Wastewater Lab Technician

Wastewater Lab Technician

CITY OF WAUSAU is Now Hiring Wastewater Lab Technician

Opening Date:  November 13, 2023                                            

Closing Date:  December 4, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.

Salary Information: Hourly salary range $23.91 – $31.56.  Starting rate DOQ.  This position is classified as Non-Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Purpose of the Position: Under the direction of the wastewater superintendent, operate and maintain the laboratory facilities at the wastewater treatment facility.  Coordinate, schedule, and complete testing to ensure accurate and timely reporting to the appropriate regulatory authorities. Organize and maintain records of test results, operation and maintenance activities, chemical usage, safety data sheets, and plant reference materials.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Responsible for the management of the wastewater lab, all sampling and analysis, equipment, WPDES reports, scheduling sampling events, and ensuring compliance with sampling requirements/methods.
  2. Performs in house lab analysis on the following wastewater samples including, but not limited to, pH, BOD, TSS, TS, VS, FS, VSR, Total/Ortho and speciations of Phosphorus, Fecal Coliform & E.coli, Nitrogen Series, Alkalinity, and microscopic examination of MLSS to determine overall health of treatment system.
  3. Collects all grab, composite Wastewater samples for laboratory analysis.  To include, plant influent, effluent, and all sludge/biosolids samples.
  4. Prepares schedules to ensure sampling and testing is in accordance with WDNR and the WPDES permit requirements, completed accurately, and on time.
  5. Responsible for scheduling Commercial lab services, ordering sample containers, preparing chain of custody forms and shipment of samples.  Commercial Lab services are used when required testing falls out of the certification scope of the in-house lab.
  6. Responsible for the preparation of WPDES/WDNR permit required reports for review and submission by the Superintendent. Includes DMR long and short forms, quarterly and annual sludge/biosolids reports and process control reports.
  7. Prepares annual budget for Superintendent review and approval.
  8. Orders lab supplies as necessary to maintain a fully functionable laboratory and update reagent logbook.
  9. Assists with daily operations of the plant, assesses process control data, and provides recommendation to treatment system changes based on data analysis results.
  10. Follows established QA/QC procedures for sampling and testing, completes and maintains records for compliance, evaluates trends and identifies permit exceedances.
  11. Organizes and prepares lab data for triennial Lab Audit.
  12. Maintains Biosolids application records for nutrient management program, prepares WDNR land applications for new application sites and calculates biosolids application rates.

Education and Experience Requirements

  • Associate’s degree in related field -or- three or more years of experience in Wastewater Treatment plant operations and Laboratory operations.
  • Proficient at performing advanced wastewater laboratory testing including but not limited to pH, BOD, TSS, TS, VS, FS, VSR, Total/Ortho and speciations of Phosphorus, Fecal Coliform and E.coli, Nitrogen Series, Alkalinity, and microscopic examination/identification.
  • WDNR Advanced Wastewater Certification with subgrade L, or the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire date.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Intermediate knowledge level – Microsoft Excel and Word
  • Basic knowledge level – Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Ability to analyze inventory, data and information using established criteria, in order to determine consequences and to identify and select alternatives.  Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure and/or sort, as well as assemble, copy, record and transcribe data and information.  Ability to classify, compute, tabulate, organize and categorize data.
  • Knowledge of basic wastewater sampling and testing methods and requirements.
  • Ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and information such as meter reading records, job tickets, vehicle maintenance reports, invoices, time sheets, blueprints, maps, distribution system maintenance records, employee performance appraisals, technical operating manuals, computer software operating manuals, construction plans, municipal codes, procedures, guidelines, and non-routine correspondence.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with Department personnel, City committee members, the general public, and other City Department personnel.
  • Ability to add and subtract, multiply, and divide, and calculate percentages, fractions, and decimals.
  • Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory and/or judgmental criteria.
  • Ability to operate equipment and machinery with some requiring complex and rapid adjustments, such as computer, calculator, cellphone, radio, cable, and pipe locating devices and motor vehicles.
  • Ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, forms, sounds, tastes, and odors associated with job-related objects, materials, and tasks.
  • Ability to follow directions, and complete work assignments by deadlines.
  • Ability to organize data, records, and reference materials in both electronic and hard copy format.
  • Ability to work and interact with employees and citizens in accordance with the City’s Core Values.

Physical and Working Environment: Moderate exposure to environmental conditions that impact physical comfort such as poor ventilation and temperature extremes.  May require specialized clothing or use of common personal protective equipment.  Damage to clothing possible.

Physical effort required in walking, standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, and lifting (lift and carry objects weighing 60 pounds or less, and push or pull objects weighing up to 100 pounds) while performing shop and field maintenance work.

To Apply

Application link:  https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wausauwi/

Applications must be complete and include an attached resume to be considered for this position.

The City of Wausau is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.