Lab Technician
Definition:
Under general supervision, performs physical, chemical, biological and bacteriological analyses of water, wastewater, industrial waste, and related materials.
Performs related work as required.
Examples of Duties:
Performs and reviews routine physical, chemical, biological, and microbiological analysis of water, wastewater, industrial waste, and related materials.
Sets up, calibrates, operates, and performs minor maintenance on a variety of laboratory equipment and instruments of a less technical nature; performs calculations, completes forms, and maintains records.
Recognizes problems which occur in an analytical procedure; applies known procedures or confers with others to find solutions; recommends changes to known procedures or confers with others to find solutions; recommends changes to procedures and forms.
Performs various sample preparation processes involving manual and automated extraction of digestion of soil, water, wastewater, and industrial waste matrices; may collect samples and compute quantities; may prepare and preserve samples for subcontract laboratory services.
Processes, logs, and preserves a variety of samples; receives samples for analysis, logs into a laboratory information management system (LIMS) and enters field and subcontract data; assists in planning sample collection programs; prepares samples for transport, storage, and laboratory testing.
Prepares standard chemical solutions, reagents, stains, and bacteriological media; keeps laboratory facilities in a clean and orderly condition.
Cleans and prepares glassware for sample collection; sterilizes bacteriological supplies; prepares sample kits for distribution.
Maintains inventory of equipment and supplies; orders, replaces, and maintains inventory of chemical reagents and standards.
Compiles and records data onto worksheets; enters reviewed data and results of analyses into a LIMS.
Observes standard safety precautions related to the work; maintains proper quality assurance techniques in performing analytical work.
Maintains proper quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) records and documentation.
Assists laboratory technicians and chemists on specific analytical projects.
Performs work and assignments consistent with departmental policy and procedures for ethics, data integrity, and health and safety.
Utilizes automated or computer based work management systems, or other electronic or computer systems and applications, in the course of work.
Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of: Laboratory terminology, equipment, and procedures; arithmetic, including proportions, percentages, decimals, and college algebra.
Ability to:
Follow oral, written, and graphic instructions; learn to perform routine laboratory work; learn to set up, adjust, clean, and perform minor maintenance on laboratory equipment; make arithmetic calculations; and work with or without minimal available supervision.
Ability to: Perform standard physical, chemical, biological and bacteriological analysis of water and wastewater according to established procedures; use laboratory instruments and equipment; prepare media and reagents to exact specifications; follow detailed oral and written instructions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; keep accurate records and make clear and concise reports of work performed; direct others in the field; work without available supervision; and learn to evaluate the outcome of laboratory determinations in order to detect errors or problems with analyses or samples; use a computer to enter and extract lab test results; maintain a clean, safe working environment, including safely handling toxic chemicals.
Education and Experience:
A high school diploma, or its equivalent; and
Two years of experience in chemical, biological or bacteriological laboratory work.
Environment Conditions:
Laboratory environment.
Exposure to hazardous chemicals, infectious disease, and inclement weather conditions.
Physical Conditions:
Duties may require maintaining a physical condition necessary for standing and walking for periods of time.
Moderate to heavy lifting.
Other Requirements:
Must be willing to work weekends and holidays according to an assigned schedule, and to work out of doors in a variety of weather conditions. Must be willing to work overtime as needed.
License, Certificates & Credentials:
Must possess a valid California driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.
The hiring range for this position is $30 to $38 per hour. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity, and may also vary depending on candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience amongst other factors.
Harvest Technical Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or
expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.