Entry Level Biology Lab Tech Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Reports to: Water Wastewater Lab Tech Operator D

FLSA: Non Exempt

Grade: 30

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

SUMMARY: Under close supervision of the Water and Wastewater ORC’s, the Water Wastewater Lab Tech Operator (WWTP) Lab Tech-Operator operates, monitors, maintains, and troubleshoots the water and wastewater treatment facilities, laboratory, and processes. This is an entry level position in the WWTP Lab Tech Operator career ladder.

• Perform sampling and reporting in accordance with government regulations
• Conduct quality control on laboratory techniques, sample requirements, and equipment as required by government regulations
• Perform process control sampling and testing to advise on operations.
• Complete monthly and annual reports for government entities; schedule special testing as necessary

Water/Wastewater Plant Operations and Maintenance

• Perform daily walk throughs and operational duties/maintenance of water and wastewater plants
• Implement procedural changes and process control; maintain all plant equipment; recognize and report equipment failures
• Monitor plant performance and SCADA computer accordance with codes, regulations, and requirements
• Respond to plant alarms; troubleshoot and take corrective actions
• Maintain records and perform data entry in compliance with reporting requirements to government agencies
• Calibrate water and wastewater plant instruments and equipment
• Collect and process payments from septage and RV haulers
• Order plantrelated equipment and chemicals
• Utilize asset management software; perform data entry
• Perform Fats, Oil, Grease (FOG) interceptor inspections and enforce compliance with the municipal code
• Perform the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) required delegation of duties plan at beginner level for water and wastewater.
• Other tasks and special projects as assigned
Safety
• Recognize and report unsafe conditions; work safely to prevent accidents
• Comply with all safety manuals, procedures, and trainings
• Adhere to proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education/Experience/Licenses/Certifications):

High school diploma or equivalent; valid Driver’s License; college degree in biology, chemistry preferred; zero (0) to two (2) years of experience in compliance with the Colorado Certified Water Professionals (CCWP) certification standards; State of Colorado Class “D” Water and Wastewater certifications required or ability to obtain within six (6) months; First Aid/CPR required or ability to obtain within six (6) months; ongoing training in Confined spaces, Lock out/Tag out, Chlorine and Chemical Safety required throughout employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Knowledge of: Basic knowledge of chemical and bacteriological principles, terminology, analytical techniques and methods, and equipment pertaining to the analysis of water and wastewater, laboratory functions, operations, methods, and procedures of a water and wastewater treatment plant; preventative maintenance and repair for equipment; knowledge of State and Federal rules governing wastewater discharges and worker safety; safe usage of chemicals and occupational hazards in operations.

Skill in: lab management; time management; effective communication with the public;; strong attention to detail; reading, writing, compiling, and analyzing laboratory data; monitoring control panels, gauges, and meters to ensure proper plant operation; using excel spreadsheets; interpersonal relationships; using power tools; using different software and hardware technology; problem solving.

Environmental Factors:

Work is performed both inside water and wastewater treatment facilities and outside under varying and adverse weather conditions with daily exposure to continuous noise, dust, allergens, chemicals, solvents, fumes, smoke, gases, grease, oil, and electrical energy. Work performed indoors is in a laboratory setting, subject to lab chemicals, noxious odors, confined spaces, and heights; the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud in the production area. On-call requirements including ability to respond to emergency or abnormal facility situations outside of normal work hours, within 6 months of hire date.

Physical Factors:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee performs heavy manual labor and is required to sit, stand, walk; use hands to handle, or feel, and talk or hear; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and lift fifty (50) pounds and up to one hundred (100) pounds with assistance on occasion is required. Some combination of climbing and balancing to include climbing ladders, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.