The Water Lab Technician provides laboratory (bacteria) testing on water samples. Staff, as assigned, ensure quality control of biological and physical analysis and reports; review related records and reporting; perform billing for lab services; and maintain an inventory of supplies. Incumbents act as a lead worker assigning and reviewing work activities, providing input into performance evaluation and acting as a resource for other staff.
Essential functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible.
Public Health Laboratory Scientists work as specialists in the laboratory, performing analyses of water samples. These tests are of moderate to high complexity, and encompass knowledge of microbiology, chemistry, molecular diagnostics, and other disciplines, all performed under a quality management system. Work is performed under the general direction of a technical supervisor, and is compliant with regulatory requirements.
Performs and monitors biological and physical laboratory analyses of water and wastewater samples to determine the absence or presence of total coliform and E. coli bacteria.
Reviews the adherence to quality control procedures and provides quality assurance monitoring to maintain laboratory standards and regulatory criteria.
Performs biological and physical laboratory analyses of water and wastewater samples in support of various regulatory programs.
Provides information to the public regarding water sampling and laboratory testing procedures and quality standards.
Refers complex inquiries to appropriate resources or agencies.
Ensures proper maintenance, monitoring, troubleshooting and inventory control of laboratory supplies and equipment.
Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT USED:
General office equipment, pH Meters, Autoclave, Incubators, Water Distillation Apparatus, Secchi Disk, DO Meter, Spectrophotometers, Turbidimeter, Centrifuge, UV Sterilizer, Compound Microscope, Vacuum Pump, Analytical Balance, Glassware, Drying Oven, Chemicals/Reagents, Conductance Meter.
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities for this position would be:
Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry or related field and two years of water laboratory experience.
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.
Licenses and Certifications:
Valid Driver's License.
Knowledge of:
Techniques and methods for organizing, prioritizing and monitoring work; standard practices, methods and materials of laboratory testing; quality assurance standards and methods; basic project management principles; uses and properties of supplies and equipment; basic inventory maintenance principles; customer service principles; specialized equipment relevant to area of assignment; Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; survey research best practices including instrument design and methodology; qualitative data collection and analysis, including design and methodology.
Skill in:
Coordinating deadlines, prioritizing work demands and assigning/monitoring work performed; providing attention to detail in assignments; interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations and standards; using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines; communicating effectively both orally and in writing; being detail oriented, excellent organizational skills, a commitment to a high level of accuracy.
Ability to:
Handle multi-faceted tasks, changing priorities, ambiguity, and complexity; work both cooperatively within a team and independently; research, analyze, and evaluate programs, policies, and procedures; apply methods of research, program analysis, and report preparation; develop and maintain positive, professional, productive relationships; keep accurate and complete records and be a good steward of data, including the maintenance of sensitive and confidential records information.
Non-Discrimination and Affirmative Action Statement:
La Plata County prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with La Plata County on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or genetic information.
La Plata County is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. La Plata County takes affirmative action to assure equal employment opportunity for protected classes, persons with disabilities and for covered veterans. Covered veterans include: special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, Vietnam era veterans, or any other veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge was authorized.
Inquiries regarding La Plata County's equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to:
Director of Human Resources
1101 E 2nd Avenue
Durango, CO 81301
Tel: (970)382-6361
Fax: (970)375-7985
Email: HR@co.laplata.co.us
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