Environmental Laboratory Technician/Operator Trainee, I, II, & III

Primary Purpose of Job
The primary purpose of this position is to conduct all laboratory testing, analysis, monitoring, reporting, and regulatory compliance requirements for water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste. This position also performs work as a Water/Wastewater Operator, as assigned.

Under the direct supervision of the Environmental Compliance Manager, the employee works independently on assigned duties and responsibilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Maintains compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding the analysis of drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and solid waste monitoring
Provides input to supervisor regarding the developing and implementation of standard operating procedures for the day-to-day operations of the laboratory with regard to sample collection, analysis, and reporting
Responsible to ensure laboratory certification is maintained and any deficiencies or problems are immediately reported to the Environmental Compliance Manager
Compiles, evaluates, and interprets data produced by the laboratory and prepares technical reports and provides recommendations and technical advice to supervisor based on data to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
Collects samples and performs standard water/wastewater analysis and records findings
Monitors the current inventory of laboratory supplies and notifies supervisor when inventory needs to be re-ordered; prepares supply orders when assigned
When assigned, coordinates sampling with contract laboratories
Performs microbiological analysis of treated and untreated water from outside agencies as requested
Submits data to supervisor and prepares, when assigned, reports required by state and federal agencies
Responsible to calibrate laboratory instruments
Performs work as a Water/Wastewater Operator, as needed
Operates forklift, sludge truck, CCTV equipment and vacuum truck, as needed
Participates in Household Hazardous Waste events
Performs other duties as assignedKnowledge of:
Current principles, practices and procedures, equipment, and materials, including chemicals, used in the operation of water, wastewater, and solid waste systems and management
Sampling techniques, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation for environmental compliance monitoring
Standard processes and chemicals used in testing, analyzing, and treating water, wastewater, or stormwater
Occupational hazards and safety policies, procedures and practices applicable to laboratory machinery, laboratory instruments, chemicals, and materials
Safety regulations, protocols, principles, practices and procedures laboratory analysis and monitoring applicable to water, wastewater treatment, stormwater, and solid waste operations
Federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to:
o Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and related regulations (e.g., MCLs, monitoring requirements)
o Clean Water Act (CWA) and related regulations (e.g., NPDES permits, effluent limitations)
o Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and related regulations (e.g., hazardous
o Other relevant state and local environmental regulations
Operational aspects of water treatment, wastewater treatment, and collection systems
Operating and maintenance procedures of water and/or wastewater treatment systems

Skills in:
Operating a personal computer using standard software, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, as well as other customized software
Utilizing relevant software for data management, reporting, and compliance tracking
Communicating and interacting with regulatory agencies about compliance issues or disputes using conflict resolution techniques
Researching current best laboratory policies, procedures, and practices related to water, wastewater, hazardous material, and solid waste analysis and monitoring
Communicating and collaborating with a variety of people with various, and sometimes competing interests, calmly and professionally, and maintaining a positive working relationship
Managing multiple compliance projects simultaneously
Public speaking to provide information or training programs on environmental compliance topics

Ability to:
Recognize and maintain confidential information
Use standard laboratory techniques, instrumentation, methods, interpret data, write reports,
Operate water/wastewater plant equipment, diagnose equipment malfunctions, and take corrective action
Work effectively with elected officials, department heads, representatives of other agencies, employees, and the general public
Communicate well with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language
Understand and follow oral and written policies, procedures and instructions
Prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations
Use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written
specifications and oral instructions
Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines
Quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge Minimum Qualifications
Associates degree in biology, chemistry, or related field; and
One year of experience working in a laboratory; and
One year of experience in water, wastewater, or solid waste operations, preferred; or
Any equivalent combination of experience, education, and training which provides the skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary to perform the work

All water/wastewater certification requirements are determined by the State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation in accordance with 18 AAC 74. Employees must possess, or have the ability to obtain during employment, water and wastewater treatment operator certifications. Upon receipt of written proof of completion of certifications as stated below, an employee will be eligible to move to the next grade.

Environmental Laboratory Technician/Operator Trainee (Grade 10) Provisional Water and Wastewater Treatment Operator certifications at the time of application or the ability to obtain within six months of hire
Environmental Laboratory Technician/Operator I (Grade 12) Level I Water and Wastewater Treatment Operator certifications
Environmental Laboratory Technician/Operator II (Grade 13) Level II Water and Wastewater Treatment Operator certifications
Environmental Laboratory Technician/Operator III (Grade 14) Level III Water and Wastewater Treatment Operator certifications

Other Job Requirements or Expectations
Possession of, or ability to obtain within six months of hire,
o State of Alaska Provisional Water Treatment Operator certification
o State of Alaska Provisional Wastewater Treatment Operator certification
o Bench experience in the microbiological analysis of drinking water including a minimum of 30-days on the job training under an experienced analyst
o State of Alaska Class B Commercial Drivers License
o Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC)
o American Red Cross First Aid and CPR certifications

Possession of, or ability to obtain within twelve months of hire,
o State of Alaska Provisional Wastewater Collection Certification
o State of Alaska Provisional Water Distribution Certification
o IS-700 NIMS and ICS 100 training
Wear the right attire and safety gear for the work assigned
Work hours outside of normal shifts in the early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays and be on-call for 24 hours when necessary
Employees are expected to maintain the above-required certifications for the duration of their employment with Public Works.Working Conditions:
Works in laboratory setting about 60% of the time
Works in the treatment plant, ancillary facilities, and field, often in inclement weather with related hazards, about 40% of the time
Work in the treatment plant and ancillary facilities exposes employee to environmental factors such as loud noises, vibrations of hand-held equipment, small and confined spaces, and known hazards involving water, chemicals, electrical, mechanical, biological substances, and fumes

Specific Physical Requirements:
Operating office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination using a computer and keyboard on a daily basis
Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling and crouching
Frequent lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying up to 50 pounds with or without assistance of proper equipment
Frequent physical movement (walking, standing, sitting, stooping, climbing) throughout the workday depending on operational needs and where working (office or field)
Hearing acuity to recognize alarms and other equipment noises or sounds
Visual acuity required to:
o See both near and far acuity to operate vehicles and equipment, monitor operations and observe people and objects
o Have the required depth perception to inspect facilities and processes, work around equipment, and in vehicles safely and effectively

General Physical Requirements:
Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing which permits the employee to communicate safely and effectively
Sufficient vision, and powers of observation, which permits the employee to operate a computer and monitor and evaluate water pollution controls, water treatment plant equipment, and operations & maintenance activities safely and effectively
Sufficient manual dexterity which permits the employee to (1) operate maintenance tools and equipment and automated and production control mechanisms and (2) operate controllers and tools used in the installation, maintenance and repair of pumps and equipment
Sufficient personal mobility which permits the employee to climb, enter and exit confined spaces, manipulate equipment and adhere to safety protocols in the inspection of facilities, operations, and maintenance projects, and equipment