Environmental Laboratory Analyst III

 

This position is represented by the AFSCME union and starting pay is $25.51/hour. This position is eligible for step pay increases and potential progression increases. The top end of the current progression increase for this position is $35.91/hour. Please reference AFSCME's collective bargaining agreement located at: http://www.a2gov.org/departments/Human-Resources/Pages/Compensation-and-Contracts.aspx  (check appropriate Union CBA for progression)

 

Benefits offered with this position include:

    * Defined benefit pension plan

    * 401a with City match

    * Optional 457 Deferred Compensation plan

    * Reciprocal Pension Credit, available for pension-qualified applicants

    * Retiree health reimbursement account

    * Very generous medical/dental/vision/pharmacy plans

    * Paid vacation, personal time, floating holiday, plus sick days. Unused vacation and sick time roll over

    * Short-term and long-term disability, life, and AD&D insurance

    * Flexible spending accounts

    * You can earn up to $500 annually by participating in our Wellness Incentive Programs. These dollars will be deposited into a health reimbursement account (HRA), which can be used toward eligible health care expenses

    * Tuition reimbursement $5000, must be employed 1 year to be eligible

    * Employee assistance program

    * Voluntary benefits like accident coverage, critical illness, LegalShield, and Identify Theft

 

   Essential Duties

 

    * Performing a variety of chemical, physical, microbiological and biological analyses to determine and monitor the water/wastewater quality and plant treatment processes

    * Collecting and preparing samples from various diverse sources for laboratory analyses

    * Preparing media, buffers, solutions and reagents required in analysis

    * Operating, calibrating and maintaining analytical instruments, sampling apparatus and laboratory equipment

    * Adhering to and insuring quality control and quality assurance of laboratory data, reports and records prescribed by Standard Methods, MDEQ and EPA

    * Maintaining laboratory supplies

    * Compiling, analyzing and maintaining laboratory data records

    * Cleaning, preparing and sterilizing materials and equipment for laboratory work

    * Performing all work in accordance and compliance with laboratory safety practices and procedures, the Chemical Hygiene Plan, and the City of Ann Arbor policies and procedures

    * Ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations including, but not limited to, hazardous materials

    * Providing information, analytical support and laboratory services to City clients and customers, the community, other municipalities and environmental organizations

    * Ordering, receiving, issuing and maintaining records of laboratory equipment and materials

    * Providing on-the-job training in the use and operation of laboratory procedures, instruments and equipment

    * Serving as a resource on water quality, environmental safety and other laboratory related issues

    * Developing and implementing new laboratory procedures

    * Completing work process demonstration and documentation

 

   Related Work

 

    * Assisting and participating in analytical studies and research involving laboratory work

    * Attending training sessions

    * Involvement in public information and educating the public on environmental issues affecting the community

    * Performing related work as assigned

 

Knowledge of: (position requirements at entry)

    * Basic knowledge of Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QAQC)

    * Basic knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, math and statistics

    * Standard laboratory principles and procedures

    * Safety rules, codes and regulations pertaining to work and laboratory practices and procedures

    * Proper operation, use, maintenance and handling of laboratory materials, chemicals, media, instruments and equipment

 

Skills and Ability to: (position requirements at entry)

    * Communicate through oral and written instruction, with the ability to understand and follow oral and written policies, procedures and instructions

    * Perform a wide variety of laboratory analyses, duties and responsibilities with accuracy and precision

    * Quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by training and technology

    * Work in a team environment

    * Demonstrate basic time management and organization management techniques and methods

    * Identify problems and find solutions

    * Use computers and software applications (e.g. Microsoft Office, Excel, Word)

 

Equipment

 

Personal computers, laboratory instruments and equipment, safety and personal protective equipment (PPE), miscellaneous office equipment, motor vehicle and boat

 

Training and Experience (position requirements at entry)

    * Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major work in analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, environmental science or a closely related academic major, plus a minimum of two years experience in a related field, or

    * Three years of college work (90 semester credit hours), with a concentration in chemistry, microbiology or environmental science, plus a minimum of three years experience in a related field.

 

Licensing Requirements (position requirements at entry)

 

Valid driver’s license

 

Physical Requirements

 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

 

The physical ability to perform climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, driving and repetitive motions

 

Incumbents mix chemicals for testing and routinely work with biological contaminants requiring the use of both normal and specialized protective equipment. Observe or monitor objects and data to comply with safety standards and measure volume using calibrated instruments. Continuous, repetitive and precise arm/hand movements are made when dispensing and measuring liquids and solid volumes. Some lifting and moving of objects such as sample containers weighing up to 50 pounds may be required when performing laboratory analyses. Also, in connection with performing laboratory analyses, bending and stooping to retrieve samples weighing up to 50 pounds is common. When carrying supplies, incumbents may walk over uneven and slippery surfaces as well as climb ladders and stairs. Incumbents distinguish colors while conducting a variety of chemical tests, and respond to various audible alarms coming from testing equipment. The physical ability to enter into and exit a boat, carrying equipment, samples, etc., if necessary (rowing may be required). The ability to safely operate a motor vehicle as incumbent may be subject to local and long distance travel. It is common for incumbents to stand or sit for extended periods of time with the ability to move about at will.  

 

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.