2025-A Wastewater Laboratory Technician (7/2025)

This position is responsible for performing regular chemical, bacteriological, and microscopic examinations of wastewater samples. Job duties consist of related analytical, administrative and technical duties. Successful performance contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of plant operations and ensures compliance with state and federal regulations. FLSA status is Non-Exempt.

This position can start as an entry-level position in the Wastewater Department and has educational and growth requirements/opportunities. Applicants who currently possess a
Grade II or higher Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator license/certification would start at a higher level.

The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or logical assignments for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions in this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for this particular position.

LABORATORY OPERATION (60%)
Performs technical laboratory functions.
Organizes and manages laboratory activities.
Maintains lab facilities and instruments in clean and well-functioning conditions.
Recommends budget funds for adequate operations.
Mixes chemicals required laboratory and plant operations.
Runs specific tests on wastewater samples to determine chlorine and dissolved oxygen levels.
Recommends courses of action based on findings.
Runs ADEM required tests at designated intervals.
Evaluates plant processes through the analysis of lab data.

TREATMENT PLANT OPERATIONS (10%)
Performs wastewater treatment operations as needed.
Operates wastewater treatment plants in compliance with ADEM requirements.
Makes rounds of plants at designated intervals to monitor wastewater samples and equipment; adjusts equipment as needed.
Operates process equipment to include valves, pumps, engines, and generators; recognizes process problems and critical conditions in unit processes.
Operates electrical controls, including timers.
Monitors control panels, meters, and gauges.

SYSTEMS & EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE (10%)
Performs maintenance duties.
Installs new equipment.
Performs minor plumbing, welding, and cutting.
Assists in maintaining plant grounds.
Performs preventive routine, preventive, and emergency maintenance on wastewater vehicles and equipment.

RECORDS & REPORTING (10%)
Maintains records and prepares reports.
Assembles and reports data from testing and lab analysis.
Assists in preparing discharge permit and monitoring reports.
Records results of specific tests on wastewater samples.
Maintains equipment maintenance records.

OTHER RELATED DUTIES (10%)
Responds to emergency after-hours calls.
Assists in training new employees.
Performs related duties as assigned.

H igh School Diploma/GED is required.
E xperience in Wastewater plant operations preferred.
M ust test for a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator intern certification/license within eighteen (18) months of employment and receive certification within twenty-four (24) months OR currently possess an Alabama Grade II-IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator license.

The following requirements are normal for this classification. Specific requirements may not apply to all positions within this classification but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position. The following list was developed through job analysis; however, it is not exhaustive and other duties may be required and assigned.

J ob duties are typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, bending, crouching, or stooping. Employees frequently lift light objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.
J ob duties are typically performed in an office, at wastewater treatment facilities, and outdoors, occasionally in extreme or inclement weather. Employees may be exposed to machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, or irritating chemicals.
J ob duties require the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.
J ob duties require the ability to deal with and relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions.
J ob duties require the ability to talk, express, or exchange ideas by means of spoken words and/or hear and perceive the nature of sounds by ear.
J ob candidates must be able to adapt to and perform under moderate stress.
J ob duties require regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
City of Prattville employees are required to obtain knowledge of the City of Prattville Policies and Procedures, and knowledge of their specific department rules, policies, and procedures. This job description does not necessarily include all the duties which may be required of individual employees in the classification. Job descriptions may be revised as needed.

K nowledge of department and city policies and procedures, and relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
K nowledge of work safety principles.
K nowledge of safety hazards in working with wastewater and associated chemicals and the required protections and precautions.
K nowledge of wastewater treatment principles, practices, operations, materials, and equipment.
K nowledge of laboratory analysis principles.
K nowledge of chemistry, mathematics, and biology.
K nowledge of SCADA systems and operations principles.
K nowledge of federal and state regulatory requirements.
K nowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
K nowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to analytical procedures.
K nowledge of the maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment.
K nowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to sample collection and laboratory procedures.
K nowledge of data analysis and records management principles.
S kill in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of water samples.
S kill in the operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
S kill in planning, organization, and decision making.
S kill in the collection and analysis of data and in the preparation of reports.
S kill in taking accurate readings from gauges and samples and make proper adjustments.
S kill in oral and written communication.
S kills in performing minor plumbing, welding, and cutting.
A bility to learn and understand manuals and guidelines.
A bility to analyze a variety of situations and make sound judgments.
A bility to calculate proper gauge settings and related figures.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
M ust provide proof of your legal right to work in the United States.
M ust be able to lift at least 50 pounds.
M ust possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
W illing to work overtime.
W illing to cooperate with the workload of the department.
W illing to attend continuing education courses.
W illing to comply with City of Prattville rules and regulations.
M ust submit to drug screenings for this safety sensitive position.
M ust be familiar and able to effectively and efficiently utilize Microsoft Word and Excel, and any software programs utilized in coordination with the job.
M ust accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.

EEOC COMMITMENT:
The City of Prattville is committed to maintaining equal employment opportunity by considering job applicants and employees for hiring and advancement on the basis of job-pertinent individual differences and not on the basis of extraneous factors such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetics, status as current or former uniformed service member, or any other classifications protected by law.