Laboratory Technician, Sr

Posting expires: April 2, 2024

Salary: $35,350 - $53,132

At the City of Atlanta, we are passionate about building and improving our community. Our police officers, firefighters and building inspectors keep our citizens safe. Our Public Works staff keeps our City clean and helps maintain, build and improve our City’s infrastructure. Our City planners help envision and shape future City growth. Our Parks & Recreation professionals enhance our quality of life.

Our engineers help keep our drinking water clean, the largest airport in the world (by passenger volume) operating and our buildings maintained. Along with the host of Finance, Procurement, and Human Resources professionals whose support is vital, we are the City of Atlanta! If you are seeking a meaningful role where you can make a real difference improving and growing our City, we welcome you to explore the job opportunities we have to offer.

General Description and Classification Standards

Performs a variety of analytical laboratory support activities for a specific testing or research program. Applies knowledge related to standard laboratory methods, practices, procedures, policies, regulations, utilizing laboratory materials and equipment. This is an experienced, skilled, or technical level capable of carrying out most assignments typical of the position or specialty with limited guidance or review. This level would be considered a promotional level and attainable by any incumbents in a work group who demonstrate the necessary knowledge, ability, and performance. Could be the only position in this specialty in a work group or could be part of a general or specialized work team.

Supervision Received

Works under minimal supervision. May assist in training, orienting, or observing lower-level associate, apprentice, or semi-skilled employee in the group.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities  

These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. May perform other duties as assigned.

• Performs biological, chemical, or physical analysis and determinations at the direction of professional staff. 
• Drinking water technicians spend several hours each week driving around the City collecting monthly compliance samples.
• Performs physical, bacteriological, chemical, tests on a variety of samples including water, contaminants, industrial and municipal wastes, soils, and at the direction of professional staff. 
• Operates, adjusts, and maintains scientific instruments, including, but not limited to pH meters, spectrophotometers, electrophoresis apparatuses, chromatography apparatuses, flame photometers, fluorescent immunoassay refract meters, particle counters, microprocessors, analytical balances, autoclaves, and compression testing equipment. 
• Prepares chemical reagents and biological media according to formulae; assumes responsibility for accuracy in the preparation and standardization of solutions. 
• Logs samples and related pertinent information and has responsibility for containers and specimens that may be involved in court action. 
• Performs biochemical tests and analyses using electrophoresis or chromatography. Analyzes biochemical and other data under the direction of professional staff and prepares reports. 
• Keeps informed of new laboratory techniques. Maintains inventories of supplies and stocks on hand for laboratory use. Maintains technical records and prepares report

Decision Making

 Selects from multiple procedures and methods to accomplish tasks.

Leadership Provided

Routinely provides work group leadership, guidance, and/or training to less experienced staff.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities  

This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully. It is not an exhaustive list.

• Knowledge of laboratory tests and analyses; knowledge of laboratory terminology and equipment; knowledge of methods of preparing stains, solutions, and media; knowledge of the methods of analyzing water, contaminants, soils, and industrial and municipal wastes; ; knowledge of quality assurance procedures.
• Skill in operating a computer and computer software; skilled in communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to handle samples and laboratory equipment; ability to make mathematical computations; ability to keep records; ability to communicate effectively; ability to maintain favorable working relationships with staff and the public.