Definition and Class Characteristics

• This position is fully-benefitted and will work 40 hours a week. The position is contracted through June of 2024.

The Environmental Technician works under the direct supervision of the Laboratory & Environmental Services Manager and is responsible for performing sampling and field tests of the Agency’s water projects including, but not limited to the Regional Treatment Plant, Advanced Water Purification Facility, Pure Water Monterey Injection and Monitoring Wells, Salinas Valley Reclamation Project and Castroville Seawater Intrusion Project. Compiles written and electronic data, prepares required sampling documentation and reports and performs other job-related duties as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a single-position class that performs a variety of field sampling and testing tasks. Positions at this level perform limited standard chemical, physical, and microbiological analysis of wastewater, recycled water and groundwater. Field sampling procedures must fit an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Essential Functions

• Follows standardized procedures in conducting limited non-technical chemical, physical, and microbiological testing from a variety of sources and locations.
• Follows standardized techniques in collecting water samples; ensures proper volumes, container types, preservation and holding times.
• Prepares and processes samples for laboratory analysis using prescribed methods such as labeling, concentration, centrifugation, filtration and other methods.
• Prepares chain-of-custody documents, records data on a daily log, inputs data into computers and other recordkeeping systems according to standardized procedures.
• Maintains accurate records for quality control.
• Prepares standard chemical solutions, reagents, stains and media.
• Maintains and operates laboratory equipment such as field meters, centrifuges, balances, automatic syringes, pipettors, water baths, microscopes, glassware, sampling equipment and others.
• Sets up basic testing, calibrates equipment, performs tests and records data.
• Maintains aseptic laboratory procedures.
• Maintains strict safety standards.
• Operates computers and other automated equipment and standard applications software
• Maintains and takes inventory of laboratory supplies.
• Maintains a variety of permanent and portable sampling equipment.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• 
  Basic practices and methods of laboratory testing and analysis.
• Principles used in the safe operation, care and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Safety methods and procedures for the laboratory and the plant, including proper use of personal protective equipment.
• Use and competency with computers, automated equipment and standard applications software.
• Principles of chemistry, biology, and related sciences.
• Principles and methods used in chemical, biological and physical testing and analysis.
• Chemicals and equipment used in industrial waste, potable and wastewater analysis.
• General principles and techniques of statistical sampling and analysis.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and Agency staff, in person and over the telephone.

Ability to:

• Learn chemicals and equipment used in water quality analysis.
• Perform basic standardized laboratory tests involving the chemical, biological, and physical analysis of water and wastewater.
• Collect samples at a variety of sites and in varying conditions.
• Operate laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Analyze and interpret testing results.
• Read and interpret a variety of meters, gauges, and recording charts.
• Maintain and update records and logs.
• Follow oral and written directions.
• Work unusual shifts, weekends, evenings and holidays when required.
• Recognize unusual, inefficient or dangerous operating conditions.
• Ability to concentrate for extended periods.
• Ability to perform complex mathematical calculations.
• Organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment, specialized software application programs, including word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Work collaboratively in a team environment including ability to accept constructive criticism from co-workers.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of experience and education/training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade and two years of college coursework in chemistry, bacteriology, or a closely related field. One year of work experience in laboratory setting.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Driver’s license and be insurable with the Agency’s insurance at the standard rate, and continue to meet the established driving standards as a condition of employment for this position.
• Persons employed in this classification are required to participate in Agency provided training to acquire basic First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificates during the initial 12 months of employment.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Environmental Elements
Laboratory environment; exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, fumes, gases, water, wastewater and industrial waste samples. Office and field environment; travel from site to site; exposure to hazardous and or infectious materials.

Physical Demands

• Standing & Walking - Standing for extended periods of time and/or walking distances (1 or more miles): 30 min up to 8 hrs per day.
• Lifting - Ability to safely lift 60 pounds to waist level: this requirement includes bending at knees to facilitate proper lifting techniques: 1 min up to 15 min per day.
• Manual Dexterity - The ability to perform multiple work activities requiring a significant level of physical and mental coordination, such as accurate measuring, repair and calibration of instruments, computer keyboard: 1 hr up to 8 hrs per day. Must be able to use hands to hold, shake, twist laboratory equipment during analysis; distinguish visually color, shape, size, and number; and distinguish visually measurements as small as millimeter and a milliliter.
• Visual - Acuity for reading literature and computer screens and ability to detect subtle color changes which are encountered in routine chemical analyses: 30 min up to 8 hrs per day.
• Reflexes - Ability to quickly and automatically respond to emergency and safety situations: 1 min up to 2 hrs per day.

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