Environmental Health Lab Field Technician I

Compensation Range

$24.19 - $30.64

Job Description Summary

Performs public water and private well water field sample collection in Weld County. Performs non technical duties in support of the laboratory for all phases of operation. Works in the field to collect potable and non potable water samples. Interacts with environmental health customers and Weld County residents in the collection and processing of water samples for the Weld County Laboratory. Analyzes water samples utilizing approved microbiology methods under State and Federal Regulations. May assist communities, municipalities, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment implementing federal and state water quality control programs in the County.

The ideal candidate will have an associate degree and previous experience in a Water Quality Laboratory drinking water sample collection and analysis. The ideal candidate should understand safe drinking water act and how it applies to sample collection in Colorado. The candidate should have basic level understanding of the Weld County region and be able to navigate to addresses within our county.

Job Description

Public water and private well water sample collection

• 70%

• Demonstrate proficiency in public water and private well water field sample collection and processing. Routine laboratory preparation, cleaning, maintenance, and simple bench chemistry. Display initiative, effort, and adaptability. The following activities may be conducted within the water collection program:

• Collects, processes, and analyze water samples, input data results for final review for clients.

• Completes and passes proficiency testing for microbiology programs.

• Utilize technical equipment in the course of routine collections.

• Offer input to department leadership with ideas or suggestions on how to improve a program.

• Acquire and retain knowledge of policies, procedures, and various local, State, and Federal regulations related to laboratory programs.

• Assists with the laboratory quality assurance plan and follow good laboratory practices.

• Complete assigned work and duties in a timely manner.

Administrative

• 20%

• Enter data into several different computer programs; learn and apply new computer skills on a regular basis.

• Works with Microsoft Windows, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, Adobe, database user interface and query software (client databases), and web browser software works with Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

• Ability to clearly communicate information and ideas verbally and in writing, and interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

• Maintain sensitive and confidential records information. Follow the Weld County Code of Conduct and adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines, including HIPAA, and the appropriate non-disclosure and/or release of information.

• Obtain continuing education related to program responsibilities. Keep up-to-date technically and apply new knowledge to the job. Complete position-specific training for public health emergency response activities.

• Achieve and maintain all relevant credentials required (i.e. Ethics training, safety trainings, HIPAA training, etc.).

• Offer input to department leadership with ideas or suggestions on how to improve a program.

• Acquire and retain knowledge of policies, procedures, and various local, State, and Federal regulations related to laboratory programs.

• Thorough knowledge of spelling, punctuation and grammar, and modern office practices, procedures, equipment, technical terminology, and filing techniques.

Customer Service

• 10%

• Use exceptional customer service skills to respond to community needs, enhance public relations, coordinate activities, and represent the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment to promote and maintain a positive public health image and foster pride and professionalism in the workplace and community.

• Explains microbiology methods to owners and managers of establishments.

• Responds to customer questions and complaints; refers highly technical questions and callers requiring further information to appropriate staff members.

• Ability to work well in a team environment; work with a diverse group of people; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, professionals, other departments, agencies, and the public.

Required for All Jobs

• Performs other duties as assigned

• Complies with all policies and standards

Required Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• High School Diploma/GED from an accredited institution and 2 years experience in a water laboratory environment OR
• Associate's Degree from accredited institution in environmental, chemistry, or closely related field.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution in environmental, chemistry, or closely related field.
• 2 years work experience in Federal and State regulatory water sample collections.

Other Requirements

• Have and maintain a valid Colorado driver's license and use of personal, insured vehicle is required to perform job duties. Dependable transportation and auto insurance, maintained at all times as required by State law, is required.

• Candidate must pass a criminal background check.

This position is non- exempt (Compensation to determine FLSA status) from the minimum wage and overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

As an applicant for this position, you should be aware of Senate Bill 19-085, the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The act requires employers to announce the pay range for job openings. This range encompasses the nine pay steps available should you receive the position and demonstrate satisfactory performance over time.

Weld County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.