Laboratory Technician

- SPECIAL NOTES*

Position Details

- Open until filled

- Include resume and letter of interest

- Best to apply by: February 15th

What to Expect

(timeline subject to change)

- Application screening: 3rd week of February

- If selected, preliminary interview: 4th week of February

- If selected, Interview: 1st or 2nd week of March

LOTT Clean Water Alliance is a regional wastewater treatment utility serving Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, and Thurston County. We are proud to be a leader in protecting public health and the environment, and we are looking for a Laboratory Technician to join our team.

As part of our Water Quality team, you’ll perform routine laboratory testing, collect samples, and provide accurate data that keeps our treatment processes running safely and efficiently. This hands-on role offers variety, working both in a modern lab and occasionally outdoors, and plays a part in safeguarding the environment.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, safety-minded science professional who thrives in both laboratory and field environments and is committed to producing accurate, reliable data that supports LOTT’s mission to protect water quality.

Position Description:

Under general supervision, responsible for collecting and preparing samples, performing routine laboratory tests and analyses in accordance with standard practices and for the accurate recording of findings at the LOTT Clean Water Alliance (LOTT) Wastewater Treatment Facilities.

Assigned duties include, but are not limited to the following:

- Responsible for performing routine chemical (organic and inorganic), physical and microbiological tests and analyses for all plant processes, waste stream flows, water, sediment and environmental samples;

- Perform conventional analytical techniques and sampling, including quality control;

- Prepare, standardize and document preparation of testing solutions;

- Assemble test data and maintain accurate and accessible records;

- Report data utilizing various computer programs, such as spreadsheets, database and word processing; provide Operations staff with timely information and results;

- Compile physical data from Operations staff to calculate necessary information;

- Ensure that all hazardous materials are stored, received, used and disposed of in accordance with treatment plant, state, and federal plans and regulations;

- With guidance, operate, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair laboratory instruments and equipment;

- Responsible for complying with laboratory safety procedures, cleaning laboratory equipment, and performing general housekeeping to maintain laboratory cleanliness;

- Maintain logs, files, manuals and procedures in accordance with laboratory requirements;

- Responsible to be constantly aware of safety requirements;

- Safely operate a vehicle to and from offsite facilities, inspection locations, or other location necessary to perform assigned work;

- Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance; and

- Perform other duties as assigned.

Laboratory Technicians work in the LOTT Water Quality Laboratory, located at the Budd Inlet Treatment Plant. Although the facility is designed to optimize working and safety conditions, a number of hazards are present when working with chemical agents, biological samples and laboratory equipment. Additionally, Laboratory Technicians may be required to collect samples in an outdoor environment for both on-site and off-site facilities.

The laboratory is in operation seven days per week and must be staffed by either a Laboratory Technician or Water Quality Analyst every day of the year, including holidays. During weekend and holiday shifts, a single Laboratory Technician or Water Quality Analyst is solely responsible for proper laboratory functioning.

Contacts :

Laboratory Technicians have extensive contact with coworkers, Water Quality Analysts and LOTT Operations staff to share information and resolve technical problems. Laboratory Technicians may have contact with other LOTT staff for the purpose of coordinating work or sharing information.

Supervision :

May serve in a training capacity for Apprentice Operators and Operators.

Accountability :

Laboratory Technicians are accountable for the accurate and timely performance of duties in a manner that complies with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Laboratory tests provide the basis for proper plant functioning. Improper or poor plant functioning may damage the marine environment, degrade water quality or affect the facility’s ability to meet operating permit limits, which represents a significant liability to LOTT.

Knowledge Of

- The principles of chemistry (organic and inorganic), microbiology, biology, physics, and algebra;

- Quality assurance/control techniques and application to the laboratory environment;

- Environmental laboratory analytical instrumentation and equipment including pH meters, dissolved oxygen meters and probes, spectrophotometers, burettes, pipettes and distillation apparatus;

- Industry publication: "Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater;"

- Operation of personal computers and database, spreadsheet and wordprocessing software;

- Laboratory hazards, hazardous material use and handling, and related MSDS; and

- Wastewater treatment plant functions, operations and sampling procedures.

Skill In

- General laboratory testing, analytical methods including wet chemistry or conventional methods;

- Performing complex mathematical calculations, such as statistical analyses, chemical calculations, and algebra; and

- Skill in written and verbal communication.

Ability To

- Employ necessary safety precautions applicable to work environment, such as proper/safe use and storage of equipment, materials, supplies, and personal protective equipment;

- Operate and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment;

- Work independently and as a team to plan and organize work assignments;

- Work in a potentially dangerous physical environment with exposure to offensive odors and fumes and potentially hazardous chemicals and biological agents;

- Lift, bend, climb and stand as necessary to perform work assignments such as collecting samples;

- Maintain accurate records of laboratory analyses; and

- Maintain effective working relationships.

Associates degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or closely related field and one year work experience performing qualitative and quantitative analyses of environmental samples required. Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or closely related field may be substituted for work experience. Additional experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis. Work experience in an accredited or certified laboratory preferred. Washington State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification is desired.

Additional Requirements :

Must possess a valid Driver’s License. Must participate in LOTT’s Health and Safety Program.