Senior Laboratory Technician

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Job description

DIVISION: Operations

DEPARTMENT: Laboratory Services

UNION/GRADE: Unit 9/Grade 15

BASIC PURPOSE:

Performs routine tests, using prescribed procedures, on water, air, and wastewater. Performs routine duties to assist scientists, including the compilation and preparation of data and the operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general supervision of the Laboratory Supervisor II, III.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

None.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Performs set-ups of more complex analytical equipment and instrumentation, in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
* Operates equipment to perform established testing procedures in accordance with SOPs.
* Assists in chemical or biological analyses.
* Provides technical assistance to Laboratory Technicians and Laboratory Assistants and assists in training new personnel and temporary help in standard procedures and laboratory safety.
* Prepares standard solution reagents, media, and related materials to use in testing.
* Monitors the performance of, and performs routine calibration and maintenance duties, on laboratory instruments and equipment. Performs minor adjustments or repairs. Reports equipment malfunctions or other problems to supervisor.
* Performs checks to assure that the gathering of samples is in accordance with SOPs.
* Performs checks/edits to assure the accuracy to test data.
* Reviews reports, identifies discrepancies, and suggests or takes corrective action.
* Operates computer data terminal/personal computers to enter data into the LIMS system.
* Assures the accurate calculations, computation, compilation, summarization/tabulation of test data. Utilizes standard applications software summarization/tabulation of test data. Utilizes standard applications software package to prepare accurate statistical and graphic reports and displays as instructed. Modifies report formats using software as instructed.
* Monitors the supply of materials and supplies against established quantities, and informs supervisor of low levels as necessary to maintain adequate stock. Performs duties to assist in taking inventories of supplies and equipment.

SECONDARY DUTIES:

* Cleans and maintains assigned work area and follows procedures to ensure safety and avoid accidents and injuries.
* Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

* An associate degree or equivalent in chemistry, biology or a related scientific/laboratory field, with related mathematics courses including algebra; and
* Two (2) years experience of related environmental laboratory experience; or
* Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

* Familiarity with basic laboratory testing procedures, the operations, calibration and maintenance of basic laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
* Knowledge of techniques used for the accurate handling of data.
* Skill in the use of special application software.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

* A valid Drivers License.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Laboratory equipment and instruments, telephone, personal computer including word processing and other software, copy and fax machines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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 duties.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to reach with his arms and use hands to handle, finger, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and smell.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a laboratory environment. The employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts, is frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions, and occasionally works in high, precarious places and is exposed to fumes and airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and the risk of electric shock.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the laboratory and moderately loud in field settings.

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or veteran status.