GENERAL DEFINITIONS OF WORK
To perform all laboratory analysis in accordance with the State of Tennessee Department of Health, Department of Environment and Conservation, the Standard Methods, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Perform quality assurance on all laboratory analysis and record keeping. Works on an assigned shift, performs routine tasks in the operation of a water treatment plant laboratory. Performs specialized and complex chemical, bacteriological and physical test for the Water Plant.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Makes regular inspections of plant and equipment to ascertain that it is always in proper operation.
Operates treatment facilities to control flow and processing of raw water, and effluent.
Monitors gauges, meters, and control panels and keeps logs of readings.
Reports needs for major equipment repair.
Observes variations in operating conditions and interprets meter and gauge readings and test results to determine processing requirements.
Cleans and performs routine maintenance tasks on building and grounds.
Keeps records and makes reports.
Washes and performs maintenance on plant lab equipment.
Operates valves and gates either manually or by remote control.
Start and stop pumps, engines and generators to control and adjust flow and treatment process.
Extracts samples and performs routine laboratory tests and analyses.
Prepares all lab media, sterilization of lab equipment.
Properly takes samples, fills out paperwork to be submitted to the State.
Performs analysis on bacteriological samples.
Must be meticulous and detail oriented and follow protocol as stated in laboratory QA Plan.
Answers customer complaints while securing samples.
Routinely deals with the public handling customer concerns and taking field samples.
Other related duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of modern water treatment plant operating practices.
Ability to inspect plant machinery and online measuring equipment in operation and detect flaws.
Ability to keeps accurate records and make reports.
Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the public and other employees. Knowledge of Rules of Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Bureau of Environment Division of Water Supply Regulations for Public Water Systems.
Ability to apply common-sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Knowledge of water treatment processes and chemical, biological, or bacteriological action involved in each process.
Knowledge of pertinent local, state, and federal regulations and requirements.
Ability to work on own initiative and establish proper testing procedures.
Ability to organize and interpret data and transmit instructions.
Knowledge of the principles of chemistry, biology and bacteriology.
Ability to evaluate and interpret technical data, prepare reports, and maintain communications with personnel and co-workers.
Ability to understand chemical, biological and bacteriological processes pertinent to water treatment and possess sound knowledge of problems and processes involved.
Knowledge of the functions and mechanics of water treatment plant machinery and equipment, and of its servicing and maintenance requirements.
Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with subordinates and other employees.
Ability to deal effectively with the public.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, and individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in job description are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
LANGAUGE AND MATHMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
A high school diploma or GED is required. Bachelor’s degree in biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Geology, Physical Science or related field from an accredited university is strongly preferred.
Experience within the water/wastewater industry will be considered.
CERFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Must obtain a Grade III water treatment operator certification within 36 months of hire.
Must obtain a Grade II water distribution operator certification within 18 months of hire.
Must get state Certified for Bacteriological Testing of Drinking Water.
Must obtain a Grade IV water treatment operator certification to be eligible for promotion to the Senior Laboratory Technician Level.
DRIVER’S LICENSE
Must have a valid Tennessee Driver’s License. If candidate does not possess a Tennessee driver's license it must be obtained in 30 days of hire.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS, EQUIPMENT/ JOB LOCATION, AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Incumbent must be capable of performing laborious tasks over extended periods of time. Incumbents are exposed to dangerous equipment and to heat, cold, rain, noise, and other adverse conditions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and climb or balance.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock. Must be available to work nights, days, weekends, and holidays. May be exposed to toxic conditions. Exposed to weather, fumes, odors, and dust.
Exposed to extreme weather, fumes, odors, and dust. Must be able to lift 50+ as some heavy lifting and pushing are required. Good hand-eye coordination required. Position requires climbing. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
It shall be the responsibility of the City of Lebanon Utilities Department to assess the type(s) of reasonable accommodations which may be necessary to allow the individual to perform the essential functions of this position and to provide such necessary reasonable accommodations to a qualified individual with a disability, if nothing herein shall be construed to require the provision of reasonable accommodations if doing so will impose an undue hardship on the employing agency or a direct threat to the safety of himself/herself or others.