Laboratory Technician

The Laboratory Services program is seeking a Laboratory Technician. This position collects, records, preserves, and transports samples from field locations to the laboratory. Performs basic chemical analyses and supports laboratory functions with proper cleaning, labeling, and documentation procedures.
Candidates who are selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be invited to self-schedule their interview. Please be sure to check your email for status updates.

The posting will close after 100 applications have been received, or by the closing date, whichever comes first. If a candidate is not selected, the posting will be reopened. To ensure consideration in the initial review, please submit your application as early as possible.(The essential functions listed below are not intended to reflect all duties that may be assigned to this classification. Clean Water Services (CWS) may augment duties and/or essential functions at its discretion. Additionally, some incumbents may not perform all Essential Functions.)

1. Collects samples and performs field analyses at industrial, stormwater, municipal wastewater, and watershed monitoring sites; labels, preserves, and splits samples; installs, programs, and maintains monitoring and sampling equipment; maintains chain of custody requirements according to prescribed procedures.
2. Performs basic laboratory analyses, including but not limited to: pH, alkalinity, conductivity, turbidity, solids, and E. coli; prepares reagents and standards according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
3. Clean, washes, and maintains laboratory equipment and glassware according to SOPs.
4. Performs data entry, sample log-in, container labeling, and documentation.
5. Adheres to established QA/QC standards and accepted laboratory procedures.
6. Trains in the performance of complex manual and instrumental analyses.
7. Drives a CWS or personal vehicle for work-related purposes

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Reagents, equipment, and protocols used in water/wastewater lab settings
• Laboratory sampling methods, techniques, and analysis
• Basic wet bench chemistry procedures
• Laboratory QA/QC
• Pertinent safety practices and procedures

SKILL IN:

• Making accurate measurements and computations
• Laboratory sampling and preservation
• Cleaning lab glassware, dishes, and equipment
• Operating laboratory testing equipment
• Use of computers and computer software for record keeping, spreadsheet applications, and database use

ABILITY TO:

• Understand and follow oral and written directions and procedures
• Recognize deviations from normal sampling and analysis conditions
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including a variety of CWS staff and other government officials, community groups, and the general public
• Operate effectively in a team environment
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR LICENSES

The following are the minimum qualifications for this position.

6 months performing similar work in field and laboratory environments;

High School Diploma or equivalent;

College-level coursework in chemistry, biology, microbiology, or a closely related science is preferred.

Candidates must possess and maintain a valid state-issued driver’s license.

Reasonable Accommodation:

Applicants who require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any phase of the application process should contact Human Resources at 503.681.3600 or TDD 503.681.3601.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Clean Water Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, age, uniformed service, sexual orientation or disability in the admission or access to the recruitment process or any aspect of employment.