WPC Lab Tech I

Job Description

Compensation for the Water Pollution Control (WPC) Lab Tech position is structured across three classification levels based on education and qualifications: WPC Lab Tech I, II, and III. WPC Lab Tech I is considered the entry-level classification. Detailed job descriptions for the WPC Lab Tech II and III are available on the City of Pocatello website.

The WPC Pretreatment and Laboratory Technician I works under the supervision of the Pretreatment and Laboratory Supervisor and assists in supporting compliance with the Federal Clean Water Act and the success of the City of Pocatello Pretreatment Program.

The position engages with business owners and operators throughout the city and assists in performing pretreatment inspections and administrative tasks to ensure commercial and industrial business are operating in accordance with federal, state and city regulations relating to discharges into the wastewater collection system. The position will assist in collecting wastewater discharge from Significant Industrial Users (SIUs) for analysis to ensure compliance with City ordinances and state and federal wastewater regulations. The job assists in the implementation of the City’s Sewer Use Ordinance along with Pretreatment Regulations and Sanitary Sewer Regulations.

In addition to pretreatment tasks, the position performs a wide range of laboratory analyses in support of the City’s wastewater, environmental, and water utility operations. The job assists in the collection of samples and performs laboratory testing and analysis on the City’s wastewater treatment plant, industrial businesses, storm runoff, biosolids and the Portneuf River for compliance analysis and testing to ensure compliance with state, federal regulations and applicable standards. The position participates in 24-hour sampling events pursuant to IPDES permit regulations. These events are scheduled to occur twice per year over a duration of one week during which time work hours are adjusted to accommodate sampling requirements.

This is an entry-level class for Pretreatment and Laboratory Technician position and requires a Pretreatment Facility Inspector Certification and a State of Idaho Wastewater Laboratory Analyst Class I License, or the ability to obtain required certification and licensure within specified time periods. The position requires the ability to learn and apply pretreatment, environmental, sampling and testing regulations under supervision. Error, omission or negligence in performance could have serious consequences to the plant process, public safety and the environment. This could lead to potential legal and financial liability due to non-compliance with federal and state requirements.

The job requires knowledge of methods, equipment, materials, tools, and standard practices for sampling/testing of water quality, industrial and commercial waste discharges. The job includes the collection of data and accurate recordkeeping of laboratory and pretreatment work. The job requires the ability to follow standard operating procedures and accurately complete bench sheets and forms. The job also includes cleaning, calibrating and maintaining lab and sampling equipment. The position participates in community education and outreach on wastewater pretreatment and related environmental programs by assisting in the development of educational materials and assisting in presentations at schools and various outreach events. The job requires the ability to maintain a collaborative and cooperative working relationship with elected and appointed officials, other City employees, other organizations, business owners, industrial employees, and the general public.

The work environment includes a wastewater treatment facility, office, laboratory, and a variety of field testing and inspection environments, including rivers and industrial facilities. These work environments may include protected exposure to infectious bacteria, bodily fluids, hazardous chemicals and gasses, wastewater treatment equipment, noisy and/or loud equipment, hazardous or toxic waste material, adverse weather conditions, high traffic areas, and the hazards involved in collection of water samples from rivers and industrial facilities. The noise level is generally moderate.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Assists in monitoring and enforcement of the pretreatment program by collecting/analyzing commercial and industrial wastewater samples. Assists with inspections, monitoring and collection of wastewater discharge, to ensure the City remains in compliance with the Federal Clean Water Act and other applicable City, state, and federal wastewater discharge statutes and requirements. Maintains legally defensible inspection records and logs.
• Will assist in Collection and preparation of samples from a variety of sources for laboratory analysis, ensuring proper handling and chain of custody protocols are followed. Participates in periodic sampling events that take place over a 24-hour period, which necessitates longer and variable shifts during the sampling event.
• Performs laboratory testing on samples to ensure the City remains in compliance with the Federal Clean Water Act and other applicable City, state, and federal wastewater discharge statutes and requirements. Performs laboratory testing of treatment plant effluent and industrial and commercial wastewater, storm runoff, river, and biosolids.
• Maintains accurate testing records, logs and databases. Maintains inventory of testing chemicals and reagents.
• Maintains the safety and hygiene of laboratory and other work spaces. Cleans and calibrates laboratory sampling, testing and analysis equipment.
• Assists in creating and presenting public programs on wastewater pretreatment and related environmental programs. Assists in Preparing public education materials and conducts public outreach (examples would include information meetings or workshops, brochures, fact sheets). Participates in events such as classroom/school events, Water Week, Portneuf Environmental Fair, Drug Take-Back program and STEM events.
• Attends and completes assigned training as required to ensure compliance with City policy, state and federal regulation, and maintain professional licensing and certification.
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.
  
