Water Quality Laboratory Technician I

Nature of Work

Performs sampling and laboratory tests of drinking water, waste water, soils, composts and sludge for various parameters as mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), City ordinances and the Laboratory's Quality Assurance Manual (QAM).

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Position functions approximatelyninety (90) percentin a laboratory environmentandten (10) percentoutdoorswith exposure toall types of weatherand trafficconditions; may work primarily outdoors if work tasks consist mostly of field sampling; exposureto fumes, chemical odors, gases, radiant energy,burns,incompatible chemicals, biohazards (including cultured microorganisms and raw wastewater)and hazardsfrommechanical and electrical equipment. Protective clothing and equipment may includeself-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), face shields, eye protectors, hard hat, steel toe shoes, chemical protection aprons, hearing protection, gloves, etc.

PHYSICAL FACTORS

Position requires lifting, carrying (with assistance) and pushing items weighing up toseventy (70)pounds; frequent reaching above shoulderheight,bending, stooping, crouching and use of a personal computer. Sufficient clarity of speech, hearing, or other communication capabilities, vision or other powers of observation, manual dexterity, and personal mobility and physical reflexes sufficient to effectively and efficiently perform essential job functions.

WORK SITUATION FACTORS

Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues.Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services.Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

FIRST CONSIDERATION MAY BE GIVEN TO CURRENT CITY OF LAS CRUCES EMPLOYEES WHO MEET ALL THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS.

Full-Time; Contract; Non-Exemptposition.

Thisinitial posting will be used to fill a full-time, contract, non-exempt position but may be utilized to fill other vacancies to include full time, part time, and/or contract.

This position is a grade CN12.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Collects samples from drinking water distribution systems and wells, surface waters and treatment facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, application sites, groundwater monitoring wells and industrial dischargers to perform and record analysis.

• Maintains instruments, equipment and work spaces; uses reagents, chemicals and standards to prepare working solutions and media per standard formulae; prepares samples, sample containers and required preservatives.

• Operates a City vehicle to go to various locations to collect samples; samples various media using approved methods and devices; verifies requested analyses, proper preservation, containers, holding time and amount; prepares and verifies sample identification and chain of custody documentation; stores, archives and secures samples as appropriate.

• Calibrates instruments; uses correct procedures for sample preparation; analyzes parameters such as conductivity, pH, nitrate, total chlorine residual, sulfide and related tests.

• Records test results and sample observations into laboratory logs; enters data into automated data base; calculates results for preliminary reports; prepares and completes various special and recurring reports and forms.

• Maintains instrument logs and control data sheets; performs periodic checks that include verifying reagent water quality, heterotrophic plate counts and total coli form verification.

• Follows Quality Assurance/Quality Control Guidelines; analyzes blanks, duplicate and spiked samples and blind performance evaluation samples to evaluate consistency of how methods are used and the proficiency of the Analyst; reports problems and need for corrective actions.

• Responds to public inquiries regarding test procedures.

• Ships and/or delivers samples to external laboratories; performs regular inventory of supplies and reagents.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate Degree in Water Technology or related field PLUS one (1) year experience in analytical laboratory testing or instrumental analysis in water/wastewater. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Valid driver's license is required. A NM Water Sampling Technician II Certification and a NM Wastewater Laboratory Technician II Certification must be obtained within one (1) year of employment. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

General knowledge of: laboratory principles, practices, procedures, equipment and materials; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices and procedures; hazard communication, and material safety data sheets (MSDS); proper labeling, use, storage and disposal of chemicals; microbiology, chemistry, biology and water-related fields; treatment processes and sampling procedures for water, wastewater and sludge; federal, state, county and other applicable regulations regarding water quality, quality assurance and quality control; effective customer service, communication, and problem resolution techniques and methods; records management principles and record keeping practices; business and personal computers, applicable software applications, and report generation; mathematical aptitude; City organization, operations, policies and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to: perform a variety of duties and responsibilities timely and with accuracy to meet time-sensitive deadlines and to ensure achievement of goals and objectives; read, interpret, comprehend and ensure compliance with policies, procedures, specifications, rules, and regulations governing related activities, programs, and functions; safely operate associated tools, instruments, equipment, and motor vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) equipment; maintain concentration; communicate appropriately and effectively orally and in writing; research and compile applicable information and maintain accurate records; prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings; review documents and extract relevant information; operate a two-way communication device to communicate with other staff; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines to successfully meet established goals and objectives.

Skills in: assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands; using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines; reading, interpreting, understanding, and applying policies, procedures, and applicable rules and regulations; assessing needs and developing and implementing effective solutions; researching, analyzing, and synthesizing data, evaluating alternatives and making logical recommendations based on findings; making comparisons and inferences from data; collecting samples and maintaining their integrity to ensure the validity of testing; reviewing and verifying data, calculations, and documentation; maintaining accurate and timely records; operating tools, instruments, equipment, motorized vehicles and a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating effective interpersonal communication skills.