Laboratory Technician (Part-Time, Temporary) at Encina Wastewater Authority (CA) – Carlsbad, California

Under the supervision of the Laboratory Manager, this position performs a variety of laboratory tests required to demonstrate regulatory compliance with wastewater, industrial waste control, biosolids, reclaimed water, receiving water and potable water standards; collects field samples for testing and performs other related duties as assigned.
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.

• Practices and promotes the Authority’s Mission, Vision and Values.
• Collects wastewater samples from various sampling points within the treatment plant and at designated locations in public and private property, in accordance with direction. Programs and troubleshoots wastewater sampling equipment.
• Collects surf zone samples on a weekly basis.
• Maintains cleanliness of the laboratory, including equipment, instruments, supplies and glassware.
• Maintains and calibrates laboratory and sampling equipment; coordinates lab equipment maintenance if needed.
• Performs various laboratory analyses in accordance with the appropriate certified methods. Analyses include, but are not limited to: (a) wastewater and receiving water analyses required for compliance with the Authority’s NPDES permit; (b) solids analyses required for process control; (c) reclaimed water and potable water analyses. Generally, these analyses can include: pH, turbidity, biochemical oxygen demand, carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand, total and volatile suspended solids, settleable solids, conductivity, temperature, chlorine residual, alkalinity, volatile acids, total and volatile solids, total and fecal coliform and enterococcus.
• Utilizes the laboratories HACH DR3900 Spectrophotometer in the analysis of HACH TNT methods for Chemical Oxygen Demand, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, Total and ortho phosphate.
• Performs quality control and quality assurance tests and maintains quality control procedures in the laboratory.
• Prepares, preserves, and packages samples for analysis at outside laboratories.
• Enters sample results and other data into the laboratory information management system and other databases.
• Maintains accurate logs, chain of custody forms and other required documentation.
• Prepare documentation necessary to support the section and the overall administrative functions of the section. Such documentation may include: copying, scanning, filing, or mailing routine transmittals.

Specific Types of Knowledge, Skills and Physical Abilities Required for These Duties:

• Knowledge of physical, chemical, and biological test procedures.
• Knowledge of personal hygiene and safety practices required when working with potentially contagious, corrosive and/or toxic materials.
• Knowledge of sample receiving, chain-of-custody, and preservation procedures.
• Skills in the operation and maintenance of basic laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
• Skills in the operation of a personal computer for word processing and data management using Microsoft Windows applications, such as Word and Excel, and laboratory information systems.
• Ability to work in odorous areas to obtain samples.
• Ability to safely collect surf zone samples in shallow ocean water.
• Ability to understand, follow directions, and complete assignments with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT:
High school diploma required. Recently completed or enrolled in and working towards a Bachelor’s degree program or Associate's degree program in natural or environmental science, engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:
Recent Environmental laboratory or closely related experience, including college coursework.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to: walk; talk or hear by telephone and in person; smell; use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach and lift with hands or arms. The employee is frequently required to stand for prolonged periods of time, and must be able to lift and move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include: close vision, distance vision, the ability to distinguish colors and shapes, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands
While performing the duties of this position, employees are regularly required to use oral and written communication skills; read documents or instructions; observe and interpret data or information; use mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new information or skills; exercise sound judgment; and perform multiple concurrent tasks.

Work Environment
While performing the duties of the job, the employee is frequently exposed to toxic or hazardous chemicals and may be required to work in inclement weather. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.