Senior Laboratory Technician

DIVISION: Operations

DEPARTMENT: Laboratory Services

UNION/GRADE: Unit 9/Grade 15

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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 or Laboratory Supervisor III.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

None.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs routine chemical and microbiological analyses and tests and operates all related equipment, assuring adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).Performs set-ups of more complex analytical equipment and instrumentation, also in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Operates equipment to perform established testing procedures in accordance with SOPs.
• Assists higher level staff in chemical or biological analyses.
• 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 take 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:

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science or a related field, including eight college credits in Chemistry or
• An Associate's degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science or related field including eight college credits in Chemistry and two (2) years experience of related environmental laboratory experience;
• 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 Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operators License.

Required to be available for standby duty and in an on call rotation pool.

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 disab