Quality Control Lab Technician

LAB TECHNICIAN

Job Information

Position Title: Laboratory Technician

Department: Columbus City Utilities, Quality Control

Supervisor: Quality Control Lab Supervisor, Manager of Treatment Operations

Hourly Range: $20.72 - $25.90

FLSA: Full-time; Non-exempt; Safety sensitive

Benefits: Excellent Benefits www.columbus.in.gov/employee-benefits; in addition: certification pay available; on-call (stand-by) pay; overtime pay; training available on the job

Application Deadline: April 17th – Interviews to begin immediately

Apply Online at

http://www.columbus.in.gov/jobs

If you need assistance, accommodations or don't have access to the internet elsewhere, call or email
City Human Resources 812-376-2570 or humanresources@ columbus.in.gov to make an appointment to apply in person. We welcome all applicants.

INTRODUCTION:

Columbus, Indiana, population 50,000 is well known for its architectural innovation, community collaborations, engaged public, and high quality of life. The City is a regional center for financial services, health care, employment, entertainment, and shopping. For more information about our community visit our visitor center website at www.experiencecolumbus.com or the City’s website at www.columbus.in.gov.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under supervision or general supervision of the Quality Control Lab Supervisor or other assigned supervisory staff, performs standard chemical and biochemical analysis of water, sewage, and similar materials as required. Operates and maintains a variety of laboratory equipment; maintains compliance data on computerized system; and performs other related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Performs related duties as required.
• Communicates with the local health department regarding restaurants.
• Administrative support and data record compliance with Fats, Rags, Oils, Grease (FROG) program per City Ordinance.
• Records a variety of test data and keeps records pertaining to analysis.
• Prepares microbiological media and chemical reagents.
• Complete other duties as assigned by Quality Control Lab Supervisor and/or Operations Manager.
• Ensures adherence to safe work practices and procedures as well as federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.
• Performs routine and specialized tests and analysis on raw and digested sludges, wastewater, and drinking water including tests for volatile and suspended solids, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, total hardness, pH, biochemical oxygen demand, total and fecal coliform (MPN and Colilert), standard plate counts, and other tests.
• Participates in special projects as assigned.
• Operates a variety of equipment, such as spectrophotometer, dissolved oxygen meters, pH meters, turbidimeters, and automatic samplers; cleans, washes, sterilizes, calibrates, and maintains equipment and apparatus used in all tests and analysis.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

• The Laboratory Technician is based out of the QC Laboratory but must coordinate activities and personnel with all aspects of various CCU and City departments, which include Field Operations, Engineering, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants, IDEM, EPA, and many other agencies.
• The Columbus Utilities encourages flexibility in its workforce; team-work, independent work, and cross-reporting relationships for projects and other duties as assigned that may not be listed in this description.
• The Laboratory Technician receives instructions before and during work to complete tasks as assigned by the Manager of Treatment Operations, Quality Control Lab Supervisor, Pretreatment Coordinator, and Laboratory Lead Technician.

EDUCATION, SKILLS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE
REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have a high degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (i.e., Word, Excel,
• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent plus special training usually gained through work experience, a vocational program or apprenticeship. Advanced education and/or three years of experience conducting a variety of physical, chemical, and biological tests comparable to a Laboratory Technician are preferred.

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• Must have an understanding of the principles of organic and inorganic chemistry, microbiological techniques, and procedures applicable to public water and wastewater systems.
• Must reside in Bartholomew County or adjoining county within six (6) months of employment.
• Must have an understanding of statistics as applied to chemical and biological testing procedures. As well as the care, maintenance, and operational requirements of laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• A background in sampling procedures and field equipment is preferred.
• Knowledge of operations, services, and activities of a laboratory. Modern laboratory techniques and procedures as related to the analysis of water and wastewater.
• Must have a high degree of proficiency in mathematics.
• Valid Driver’s License and good driving record and able to drive and be insured as employee while driving at all times.
• Must have the ability to prepare and maintain clear, concise, and technical reports. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Physical Demands: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to walk, stand, and sit for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight (up to 40 pounds); to operate assigned equipment and vehicles; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.
• The conditions herein 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 the essential job functions.
• Working Environment: Inside and outside environment; travel from site to site; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, noxious odors, gases, mechanical and electrical hazards, hazardous chemicals, untreated wastewater, and all types of weather and temperature conditions; work in or around water; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

The City of Columbus offers a competitive benefits package to all full time employees. This includes a comprehensive health insurance plan that begins on the first day of employment, with no waiting period. The Columbus City Utilities (CCU) department offers an employer-funded 403 (b) defined pension and employees vest in five years- a great pension for retirement. The City also provides each employee with $20,000 in life insurance along with short term and long-term disability plans that are 100% paid for, by the City. Immediately Eligible For Health Insurance/Benefits on First Day of Hire!

BENEFITS OF EMPLOYMENT WITH THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:

The City of Columbus offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees which includes:

• 15 paid holidays, 17 on election years;
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• City paid Short-term Disability insurance (non-sworn);
• City paid Long-term Disability insurance (non-sworn);
• City paid life insurance, with the option to buy more life insurance for yourself, spouse, or children
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits;
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account option;
• Health savings account, which includes bi-annual City contribution for employees who choose High Deductible Health Care Plan option;
• Vision and dental plans options;
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies (Fire & Police have different leave policies) covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to: o 80 hours of paid vacation leave after one year; o 16 hours of paid personal leave available yearly; o 48 hours of paid sick leave which can accrue/carry-over;
• Flexible health spending account – medical, dependent, and limited options;
• Fully-funded defined pension plan through the State of Indiana (PERF) (Utilities employees have a different 403(b) plan- also fully funded by the department and also a defined pension);
• Two (2) medical plan options (including RX (prescription) coverage);

RESIDENCY:

• Must reside in Bartholomew County or adjoining county within six (6) months of employment.

DRUG/ALCOHOL TESTING:

• This is a safety sensitive position and, as such, is subject to the City's Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Program, which includes: pre-employment testing, random testing, post-accident testing, reasonable suspicion testing, return-to-duty testing, and follow-up testing.

This description is intended to describe the type of and level of work performed by the person assigned to this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by a person, and employees at the city may be given other assignments at will.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
M/F/D/V

*all potential applicants are encouraged to apply, and if you need an accommodation or help to apply online, please call 812.376.2570 to make an appointment or email humanresources@ columbus.in.gov

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.72 - $25.90 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health savings account
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Parental leave
• Employee assistance program
• Life insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Relocation assistance

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Columbus, IN: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: One location