Water Quality Lab Assistant - Temporary

Summary Statement

The City of Boise is committed to protecting and conserving one of Earth's most valuable resources: water. We are seeking a scientifically minded individual to join our Water Lab Team in the position of Water Quality Laboratory Assistant - Temporary. This could be an ideal role for an individual looking to gain lab experience while pursuing a degree, or for an individual with an interest in working in a scientific environment with a flexible, part-time schedule.

• Works a flexible, part time schedule
• Assists laboratory staff in the processing and treatment of environmental samples Performs other duties as required
• Performs a variety of support duties for the water quality laboratory
• Work is performed under supervision
• Maintains hygiene of laboratory and other work spaces and performs preventative maintenance on laboratory safety equipment
• Works approximately 19 hours a week. Duration of the role is estimated to last for 18 months
• Receives and inventories lab supplies

Essential Functions

Collects and receives packages and shipments for the laboratory from the warehouse facility and ensures contents match packing slips. Records detailed notes of shipment abnormalities or damaged goods and reports to lab manager. Signs and dates all chemicals received and then stocks chemicals by appropriate chemical safety codes. Ensures lab supplies are stocked at appropriate levels. Purchases cleaning and other supplies from local stores. Transports lab ware for repair and calibration. (35%)

Ensures lab surfaces and areas are free of chemical spills and contamination. Inspects and monitors building for leaks and needed repairs. Maintains inventory of laundered uniforms and lab coats. Supervises lab community service workers. (30%)

Accommodates and prioritizes duties in response to changing demands or increased sample workload in lab. Assists with sample bottle preparation and labeling, sample splitting and other sample preparation and processing duties. Assists with equipment preparation with specific direction from an analyst or technician. (25%)

Performs regularly scheduled flushing and inspections of eye washes and safety showers. Denotes inspection on appropriate form and/or tag. Notifies lab manager of safety equipment maintenance or performance issues. Inspects and cleans guest lab goggles for tours. Maintains inventory of lab first-aid supplies. (10%)

Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Total Percentage = 100%

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• 1 year of customer service experience
• High School diploma or GED, and

Level Of Knowledge

• Working knowledge of the principles of safe laboratory practices and hygiene
• Record keeping and filing practices
• General business office and telephone etiquette, equipment, and procedures
• Computer operations including contemporary and related software applications

Ability To

• Maintain prompt and regular attendance
• Complete assignments in a timely fashion
• Understand and comply with all rules, policies, and regulations
• Learn various software programs such as Word, email, and time management programs
• Locate and read Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record
• Multi-task and efficiently handle changing priorities
• Display an attitude of cooperation and work harmoniously with all levels of city employees, the general public, and other organizations
• Perform all essential and marginal functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without a reasonable accommodation
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• Experience working in an environmental laboratory
• Several college level courses in science
• Associate's degree, or
• Valid Wastewater Laboratory Operator I license

Licensing And Other Requirements

• Valid driver's license

Special Requirements

Applicants Must Be Able To Pass

• City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
• This position is required to handle hazardous materials that if mishandled, place the general public at risk of serious injury
• Drug Free Workplace: In accordance with the City of Boise Drug Free Workplace Regulation, this position is designated as safety sensitive and is subject to testing requirements including Post Offer Applicant Testing, Random Testing, Reasonable Suspicion, Post - Accident, etc. Applicants will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to hire. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative pre-employment drug test
• Driving Record Check

Working Conditions

The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Efforts

While performing the duties of this job the employee is always lifting/carrying up to 20 pounds, frequently lifting/carrying up to 35 pounds and occasionally lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds. Also, the employee is always pushing/pulling up to 20 pounds and frequently pushing/pulling up to 50 pounds. The noise level is always moderate and frequently loud. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear, smell and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees will sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach and grasp. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.Additional physical efforts include: using step stools and ladders..

Working Environment

The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, extreme temperatures, in wet and humid conditions, areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter. Employees are exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards and work in/at heights. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position. Work includes protected exposure to infectious bacteria, bodily fluids and chemicals. Work areas include wet floors, uneven outdoor walkways, broken glass, sewage, harmful chemicals and compressed gasses appropriate mechanical controls and personal protective equipment to minimize exposure to caustic chemicals, strong acids, toxic fumes, strong magnets, and heat. Requires the handling of hot equipment, media and reagents that can cause burns.

This position works: weekends as required.