Laboratory Assistant Intern (Biology)

Connect to a career at City Utilities! CU has been connecting our community to the services they need for every day life since 1945. From electricity to power our lives, clean water to be healthy, natural gas to stay warm, internet to keep businesses connected, to transit services to get them where they need to go.

This position requires an employee to work between 20-25 hours per week during the school semesters, and 40 hours per week during summer, not to exceed 1,500 hours in a calendar year. Each semester, undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours and graduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours.

INTERN GUIDELINES:

Students who have completed at least one year of college and are enrolled as a full-time student may apply. Must be enrolled full-time in a degree seeking program. A student’s intern position will end within three months after graduation.

# Pay Rate:

$15.00-19.00/hour

- Pay dependent upon classification

# Work Schedule:

Between the hours of Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm, 20-25 hours per week.

# Job Description:

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Under the direction of the Supervisor – Water Quality Lab or designee, will assist the staff analysts in conducting plant, field, and distribution studies. Primary duties will include sample log-in, sample set-up, basic water analyses, and general lab cleaning. Secondary duties will include (under direct supervision) advanced instrumental analysis, method development, and production of Standard Operating Procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Assumes chain-of-custody of all samples in receiving area by logging-in, analyzing, or placing samples in refrigerator as required.

2. Performs field sampling and analysis of source waters and area watersheds in completion of baseline water quality monitoring and special projects.

3. Generates worksheets, performs basic water analysis, and enters results into LIMS.

4. Performs analysis in accordance with established QA/QC protocol.

5. Assures that disposable sample containers are available and that reusable laboratory glass and plastic ware are kept clean and rinsed according to use.

6. Performs advanced instrumental analysis in organic and inorganic lab sections.

7. Upon receiving training, performs microbiological analysis including total coliform and E. coli, heterotrophic plate count, and enterococcus.

8. Assists in research and analytical method development (wet chemistry, immunoassay, instrumental, etc.).

9. Participates in the authoring, review, and revision of Standard Operating Procedures.

10. Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Minimum of one year college with a major in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or related field is required. Strong understanding of environmental sciences and basic water quality is preferred. Courses or work experience related to inland waters, such as limnology, stream ecology, phycology is preferred.

Licensing/Certification:

Must have a valid driver’s license (minimum Class F). If born after January 1, 1984, a valid Missouri boater’s license will need to be obtained within the first month of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

- Be proficient in navigating Microsoft Office and related software computer systems.

- Excellent communication skills, demonstrate a customer-focused orientation.

- Working knowledge of general laboratory procedures.

- Should be perceptive and analytical in nature to be able to make quick and appropriate decisions.

- Ability to:

o Pay attention to detail and review work for accuracy.

o Work courteously with customers and coworkers.

o Successfully navigate various electronic programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suites, other applicable information technology applications, and self-service platforms.

- Maintain adherence to all company policies.

Physical Requirements:

Must be physically able to perform work in the field. Must wear safety equipment (flotation device, hard hat, traffic vest) wherever appropriate. Must be able to perform field surveillance, swim, operate a boat, and lift gear and field instruments in a safe manner.

Working Conditions:

Normal laboratory and office environment. Some fieldwork in watershed or lakes can be expected. Must be able to work during the hours most suited to the needs of the laboratory. Must wear safety equipment (flotation device, hard hat, traffic vest) wherever appropriate.

Miscellaneous Requirements:

- New hires are informed of the requirements of the Internship upon hire, and incumbents must continue to meet the requirements each semester in order to continue employment. Interns who do not meet the requirements may be ineligible for the internship and their employment may be terminated.

- Employee must remain alert and aware of their surroundings at all times and maintain the ability to respond to changing circumstances in a timely manner.

- Must be able to work successfully with diverse groups of people.

TESTING

Testing may be required.

EEO

City Utilities offers equal employment opportunities to individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, genetic information or marital status. Learn more about CU and EEO.