General Policy are not to be made for personal convenience.

Personnel on USGS, NWQL Contract

Training: The Physical Science Laboratory Technician is a member of the Montech Inc. contract. Montech will ensure all personnel possess the necessary education, training, qualifications and experience to accomplish the requirements identified in this Performance Work Statement (PWS), to include US EPA, Standard Methods and/or USGS methods, as relevant to the position. The Government will provide training exclusively for tasks that require knowledge of systems unique to USGS. USGS required safety and security training shall be provided by DOI/USGS.

Training mandatory by the NWQL to comply with accreditation criteria, including hazardous communication, hazardous waste, and state and federal safety regulations. If training is deemed mandatory, the NWQL notify the contractor employee of required attendance. The Government will not pay for specialty safety equipment such as prescription safety goggles, and training not required for the task (at the expense of employee). Required training shall include:

• The NELAC Institute (TNI): In order for the NWQL to be accredited by TNI, each member of the technical staff must have up-to-date training including current Demonstration of Capability (DOC) documentation in their personnel file. The Government will prepare and maintain DOC files for audit reviews.

• Safety: For NWQL to ensure a safe working environment, some Safety Training Classes are mandatory for Contractor personnel. The State of Colorado and OSHA have strict safety training requirements for laboratories.

• Ethics: In order for NWQL to remain accredited, all personnel (including Contractor employees) are required to attend initial and annual ethics training that typically is administered via web-based training courses or special visiting speakers. Ethics training includes scientific and non-scientific aspects associated with laboratory practices.

• Mandatory Government Training: All users of DOI/USGS government computers are required to complete certain training which could occur on an annual basis. Training involving IT Security and other mandatory training as deemed necessary and must be completed within the designated time frames.

• Privacy Act of 1974: Contractor employees must strictly comply with the Privacy Act of 1974 (the Act) and the agency rules and regulations issued under the Act in the operation of any system of records on individuals specified herein. Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) will be implemented by the government as necessary.

• Conservation of Utilities and Sustainability Practices: The Government's policy is to acquire services that promote energy and water efficiency, advance the use of renewable energy products, and help foster markets for emerging technologies. Personnel are responsible for operating in a manner to preclude the waste of utilities and resources, which must include:

o Lights must be used only in areas where and when work is being performed.

o Mechanical equipment controls for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems must not be adjusted by the Contractor employees unless authorized.

o Water faucets or valves must be turned off after the required usage has been accomplished. o Paper must be printed double sided and recycled rather than disposed of in trash containers.

o Per EO 13514, personnel must exert its best efforts to provide its services in a manner that will promote the natural environment and protect the health and well-being of Federal employees, contractors, and visitors using the facility.

Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) and Usage of Government Furnished Property (GFP): Personnel will be provided with a suitable working environment (i.e. office furniture and administrative supplies); and a personal computer with access to appropriate host computer and auxiliary hardware and software required in the performance of this contract. Personnel must observe and follow USGS policies on the use of government equipment. Reference the Policy on Limited Personal Use of Government Equipment and Rules of Behavior for Computer Network Users for specific guidance.

Personnel must be responsible for safeguarding all Government property. At the close of each work period, Government facilities, equipment and materials must be secured. GFP must not be removed without a valid DI1934. The Government has set-forth the following guidance regarding usage of GFE/GFP:

• Telephones: Government telephones are provided for use in conducting official business.

• Mail/Postage: Contractor employees must not have their personal mail directed to Government office or use Government-furnished postage for personal benefit.

• Electronic Mail (E-mail): All e-mail access and use must be in support of the individual’s official duties and task responsibilities. All information created, transmitted, received, obtained, or accessed in any way captured electronically using USGS e-mail systems is the property of the Government. Contractor 4 employees will have clear identification in e-mail signature block that identifies themselves as contract employees in support of USGS.

• Copiers: Copiers are to be used to copy material for official Government business only in performance of the task.

• Fax Machines: Personnel must not use fax machine for other than official government business in support of the task.

• Computers and Internet: All Internet and electronic media access utilized by personnel on Government furnished equipment) must be for official Government business and in support of task requirements. Use of computer systems for personal use is prohibited. Use of TikTok is prohibited on Government devices/property.

Contractor Representation: NWQL requires that personnel present a neat appearance and be easily recognized as contractor employees by wearing a Security Identification Badge at all times while on Government premises. When Contractor personnel attend meetings, answer phones, and work in other situations where their status is not obvious to third parties, they must identify themselves as “Montech Inc. Contractor Personnel in support of USGS, NWQL” to avoid creating the impression that they are government employees. Contractor employees shall comply with all applicable Federal Government and USGS internal regulations procedures during the performance period of this contract, which includes the prohibition of personal use of all government equipment by contractor employees. Contractor employees shall conduct only such business as covered by this contract during periods paid for by the government. Business not directly related to this contract shall not be conducted on government premises. The contractor employees shall not be diverted to other company business while performing on this contract.

Professionalism, Responsiveness, and Quality

Personnel must demonstrate the following abilities: Sound judgment, foresight, and problem solving skills, possess excellent oral and written communications, and customer service skills, able to adapt to fast-paced work/office environment with accuracy under pressure, demonstrated competency managing schedules, documentation, and automated systems, demonstrate leadership, excellent research and data gathering skills and ability to interpret/analyze complex information, ability to work independently within the bounds and guidelines of the contract requirements and client, knowledge of and experience using the Microsoft Office Suite, and the ability to work and communicate with diverse group of customers and clients within and outside the Federal Government. They shall maintain a clean and neat appearance and not wear dirty or wrinkled clothing. Attire will be sized correctly for each employee and not show signs of excessive wear. The goal is to present a positive image to the public. Personnel must present a professional demeanor at all times while on site. Personnel shall treat all persons with courtesy and respect; striving to earn positive feedback of customers. Any notification from the Government to Montech notifying that the employee has compromised the security requirements will warrant immediate termination from employment on the contract.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Montech Inc. is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity (EEO) in any term, condition, or privilege of employment. The Company prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age (40 and over), race, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.

This job description is not all inclusive of the tasks that may be assigned to the Physical Science Laboratory Technician.