Entry Level Laboratory Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Posting Type: Open Competitive
Work Type: Full Time
Nature of Work: This is entry-level technical laboratory work in the analysis of wastewater and sludge samples for proper wastewater treatment plant operation. Employees work independently; however, technical supervision may be given by a senior Laboratory Technician.
Education and Experience: The knowledge, skills, and abilities may be acquired through, but are not limited to, the following combination of education and/or experience.
High school graduation or its equivalent and twelve (12) hours of post-secondary coursework in chemistry or biology; post-secondary coursework in quantitative analysis preferred.
AND
One (1) year of experience performing advanced laboratory tests and their analyses
Pay Range: $20.33 with step increases to $27.92 Hourly
Benefits: Forty-hour work week. Paid leave per year: twelve days vacation; eighteen days sick; and fourteen holidays. Employee's group health insurance, including major medical, vision, and dental, for individual or family. Defined benefit pension plan, plus Social Security, and more. See hr.cityofomaha.org for detailed information.
Who Can Apply: Any person who meets the qualifications and other requirements described in this posting.
How to Apply: Completed City of Omaha employment applications must be submitted using the online application from the City website. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to check and ensure that any and all required application materials and supplemental forms are received by the City of Omaha Human Resources Department by the stated deadline. You may confirm receipt of any materials and forms by contacting the Human Resources Department. If the materials are not received in the Human Resources Department by the stated deadline, they will not be considered. There will be no exceptions to this rule.
Examination Information: The multiple-choice/written examination will be determined at a later date at the Omaha/Douglas Civic Center, 1819 Farnam Street. An invitation via email to the exam will be given to candidates once their application has been received, reviewed by a recruiter, and accepted to the test for the position. The test is designed to assess knowledge of the job, skills, and abilities of this position. The passing score on the examination is 50%. This will be weighted 100% in the final score.
Veteran Points: To claim five (5) points for veteran's preference, you must submit proof of service (such as a DD-214) that includes the date of induction, date of honorable separation, and Social Security number. (You must have completed more than 180 consecutive days of active duty.) To receive an additional five (5) points credit for disability, you must submit proof of eligibility from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs dated within the last 12 months. This information must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by July 3, 2026.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
* Knowledge of laboratory equipment, terminology and a wide variety of standard laboratory procedures
* Knowledge of chemistry and/or biology principles and fundamentals
* Knowledge of safety regulations and practices applicable to laboratory duties
* Knowledge of quality control procedures
* Skill in performing wet chemical tests and various routine laboratory tests involving samples
* Ability to calibrate delicate instruments and take accurate readings on fine gauges
* Ability to interpret results of laboratory tests
* Ability to recognize color, odor, texture, and weight of samples
* Ability to understand oral or written instructions
* Ability to stand, reach, and walk 76-100% of the time; bend and stoop 51-75% of the time; push and pull 26-50% of the time; and climb and squat 0-25% of the time
* Ability to move objects weighing up to 50 pounds 0-33% of the time, weighing up to 20 pounds 34-66% of the time; and weighing up to 10 pounds 67-100% of the time
Essential Functions: Any one position may not perform all of the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all of the duties that may be performed in positions allocated to this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
* Quantitatively analyzes wastewater and sludge samples (at various stages of treatment) using established testing procedures fort total and suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, grease and oil content, pH, volatile acids and alkalinity
* Performs replicate analyses and/or analyzes in-house and commercial standard samples to verify analysts testing methodology yields accurate and reproducible results
* Calculates results of analyses and applies statistical principles prior to compiling results onto daily report logs which document compliance with federal, state and local regulations governing discharges to receiving streams
* Prepares and cleans glassware; cleans, calibrates and adjusts equipment
* Maintains laboratory equipment and sufficient stock level of chemicals and other laboratory supplies
* Handles and stores scientific chemicals in oven, hoods, desiccators, and fireproof cabinets
* Weighs, prepares, mixes and standardizes chemicals or solutions for the analysis of industrial wastewater and treatment plant process control samples
* Performs other duties as assigned or as the situation dictates within the scope of this classification
Conditions of Employment: Candidates must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, permanent residence, or authorization to work without sponsorship. The City of Omaha reserves the right to conduct pre-employment inquiries or evaluations of candidates for employment as it deems appropriate for the particular position. Pre-employment inquiries may include, without limitation: verification of employment history and educational attainment; review of driving, credit, and criminal convictions; hearing, drug, functional capacity, psychological, vision, and medical tests; and/or any other relevant background information deemed appropriate to determine the suitability of the applicant for the position. Failure to provide the information requested in the application and hiring process in a truthful, timely, accurate, and complete manner may result in disqualification, revocation of a conditional offer of employment, or termination.
Reasonable Accommodation: The City of Omaha does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you need a disability-related accommodation during the job application or selection process, advise the Human Resources Department at least 48 hours prior to the need by emailing employment@cityofomaha.org.
For a complete description of this job classification, visit hr.cityofomaha.org
Contact Points:
City of Omaha Human Resources Department
1819 Farnam St, Suite 506
Omaha, NE 68183
Phone: (402) 444-5300
Fax: (402) 444-5314
Website: hr.cityofomaha.org
Email: employment@cityofomaha.org