Environmental Science Trainee Jobs in California

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, performs technical laboratory work involved in collecting water and wastewater samples and performing a variety of standard and specialized chemical and microbiological tests.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position exercises no direct supervision.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Laboratory Technician Trainee

Collect samples and prepare for testing, including water, wastewater, and sludge.

Calibrate, maintain, and set up equipment for various laboratory operations.

Calibrate, maintain, and set up equipment for the Water and Wastewater Plant mini laboratories.

Clean laboratory equipment and facilities.

Perform chemical and mathematical calculations.

Prepare and maintain quality control records, report files, and daily logs of samples and testing procedures.

Conduct standard and specialized chemical and microbiological examinations of routine and special samples of raw and treated water, wastewater, and industrial waste.          

Prepare samples for shipment to other laboratories.

Operate a City vehicle daily to travel to various water treatment plants, pump stations, storage tanks, lakes, sampling locations (including the entire water shed), and vendors.   

Laboratory Technician I, II

Oversee and participate in conducting a variety of standard and specialized chemical analyses and microbiological examinations of regular and special samples.

Supervise the preparation of specific laboratory equipment and standard reagents.

Prepare and maintain necessary records and reports.

Prepare and maintain quality control records, report files, and daily logs of samples and testing procedures.

Assist with the establishment and implementation of laboratory procedures.

Collect and prepare samples.

Train new personnel.

Respond to public concerns

Order and maintain necessary laboratory equipment, materials, and supplies.

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Assists with the investigation of public concerns raised by citizens, as well as performing field samples when assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Laboratory techniques, practices, and procedures, including the operation and maintenance of standardized laboratory equipment.

Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in a laboratory environment.

Safe driving principles and practices.

Skill to:

Use various types of laboratory equipment.

Operate office equipment, including a PC and Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, and Excel, and Google Suite.

Safely operate a vehicle.

            Ability to:

Perform chemical and microbiological tests.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.         

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.

Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying.  Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Laboratory Technician Trainee

Experience:

            Previous experience in technical laboratory work is preferred.

Education/Training:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in any of the following fields: microbiology, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, medical technology, or a physical or natural science is required.

At least 24 hours of chemistry or 16 hours of microbiology, or 16 hours of biology, including 4 hours of microbiology, are required. (Dual credit, placement hours, leveling courses, and online courses in Chemistry and Microbiology do not count towards fulfilling this requirement.)

            License or Certificate:

A Class “D” Water License or a Class “D” wastewater license within twelve (12) months of employment is required.

A Texas driver's license is required within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is necessary.

Laboratory Technician I

            Experience:

A minimum of six (6) months supervised training and experience in a laboratory or at the City of Abilene Environmental Laboratory is required.

License or Certificate:

A minimum of a Class “D” Water License, or a Class “D” Wastewater License is required.

Laboratory Technician II

Experience:

At least two (2) years of experience in conducting water, chemical, and microbiological laboratory tests is required. 

License or Certificate:

Candidates are required to possess at least two of the following: a Class “C” Surface Water license, a Class “C” Wastewater license, or a Laboratory certification from the Texas Water Utilities or American Water Works.

Special Requirements:

Exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, and confined space      work.

Exposure to chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards.

Ability to travel to different sites.

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:

            ___     Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds

            ___     Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds

            ___     Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds

            _X_     Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds

            ___     Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds

Physical Demand Codes: The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:

Codes for how often:

Y         =          Yes

N         =          No

E         =          Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)

M         =          Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)

I           =          Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)

A         =          Almost Never (<10% of the time)

Code / Task

_E       Standing

_I__    Sitting

_M      Walking

_I__    Lifting

_M      Carrying

_A       Pushing/Pulling

_A       Overhead Work

_M      Fine Dexterity

_A       Kneeling

_A       Crouching

_A       Crawling

_M      Bending

_A       Twisting

_I__    Climbing

_I__    Balancing

_E       Vision

_E       Hearing

_E       Talking

___     Other:  _____________________