Laboratory Technician

The City of Burlington Department of Public Works is seeking a qualified candidate for the full-time position of Laboratory Technician in the Wastewater Utility. The Laboratory Technician is accountable to the Utility Manager for the operation of the wastewater lab. The work requires considerable initiative and knowledge of lab procedures and techniques applicable to wastewater analysis. Selection will be based on demonstrated skills and knowledge.

Starting Salary: $27.32-28.87 per hour depending on qualifications and experience.

Other benefits include:

• Wisconsin Retirement System Pension


• Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance


• Paid Vacation


• Paid Sick Leave


• Casual Day


• Great job stability and year-round meaningful work

A City of Burlington Employment Application form is required to be submitted as part of this position recruitment. Complete the application form and upload it in the as part of the online application. This form may be obtained here:

http://burlington-wi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1005/Application-for-Employment-Fillable-Form

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs wet chemistry analysis of wastewater and water samples including test procedures to determine a variety of measurements, such as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), pH, toxicity, nitrogen analysis, fecal coliform, volatile solids, conductivity, nitrate, ortho phosphorus, total phosphorus, and other elements, compounds and materials as directed.


• Prepares analytical reagents and culture media for bacteriological testing.


• Collects lab/testing samples as needed.


• Generates reports necessary to ensure compliance with various wastewater permits.


• Communicates with management and Wastewater Operators to keep them apprised of current laboratory analytical results, wastewater sample observations, and laboratory needs.


• Communicates with venders, suppliers, consultants, customers, testing agencies and regulatory agencies regarding a variety of laboratory operations.


• Assists with DNR Laboratory Audits and Surveys and updates quality control documents.


• Schedules quarterly and annually WPDES Permit required testing with outside testing agencies and arranges for shipping and transport of the samples.


• Records industrial sampling and other sampling results.


• Records test results on lab bench sheets.


• Reviews monthly and quarterly Discharge Monitoring Reports.


• Collects and preserves lab work sheets and records.


• Computer data entry.


• Photocopies and collates documents.


• Calibrates pH and BOD meters.


• Performs minor repairs and maintenance to lab equipment.


• Maintains knowledge of wastewater testing principles, requirements and standards; and lab equipment calibration principles and practices.


• Cleans lab; disposes of sludge and wastewater samples.


• Loads and unloads dishwasher, washes glassware, fills distilled water containers.


• Monitors inventory levels, anticipates laboratory supply and material needs, and coordinates with the appropriate person to purchase and place orders of laboratory supplies and materials.


• Other duties as required and assigned.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Required at time of hire:

• High School Diploma/GED

Desired at time of hire:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology or other life science with prior lab experience, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.


• Ability to achieve Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Wastewater Operator Certification status after 18 months by passing the Basic General Wastewater Exam and (L) Laboratory sub-class exam. m

Advanced Laboratory Certification is required within five (5) years of hire date.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to classify, compute and tabulate data and information, following a prescribed plan requiring the exercise of some judgment.


• Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure and sort information.


• Ability to assemble, copy, record and transcribe data and information.


• Ability to explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well-established policies, procedures and standards, as well as the ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple requests from others.


• Ability to perform process control calculations; ability to work safely, ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments and the public; ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one.

TOOLS:

Ability to operate a motor vehicle, complex equipment and instruments with some requiring complex and rapid adjustments, such as pH meter, dissolved oxygen meter, vacuum pump, conductivity meter, balance scales, steam table, spectrophotometer, atomic absorption, fume hoods, dishwasher, pipettes, burettes. Office equipment including: personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet, and database software, copy machine, fax machine, calculator, radio and telephone.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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, where possible, may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands; to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand.  The employee is occasionally required to walk; talk or hear; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, or crawl; and taste or smell.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Lifting occurs as a part of normal work and is usually done in conjunction with stooping, bending or twisting.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

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, where possible, may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works indoors and rarely works in outside weather conditions. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

SELECTION GUIDELINES:

Formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interview and reference check, physical exam, and drug screening upon pre-employment.  Job related tests may be required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

APPLICATIONS WILL BE REVIEWED AS RECEVIED. POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED.

 The City of Burlington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.