Description

Open Until Filled. This recruitment will remain open on a continuous basis until the needs of the City are met. Applications are reviewed weekly. Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

THE POSITION

The City of Hayward is seeking a Laboratory Technician for the City’s Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF). The Laboratory Technician performs a variety of physical, chemical, biological and bacteriological analyses of water and wastewater according to standard methods and procedures, collects samples, calculates and records analytical results, maintains accurate records including quality assurance, and performs routine equipment maintenance and field work.

Qualified candidates will have: knowledge of water and wastewater laboratory methods, test procedures and techniques, equipment, and safety practices, including wastewater treatment methods and procedures; and have the ability to perform testing with a high level of precision and accuracy.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is an entry-level professional classification performing routine analytical tasks, equipment maintenance and field work. Assignments focus on analytical methods initially under direction of supervisor or Chemist, with more independent work as skills develop. This class is distinguished from the Chemist in that the latter performs assignments of greater complexity and exercises greater independence.

Essential Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Collects and preserves plant samples, prepares chemical solutions, reagents and bacteriological media.

Takes representative grab and composite samples of sewage and sludge, as well as samples of landfill leachate and groundwater wells.

Performs a variety of physical, chemical and biological analyses of water and wastewater in accordance with standard test methods and established procedures. Prepares and analyzes sewage, sludge, industrial waste, and potable water samples.

Analyses include testing for, pH, solids, 5-Day CBOD5, oil and grease, coliform, chlorine residual, conductivity, salinity, sulfide, metals, cyanide, ammonia, anions, mercury, heterotrophic plate count, and special analyses as required.

Participates in the Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program, and advises the Lab supervisor or the Chemist of unusual test results and problems.

Maintains quality control to assure analytical accuracy and precision of test results. Compiles and records onto standardized worksheets, logs and forms, performs calculations and transfers data to computer.

Follows all safety rules and protocols included in the Injury and Illness Prevention Program; takes appropriate action as required to identify and correct safety hazards and report safety concerns to the Lab Supervisor.

Cleans and maintains laboratory equipment, glassware and instruments; operates, calibrates, and makes minor repairs to laboratory instrumentation and equipment such as pH meter, analytical balance, UV-visible spectrophotometer, autoclave, distillation units, ovens and balances. Assists in calibrating and maintaining various field monitoring and sampling equipment.

Assures the quality of laboratory data which includes but is not limited to maintaining accurate records of sample collections, chains of custody(s), log-in, order forms and log analyses, reports and computerized records.

Assists in completing technical reports. Maintains laboratory inventory, reorders chemical stocks and supplies.

Assists in the training of Water Pollution Control Plant employees in the safe and proper method of performing tasks in the laboratory and ensures that a safe working environment is maintained in the laboratory.

Serves on committees within the plant and for special projects.

Prepares written reports, correspondence and reviews data prepared by lower level staff.

Maintains the Quality Assurance program as specified by CDHS/ELAP and other regulatory agencies; plans and conducts laboratory operations in accordance with the state Chemical Hygiene Plan; develops good personal chemical hygiene habits and uses prudent and careful work practices to ensure the safety of laboratory personnel.

Assists in the preparation, organization, and completion of monthly, quarterly, and annual wastewater discharge and bio-solids reports; prepares primary and secondary standard solutions; and prepares written reports.

Organizes and maintains the work area in a clean and safe manner.

Performs related duties as required.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Basic water and wastewater laboratory methods, test procedures and techniques, equipment and safety practices.

Commonly used laboratory apparatus and procedures.

Care and maintenance of laboratory glassware, equipment and apparatus.

Basic mathematics, including algebraic calculations and statistical analysis.

Wastewater treatment methods and procedures.

General laboratory safety procedures.

Pertinent local, state and federal regulations related to wastewater pollution control.

Uses of computer applications in a laboratory and their use in routine record keeping procedures.

Ability to:

Discriminate visually among colors.

Understand and carry out written and oral instructions pertaining to analytical procedures, reagent preparations, quality assurance and quality control.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other employees.

Use standard laboratory testing and analysis equipment.

Understand and interpret verbal and written instructions.

Use proper personal protective equipment while working daily with wastewater.
Read labels and hazardous materials Safety Data Sheets for chemicals and other written materials.

Safely lift and carry standard sampling equipment.

Perform testing with a high level of precision and accuracy

Safely prepare reagents.

Apply and implement principles of basic laboratory safety, maintain the laboratory facility and equipment in a clean, orderly and safe manner.

Properly assemble and operate testing apparatus and equipment.

Establish and maintain a positive customer service attitude and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Assemble data and prepare detailed records and reports.

Act as lead person on special projects and provide for full function of laboratory activity in the absence of the Chemist.

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Any combination of experience and training that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: One (1) year of experience working in an analytical laboratory or in a wastewater treatment plant laboratory.

Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in chemistry, biology or a related field of study.

Licenses & Certificates: Posses and maintain a valid Class C California driver's license. Possession of a Laboratory Analyst Grade I Certificate issued by the California Water Environmental Association no later than six (6) months of appointment.

Supplemental Information

Candidates must submit a completed City of Hayward job application and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire, which fully describe the nature of their professional experience and qualifications. Applications submitted without all required materials will not be considered.

Based on the information provided, those best qualified may be invited to the next phase of the process, which may include an oral, practical, and/or written examination.

The examination process will result in a ranked eligible register of candidates for hiring consideration by the department. Actual hire depends on success in the departmental selection process.

Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City should expect to undergo an employment background/reference check that may include, but is not limited to: employment history, confirmation of educational credentials and degrees, licenses including driver's license, registrations, certificates, and other credentials as part of the appointment process. Some positions, depending on the nature of the work, also require a credit check and a review of Summary Criminal History obtained from the State Department of Justice through Live Scan Fingerprinting.

Applicants will be notified electronically via Government Jobs as to their status in the selection process. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they can receive email notice from Neogov/Government Jobs and the City of Hayward. Candidates are encouraged to apply online at www.hayward-ca.gov under the Current Vacancies tab or at www.GovernmentJobs.com. Paper applications can be obtained by visiting the Human Resources Department at Hayward City Hall located at 777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user to the system. Our on-line application system is provided by Government Jobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact the Government Jobs Help Desk at (855) 524-5627.

Benefits Overview