Laboratory Specialist (Wastewater Treatment Plant)

Posting Number 3558P Position Title Laboratory Specialist (Wastewater Treatment Plant) Department Utilities Job Code 05132 FLSA Status Non-Exempt Union Code/Affiliation Unrepresented Division SEWER Job Description Summary

The purpose of this job is to maintain laboratory data. Advises operation standards and goals and encourages best practices. Performs testing and critical sample collection for regulatory compliance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description

• Runs laboratory instrumentation to assist in determining plant efficiency and effectiveness.

• Collects, tests, and ships samples to ensure compliance with application rules and regulations.

• Oversees data, mitigation, and chemical processes to maintain plant functioning.

• Assists laboratory technicians with technical or laboratory issues.

• Develops and implements methods and procedures to monitor plant functioning.

• Prepares reports.

• Provides guidance and training to other staff.

• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• No supervisory authority. Work requires providing guidance and training to other staff.

Human Collaboration and Job Impact

• This area describes the personal interaction with others outside direct reporting relationships as well as the impact the job has on organization, the department or unit objectives, the output of services, or employee or public satisfaction

• Work may require providing advice to others outside direct reporting relationships on specific problems or general policies. Contact may require the consideration of different points of view to reach agreement. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas.

• Interactions have limited impact on the organization in terms of time, money, or public/employee relations.

Fiscal Responsibility

• Position has limited fiscal responsibility.

• May assist in the collection of data in support of recommendations for departmental budget allocations. May monitor division or program/promotional level budget and expenditures.

Education and Experience

• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Natural Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field
• 3-5 years' experience in operating, calibrating, and troubleshooting lab equipment

Licenses or Certifications

• Valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities which may be representative, but not all-inclusive of those commonly associated with this position

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and methods of lab instrumentation and calibration.

• Chemistry and chemical reactions.

• Record keeping practices and/or inventory control methods.

• Hazards and safety precautions related to using chemicals and performing tests on potentially hazardous substance.

• Standard practices, methods, materials, tools, and equipment of chemistry and data sampling.

Skill in:

• Typing and/or data entry with minimal errors.

• Organizing and managing time effectively.

• Collecting, organizing, and analyzing complex and/or technical data.

Ability to:

• Recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems.

• Adhere to regulatory compliance standards.

• Follow standard safety procedures for exposure to caustics and concentrated acids.

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships.

• Compile, organize, interpret, and communicate data and results concisely.

• Communicate verbally and in writing to meet the needs of the audience.

• Apply active listening and asking questions for understanding.

• Create and maintain accurate records.

• Create and present reports.

• Regularly use a computer, software, phone and related office equipment.

• Work independently.

• Focus on tasks.

Work Environment

• Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job

Work Environment:

• Office or similar indoor environment - frequently/often

• Outdoor enviroment - sometimes

• Vehicle - sometimes

• Laboratory - frequently/often

Exposures:

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees) - sometimes

• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees) - sometimes

• Communicable diseases - sometimes

• Moving mechanical parts - sometimes

• Fumes or airborne particles - freqently/often

• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances - frequently/often

• Loud noises (85+ decibels) - sometimes

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 may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• This position involves frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards and majority of work is performed outside or with exposure to risk.

• Incumbents may be required to exert up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Hours/Days

Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Starting Salary $27.68 per hour minimum to $40.41 per hour maximum Pay Grade 109 Number of Positions Available 1 Deadline to Apply 06/27/2024 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicants

This position is located at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and previous laboratory experience is expected.

Notice to Applicants

Individuals needing accommodation to apply may call 573.874.CITY (2489)

TTY: 711 (MO RELAY)

THE CITY OF COLUMBIA IS A MERIT, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: MALE / FEMALE

THE CITY OF COLUMBIA REQUIRES PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING

The City of Columbia participates in the federal E-Verify work authorization program