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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
Laboratory Technician II

Recruitment #22-20003632-002
Date Opened: 10/28/2022 12:00:00 AM
Close Date: 11/11/2022 11:59:00 PM
Qualification Date: December 11, 2022
Job Type: Original Entrance
Salary: Starting Annual Salary $55,996.98hour

How to Apply: Go to http://districtjobs.org by November 11th to submit an application.

General Statement
Under supervision, performs all required analyses of sludge, sewage, soils, plant tissue, microbial populations, radiological materials, industrial wastes, and other materials as part of the research or quality control functions of the laboratory; is responsible for specific laboratory apparatus, may act as leader of a work group, or may monitor assigned research projects.

Essential Job Functions
Essential job functions are fundamental, core functions common to positions in a classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are designed to be descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents may complete one or all of the job duties listed or tasks of similar kind not specifically listed here.
·        Assembles and operates laboratory apparatus and field equipment for analytical or research work.
·        Performs sample analysis according to defined procedures.
·        Carries out specific analytical work under the supervision of professional chemists, biologists, and engineers.
·        Calculates and collates results of work performed and prepares reports as directed including preparation of analysis data in specialized formats.
·        Leads designated work groups in carrying out their assignments.
·        Monitors assigned research projects.

Other Job Functions
·        Assists in preparation of all standard reagents used in routine analyses.
·        Performs other duties as assigned.

Environmental Conditions
May involve exposure to a variety of chemical and biological materials, some of which may be hazardous or toxic. May involve exposure to fumes and noxious odors.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
·        Thorough knowledge of basic laboratory techniques and laboratory safety.
·        Knowledge of metric weights and measures.
·        Skill in the use of common laboratory equipment and instruments.
·        Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
·        Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
·        Ability to perform basic arithmetic and record data accurately.

Original Entrance - Examination


Duties: Under supervision, performs all required analyses of sludge, sewage, soils, plant tissue, microbial populations, radiological materials, industrial wastes, and other materials as part of the research or quality control functions of the laboratory; is responsible for specific laboratory apparatus, may act as leader of a work group, or may monitor assigned research projects.

Minimum Requirements: Graduation from a standard senior high school or the equivalent, two years of full time study at an accredited college or university majoring in chemistry, biology, microbiology or a science curriculum involving chemical or biological laboratory work, and one year of full time paid experience in a chemical or biological laboratory, preparing laboratory apparatus and performing waste or wastewater analysis. Substitution: Full time paid experience in a chemical or biological laboratory performing analyses, such as BOD, COD, suspended solids, pH standard tests on oils and greases, or other similar routine analyses, may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Examination: The examination will consist of a written test weighted 100%. The minimum passing score on the written test will be 70% unless determined otherwise by the Director of Human Resources. Candidates must achieve a passing score to have their names placed on the eligible list.

The written test will assess candidates' knowledge, skill and ability in areas such as microbiological and chemical principles and techniques; calculations used in microbiological and chemical analysis; and laboratory safety and principles.

Examination Process: All applicants will be advised by email if they have been admitted to the examination process. Applicants who do not receive a response to their application by Tuesday, November 29, 2022 should contact the Employee Selection Office at (312) 751-5100.

WRITTEN TEST: The written test will be administered on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, 3857 W. 111th Street, Chicago, IL 60655.

Candidates should report at 9:00 a.m. with the approved admission letter and driver's license or other form of photo identification. Calculators will be provided. The use of books, study guides, cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, laptops or other aids during the test is prohibited.


Original Entrance - Appointments

Appointments will be made from an eligible list with three categories: A (Exceptionally Well Qualified), B (Well Qualified) and C (Qualified). Candidates in the highest category will be given first consideration for appointment. This examination is also being given on a Promotional basis. In instances where both Original Entrance and Promotional eligible lists result from an examination process, it is the District's practice to appoint only from the Promotional eligible list until all names from that list have been considered. The eligible list has a duration of three years. Appointment is subject to successfully passing a physical examination, a drug test, an evaluation of the candidate's ability to meet the specific physical demands of the job and a criminal history background investigation.