Laboratory Intern

This position is non-benefited and may only work a total of 960 hours in a fiscal year(July 1st - June 30th). This position will work approximately 20 hours per week. Must be a college student. Monterey One Water is looking to add a student intern who is eager to learn and ready to help in our Laboratory. This is an exciting opportunity to gain knowledge and experience, acquire skills, and grow your career in the laboratory field. The ideal candidate will be flexible, proactive, helpful, and have strong communication skills. Join the Monterey One Water Team! Definition The Laboratory Intern works under the direct supervision of the Laboratory Supervisor and is responsible for performing the non-technical work in sample preparation, collection of samples, preparation reagents and general glassware washing and cleaning tasks.

- Assists professional staff by preparing reagents and glassware needed for bacteriological, biochemical, or related laboratory procedures which require minimal scientific judgment and observation.

- Assists with the collection of samples in the on-site and in the field and prepares the samples for laboratory analysis; records on a daily log; inputs data into computers and other automated recordkeeping systems according to standardized procedures; prepares and processes samples using prescribed methods such a labeling, concentration, centrifugation, filtration, and other methods.

- Cleans and maintains laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, balances, automatic syringes, pipettes, water baths, and others.

- Maintains accurate records for quality control.

- Maintains strict safety standards.

- Maintains and takes inventory of laboratory supplies.

- Maintains a variety of permanent and portable sampling equipment.

- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

- Laboratory methods and procedures.

- Use and care of laboratory equipment.

- Proper safety precautions and procedures.

- Purpose and use of computers and other automated equipment and standard applications software.

- Names, uses and care of common types of laboratory equipment, methods and materials used in laboratory cleaning work.

- Basic laboratory procedures and aseptic techniques.

- Basic practices and methods of laboratory testing and analysis.

- Basic understanding of operation maintenance and care of wastewater pumping and treatment equipment.

- Principles used in the safe operation, care and maintenance of laboratory equipment.

- Laboratory and plant safety methods and procedures, proper use of personal protective equipment.

- Use and capabilities of computers, automated equipment and standard applications software.

- Basic principles of chemistry, biology, and related sciences.

- Basic principles and methods used in chemical, biological and physical testing and analysis.

- English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.

Ability to:

- Learn chemicals and equipment used in water quality analysis.

- Collect samples at a variety of sites and in varying conditions.

- Operate basic laboratory equipment and instruments.

- Read and interpret a variety of meters, gauges, and recording charts.

- Maintain and update records and logs.

- Follow oral and written directions.

- Recognize unusual, inefficient or dangerous operating conditions.

- Ability to concentrate for extended periods.

- Organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.

- Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment, specialized software application programs, including word processing and spreadsheet software.

- Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.

- Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.

- Work collaboratively in a team environment including ability to accept constructive criticism from co-workers.

- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Education And Experience

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. One year of experience working in a college laboratory environment, i.e. chemistry, biology, or a closely related field.

License Or Certificate

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Driver's license and be insurable with the Agency's insurance at the standard rate, and continue to meet the established driving standards as a condition of employment for this position.

Physical Demands

- Standing & Walking - Standing for extended periods of time and/or walking distances (1 or more miles): 30 min up to 8 hrs per day.

- Lifting - Ability to safely lift 60 pounds to waist level: this requirement includes bending at knees to facilitate proper lifting techniques: 1 min up to 15 min per day.

- Manual Dexterity - The ability to perform multiple work activities requiring a significant level of physical and mental coordination, such as accurate measuring, repair and calibration of instruments, computer keyboard: 1 hr up to 8 hrs per day. Must be able to use hands to hold, shake, twist laboratory equipment during analysis; distinguish visually color, shape, size, and number; and distinguish visually measurements as small as millimeter and a milliliter.

- Visual - Acuity for reading literature and computer screens and ability to detect subtle color changes which are encountered in routine chemical analyses: 30 min up to 8 hrs per day.

- Reflexes - Ability to quickly and automatically respond to emergency and safety situations: 1 min up to 2 hrs per day.

Environmental Elements

Laboratory environment; exposure to fumes, gases and potentially hazardous chemicals.