Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutLaboratory Technician - WastewaterUpdated: August 2025 (Admin Review) CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION Position Title: Laboratory Technician – Wastewater Department: Public Works Division: Wastewater Supervisor: Assistant Superintendent – Wastewater / Wastewater Superintendent FLSA: Non-Exempt Civil Service: Yes Pay Grade: 8 Job Number: 0803 Job Summary Under general direction, performs analyses on environmental, industrial and wastewater samples for both biological and chemical components. Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. • Schedules and coordinates the sampling for the wastewater treatment plant. • Performs routine wet chemistry, microbiological and biological analyses, both in the field and in the laboratory on samples obtained for treatment process control. • Performs advanced analysis for inorganic, organic, microbiological, and biological analyses for NPDES permit reports and special projects. • Collects liquid and sludge samples, performs sample preparation, tests samples for pH, alkalinity, and ammonia. • Prepares chemical reagents for use in testing procedures. • Calibrates instruments used for laboratory analysis. • Cleans and maintains lab facilities and equipment including washing glassware on a daily basis to ensure accuracy of testing and analysis, records temperatures of lab and equipment, maintains equipment used in laboratory, schedules repairs, as needed, troubleshoots and repairs equipment and processes. • Accurately performs quality control/quality assurance to ensure continued accreditation. • Performs calculations, completes logs and reports and maintains detailed records of work performed and results obtained, enters data on computers. • Maintains sample integrity through strict chain of custody requirements, prepares samples for shipment, tracks sample storage, discards expired samples. • Develops and implements new methods and procedures. • Reports analytical results to Operators, Chemists and Superintendents. • Tracks inventory and reorders before supply is depleted. • Conducts self in a professional manner which demonstrates courtesy and respect for all community members and coworkers. • Performs other duties as assigned. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other • Associate’s degree from an accredited educational institution; or two years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in laboratory environment. • Valid State of Iowa driver’s license with satisfactory driving record. Must be 18 years of age. Must pass criminal background check. Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other • Associate’s degree from an accredited educational institution and one year of related experience; or three years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in wastewater laboratory work and/or chemistry. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. • Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. • Ability to distinguish colors. • Ability to keep accurate detailed records and follow quality control/quality assurance procedures. • Ability to perform semi advanced mathematical calculations which require ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, fractions, percentages, circumference, area, volume, velocity and flow and application of basic algebra. • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. • Ability to read and interpret technical materials. • Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties. • Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization. • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. • Knowledge of chemical and biological laboratory procedures. • Knowledge of laboratory instrumentation and maintenance. • Skill in using computers and applicable software applications (Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, Outlook). Supervision No supervision of direct reports. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, high or precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, vibration, confined space, and traffic hazards. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions, dampness, direct sunlight, dust, pollen, insect stings, animals, and communicable diseases. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Involves some exposure to stress due to the work environment and/or crisis situations. Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Reviewed/Approved by: Ron Knoche, Public Works Director (4/2024) I have read and understand the duties of this job description, and I agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. Employee Date ________________________________ __________________