  

Acceptable Experience, Training, Licenses And/Or Certifications

• High school diploma or GED; and
• Pretreatment Facility Inspection Certification and State of Idaho Wastewater Laboratory Analyst I License is required *;
• Valid State of Idaho driver’s license is required;
• Laboratory and pretreatment experience preferred;
  
  

An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

• Hiring Note: The WPC Pretreatment and Laboratory Technician I requires a State of Idaho Wastewater Laboratory Analyst I License and Pretreatment Facility Inspection Certification within eighteen (18) months of hire. Failure to secure this license and certification by the established date will violate the terms of the position and will result in layoff from the position.
  
  

Classification Requirements

The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for an individual to satisfactorily perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be successful in the position.

Knowledge Of

• The Federal Clean Water Act and other applicable City, state, and federal wastewater discharge statutes and requirements and their objectives to ensure continued compliance;
• Methods, techniques, and objectives of performing commercial and industrial inspections, monitoring and testing wastewater discharge;
• Methods, techniques, and objectives of collecting, preparing and testing samples for laboratory testing and analysis, including the procedures used in handling of field samples, the Chain of Custody process, and the proper precautions used when handling pathogenic and carcinogenic materials;
• Methods, techniques, and objectives of safety procedures during sampling and inspections for varies industrial settings, rivers, high traffic areas, confined spaces, equipment, chemicals, and other environmental challenges;
• Laboratory testing requirements for the Quality Assurance/Quality Control program required by State/Federal certification;
• Data collection and recording methods, techniques, and objectives;
• Laboratory equipment maintenance methods and techniques;
• Federal, state, local, and other applicable statutes, codes, and regulations for wastewater testing and discharge;
• Federal regulations and City policies regarding safe work practices relating to use of equipment and power tools;
• Operation of basic office equipment;
• Operation of a personal computer and job-related software applications, including Laboratory Information Management Systems, Microsoft Office, Word and Excel.
  
  

Skill And Ability To

• Effectively communicate information covering federal, state and local ordinances and regulations related to the Clean Water Act and other applicable City, state, and federal wastewater discharge statutes and requirements;
• Perform commercial and industrial business inspections, monitor and test wastewater discharge;
• Perform field inspections, sampling, and laboratory testing of wastewater, storm runoff, river, and biosolids;
• Perform laboratory testing on samples to ensure the City remains in compliance with the Federal Clean Water Act and other applicable City, state, and federal wastewater discharge statutes and requirements;
• Prepare and analyze laboratory data;
• Review and monitor laboratory equipment and procedures for tests to troubleshoot;
• Maintain detailed and accurate inspection and laboratory testing records and logs. Maintain a database of permit, inspection, and testing information;
• Prepare clear and concise written reports and correspondence;
• Operate, troubleshoot and maintain laboratory sampling, testing, and analysis equipment;
• Assist in presenting to the public on wastewater pretreatment and related environmental programs;
• Operate a motor vehicle;
• Operate a personal computer and job-related software applications;
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times;
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance;
• Complete assignments in a timely fashion; understand and comply with all rules, policies and regulations;
• Perform all duties in accordance with City policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and that of other employees and the public.
  
  

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and may work in confined spaces. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and operating a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. The ability to work variable periods during a 24-hour shift, is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits

The City of Pocatello offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees:

• Medical
• Prescription
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• PERSI Retirement
• PERSI Choice 401(k)
• 457 Retirement Planning
• HRA VEBA Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Medical
• Dependent Care
• Vacation Time
• Sick Time
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Education Assistance
• Employee Wellness Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer
  
  

Company Description

Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Pocatello offers a perfect blend of work and play. With a semi-arid climate, you can experience the best of all four seasons, from hiking and skiing to fishing and camping. Plus, you're just a short drive away from Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Lava Hot Springs, and other must-visit destinations.

All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.