City of DeLand

Job Description

Pay Grade: 115                                                                                     Dept: Lab/Utilities

Exempt: No                                                                                         Reports to: Chief Chemist

SUMMARY: Responsible for lead and technical work involving the operation and maintenance of a NELAP Certified Laboratory for water and wastewater sampling and testing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assumes supervision of the laboratory in the absence of the Assistant Chemist.
• Schedules sampling and analysis under the general direction of the Assistant Chemist and sets up and adjusts laboratory apparatus.
• Conducts sampling and analyses of drinking water, wastewater, sludge, industrial pretreatment and groundwater. Knowledge of standard operating procedures relative to laboratory and field sampling procedures.
• Prepares media and reagents for bacteriological and chemical analysis.
• Cleans and sterilizes laboratory apparatus and glassware.
• Maintains laboratory functions and quality assurance tasks on media, equipment, and supplies in accordance with NELAP Certification requirements.
• Assists in maintaining laboratory inventory of chemicals, reagents, and glassware.
• Assists in the preparation of reports and performs miscellaneous clerical functions.
• Able to perform competent related computer skills.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and /or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma. Applicant must possess a 2 or 4 year Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or related field and at least three years of actual experience in a NELAP Certified Laboratory. A comparable amount of education, training, or experience may be substituted for minimum requirements.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of laboratory practices concerning mixing of chemicals and reagents, preparation of stock solutions, and cleaning of glassware and equipment.
• Skilled in the use of laboratory equipment to include analytical balances, microscopes, field instrumentation, autoclaves, Lachat FIA 8000 auto-analyzer, etc.
• Ability to read safety manuals, operation guides, instructions, letters, memos, journals, maps, work order, blueprints, and professional journals.
• Ability to perform basic and advanced mathematical calculations and shop math (addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, fractions, algebra, calculus, statistics).
• Proficient in computer skills to include Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, etc.
• Knowledge relating to the FDEP Industrial Pretreatment Program and protocol.
• Possess a valid Florida driver’s license.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/ADA: This job requires walking, standing, bending, stooping, and driving. Employee may work in an office environment or outside in various weather conditions. Working in or with moving vehicles and/or equipment may be required as well as working from heights, with radiant energy, with hands, feet and/or legs in water and may handle various solvents and chemicals.

Lifting: 50 pounds or more

Environment: Laboratory Work/ Field

Vision: 20/20 or Corrected to 20/100

Hearing: Normal Noise Levels for Office Environment

*Class Descriptions are not intended to be restrictive. The use of (or absence of) a particular illustration of duties shall not be held to exclude or limit the authority of a Department Head to assign other duties which are similar and related to work.