Water Quality Laboratory Technician I at WaterOne – Kansas City, Kansas

The purpose of this position is to perform sample collection, sample processing, chemical, biological, and microbiological analyses of source & treated water, particulates, and other materials; participate in special study projects, process control, and compliance monitoring/testing and quality assurance programs; respond to the distribution system and customer water quality concerns; provide water sampling for new and repaired mains; assist with inventory management, and purchasing; performs related work as required.

Pay range for this position is $26.44/hr to $39.66/hr. Compensation for the selected candidate will depend on candidate qualifications and experience related to the position requirements.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Performs unusual and routine physical, chemical, biological, and microbiological analyses of water and various related materials following specific procedures.
• Recognizes potential or actual problems in an analytical procedure; applies known procedures or confers with others to find solutions.
• Prepares, calibrates, operates, performs, and keeps records of routine maintenance on a variety of complex laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Collects, receives, extracts, and digests a variety of samples; prepares field and sample control documentation and submits/receives samples for analysis; may plan short-term project sampling programs.
• Assist chemists & microbiologists in performing research and experiments to solve problems; may perform specialized research assignments on well-defined projects.
• Compiles and records data for a variety of logs, reports, and records, performing calculations as required; performs peer data review to ensure accuracy of calculations and records prepared by others; recommends modifications to procedures and forms; enters results of analyses into the laboratory information management system (LIMS) and produces reports.
• Prepares standard and uncommon chemical solutions, reagents, stains, and bacteriological media.
• Conducts various field screening assays, routine and advanced.
• Relays laboratory results to internal and external customers in a timely manner.
• Maintains proper QA/QC records and documentation; assists with implementation of QA/QC programs.
• Observes standard safety precautions related to the work; maintains proper quality assurance techniques in performing analytical work.
• Collects water samples for bacteriological testing from active construction areas while ensuring adherence to safety protocols and regulatory standards.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for customers with water quality concerns, providing professional assistance through direct communication, on-site testing, and real-time data analysis to diagnose and resolve issues.
• Interprets water quality data, prepare detailed reports, and educate customers on standards, best practices, and solutions while ensuring all activities comply with applicable regulations and organizational standards.

Other Duties

• Assists in the evaluation of laboratory services and equipment and assists in the specification and selection of such equipment; maintains an inventory of laboratory equipment and supplies according to predetermined levels; makes recommendations for purchasing equipment and chemicals.
• Assists with ordering, receiving, and maintaining an adequate supply of chemicals, supplies, and replacement laboratory equipment.
• Helps prepare material for shipping, including materials being returned to vendors. Assists with receipt of materials, inspecting materials for damage, checking for the correct amount shipped, and storing material appropriately.
• Assists with managing materials stock levels in Laboratory central storage areas.
• Engages and consults with colleagues, staff, government officials, and external customers as required.
• Performs all duties pertaining to all hazardous waste operations in accordance with all applicable requirements.
• Perform other job duties assigned.

Customer Service Commitment

WaterOne employees shall continuously strive to meet or exceed the expectations of both their internal and external customers. Questions and concerns shall be acknowledged on the same day whenever possible, but no later than the next business day. Issues shall be resolved as promptly as possible, with the goal of maximizing customer satisfaction.

Required Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience in an environmental or practical laboratory.
• Note: Education in Chemistry, Biology, or Environmental Science may be substituted for environmental laboratory experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Adapt analytical methods and equipment to obtain accurate test results; setting up, using, calibrating, and performing routine maintenance on complex analytical instruments.
• Make accurate calculations; keep accurate records; make clear and concise reports; prepare media and reagents to exact specifications; and perform standard laboratory support work.
• Read and interpret technical operations manuals.
• Make decisions under high-stress situations and to continuously show good judgment in routine decisions.
• Ability to train others.
• General knowledge of principles of water treatment and distribution.
• Develop new methods of analysis/sampling, write standard operating procedures, or adapt existing methods to new or unusual problems.
• Adhere to and provide recommendations to improve process control and laboratory quality assurance programs.
• Learn and apply all applicable requirements pertaining to hazardous waste operations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate effectively with WaterOne employees and other agencies.
• Good oral and written communication skills and good listening skills.
• Knowledge of personal computer technology and applications (i.e., Excel, Access, Word, Outlook, and Windows). Demonstrates proficiency with spreadsheets and word processing.
• Ability to work individually or in a team setting; ability to work effectively with the public.
• Availability for occasional overtime and emergency call-outs. Must be able to work a schedule that includes periodic weekends and holidays.
• Possess a valid driver's license and continuously meet WaterOne driving standards.
• Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening and background verification in accordance with WaterOne standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with laboratory information management system and enterprise resource planning software such as SAP.
• Thorough knowledge of standard methods for the analysis of water samples, standard laboratory equipment and its uses, statistical analyses, and laboratory safety practices.
• Working knowledge of methods to determine water contamination sources; skill & ability to perform difficult and precise analyses of water according to established procedures; evaluating the outcome of laboratory determinations to detect errors and recommending effective solutions.
• Skills in analyzing complex problems, interpreting laboratory and plant operating data, data mining, report generation, reaching sound conclusions, and making appropriate recommendations.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

An employee in this position may lift or move up to 5 lbs. constantly, 10 Ibs. frequently, 20 Ibs. occasionally, and 40 Ibs. rarely. Employees in this position may frequently work in outdoor weather conditions. Outside working conditions are dependent on the weather, which involves extreme heat (above 90 degrees) in the summer and cold in the winter (below freezing). Some occasional work may be in non-heated and non-air-conditioned structures. Employees in this position may also occasionally perform field assignments in poor weather and driving conditions and deal with other hazards of field work such as working at varying heights up to 15 feet above the floor and tolerate noise levels that are generally minimal but may be excessive for brief periods of time (hearing protection is provided).

This position requires the ability to remain in a stationary, standing and/or sitting position for up to several hours a day and must be able to position self to stoop, kneel, or crouch. Employees must be able to constantly operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine, telephone, and computer and be able to move from one location to another. Employees must be able to position self to help install, inspect, remove, or repair various items, and position and move self through elevators, stairways, ramps and rough terrain. In addition, employees Must possess specific vision abilities required for this job including close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors, and ability to adjust focus. Employees are also required to use personal protective equipment and navigate construction sites.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work environment for this position is a typical office setting. Employees will be expected to work in a professional office environment that includes tasks performed at a desk, using standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, and filing systems. This job duties for this position sometimes takes place in the field and/or plant environment where exposure to various environmental factors such as chemicals, noise from machinery, and fluctuating temperatures is likely and personal protective equipment may be required. The noise level when working in the field and/or plant environment is usually moderate to maximal.

WaterOne provides a total compensation package that includes:

Competitive base payMedical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and LTD insuranceFlexible spending accountCompany funded Cash Balance PlanCompany match Defined Contribution PlanComprehensive wellness programEducational assistance programA variety of other benefit programs and activities

Equal Opportunity Employer

WaterOne is an equal opportunity employer and upholds a non-discrimination policy. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, military status, or marital status in making employment and business decisions. We also prohibit harassment and retaliation in the workplace and in our dealings with the public. We encourage and welcome diversity of backgrounds in our workforce. WaterOne complies with the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA).

Complete job description is available upon request and will be provided during the selection process.