Laboratory Technician I

Aquarion Water Company is the public water supply company for more than 750,000 people in 72 cities and towns throughout Connecticut, as well as serving customers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. It is the largest investor-owned water utility in New England and among the seven largest in the U.S. Based in Bridgeport, CT, it has been in the public water supply business since 1857. Across its operations, Aquarion strives to act as a responsible steward of the environment and to assist the communities it serves in promoting sustainable practices. Aquarion Water Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eversource.

Job Summary

The Laboratory Technician I is accountable to the Manager, Laboratory Services and supports the Water Quality Management Team by performing chemical, physical and microbiological laboratory analysis on water samples as requested. Works primarily in the laboratory and in sample receiving either testing water samples or preparing water samples for delivery to Contract Laboratories. Assists in Quality Assurance and maintenance of the analytical instruments and laboratory work areas. Supports the Water Quality Field Services group with Quality Assurance, testing equipment maintenance and field work as needed.

Principal Responsibilities

​​​​Performs water analyses using methods and procedures approved by the EPA, and other regulatory agencies.

• Microbiological Analyses:
  • Preparation of media and reagents.
  • Bacteriological analysis by membrane filter method, multiple tube fermentation, chromogenic substrate technology, and pour plate techniques.
  • Prepare samples for plankton analysis for identification and quantification of algae.
  • Preparation of samples for other microbiological analyses by the Contract Laboratories.
• Physical and Chemical Analyses:
  • Preparation of Color and Turbidity standards, reagents, and standard curve.
  • Physical and inorganic chemical analysis of water using approved methodology (color, turbidity, specific conductance, pH, chlorine).
  • Prepare samples for Organic testing (TOC, DOC and UV-254).
  • Preparation of samples for chemical analysis by the contract laboratories.
• Adheres to Quality Assurance procedures by EPA, Conn. DPH, NELAC, Aquarion, and/or other regulatory agencies for sample collection, analysis, data quality and laboratory instruments.
  • Maintains the QA database and participates in proficiency evaluations and inspections.

Principal Responsibilities (Continued)

• Maintains analytical instruments according to manufacturer suggested guidelines.

• Supports the sample management process by receiving samples and distributing them to appropriate labs. Prepares samples for shipping to other contract laboratories by generating correct work order: packing and shipping coolers and maintaining the chain of custody. Confirms that the work orders match with the sample bottles received before shipping the samples.

• Performs data entry into LIMS the results generated by AWC as needed.

• Supports Water Quality Field Services group with preparation of sample preservatives, field equipment QA maintenance and sample collection in Pb/Cu and Deeps programs as needed.

• Supports the Water Quality Customer Services Coordinator with resolution of customer concerns by providing analytical support as needed.

• Performs all duties in a manner consistent with company safety procedures for analytical laboratories and general driving safety. Maintains a clean and orderly work area. Reports any unsafe conditions to the Manager, Laboratory Services and/or Director, Water Quality. Responsible for performing afternoon lab safety check prior to leaving for the day.

• Available for weekend work according to established department on-call schedule and on an emergency basis.

• Assists in the training of technicians, interns, and summer help.

• Supports Utility Operations department in the handling of leak and main extension samples.

• Performs other tasks as assigned by the Manager, Laboratory Services.

Preferred Requirements

• Familiar with computer software like Microsoft Office.

• Ability to use problem solving skills in interpreting microbiological data to inform Manager, Laboratory Services of the possible water quality problem and communicate information to Water Quality Management Team for further investigation.

• Able to identify analytical problems with method, equipment or analyst; determine source of problem and provide remedy.

• Ability to detect unsafe condition and take appropriate action.

• Ability to adjust to