This is highly skilled work in the laboratories of the Harford County Division of Water and Sewer. Work involves chemical, bacteriological, and physical testing and analysis of raw, partially treated, and treated water and/or wastewater and by-products to determine the efficiency of plant processes and to ensure that plant effluent meets local, State, and Federal requirements, also the chemical bacteriological and physical testing of drinking water to ensure that it meets the Safe Drinking Water Standards of Local, State and Federal authorities. An employee in this class must have the ability to train others in performing this work. Work is on a rotating shift basis including weekends so as to control plant and laboratory operations and maintain grounds and equipment. The Laboratory Technician may oversee the work of the laboratory assistant. General supervision is received from the Superintendent of Laboratories. Examples of Duties
(The following examples illustrate the work performed in the positions in the class. Positions may require some or all of these examples depending on the organization of work within the department. The list is not inclusive. A position may require duties not listed, if necessary, to accomplish the work of the department.)
Prepares chemical and bacteriological media, stains, reagents, and test solutions used in the laboratory.
Performs quality control procedures on prepared media, stains, reagents, and test solutions to ensure compliance with laboratory quality assurance programs.
Responsible for the standardization of laboratory stock standards, acids, and bases.
Assembles instruments, equipment, and media necessary for the various tests.
Conducts tests on samples of treatment plant raw water and/or influent, partially treated water and/or wastewater, sludge, effluent, and other by-products.
Records and interprets test results and is able to perform corrective actions for questionable results for a routine test such as BOD5, total phosphorous, and total nitrogen analyses.
Assembles data maintains records and prepares reports on work.
Advises supervisor of test results so that adjustments can be made if necessary.
Keeps abreast of new techniques in the field so that testing procedures can be refined.
Responsible for the maintenance of the Material Safety Data Sheets and Personal Protective Equipment Program.
Performs weekly and monthly testing of safety and fire equipment.
Prepares monthly safety reports for the Superintendent of Laboratories.
Adheres to all safety rules and regulations.
Assists the Superintendent of Laboratories in implementing OSHA, MOSHA, and Laboratory Safety Program.
Instructs others in the performance of routine laboratory tests.
Assists the Superintendent of Laboratories with laboratory inventory and supplies.
Cleans and maintains laboratory equipment.
Troubleshoot malfunctions of routine laboratory equipment such as automatic samplers, distillers, autoclaves, meters, etc.
Responsible for handling Harford County residents and the County department's drinking water complaints.
Assists in maintaining laboratory quality assurance program to ensure compliance with state drinking water certification program, NPDES, SDWA, and any other Federal, State, and local regulations.
Performs specifically assigned duties to ensure laboratory compliance with these mandated programs. This may include input into Excel spreadsheets, after proper training.
Performs special projects assigned by the Superintendent of Laboratories.
Samples and conducts tests on industrial waste discharges, special water quality studies, and drinking water samples.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Knowledgeable in the operation of routine laboratory equipment such as automatic samplers, distillers, autoclaves, meters, etc.
Thorough knowledge of the theory, principles, and practices of wastewater and water chemistry, laboratory analysis, and treatment analysis
Knowledge of laboratory supplies, equipment, and nomenclature
Ability to perform chemical and bacteriological tests, and interpret results
Ability to keep records and prepare laboratory test reports
Ability to train others
Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time
Ability to reach and lift light to medium-weight objects
Exposure to atmospheric conditions, such as odors
Knowledge of Software such as Microsoft Office & Promium LIMS (Element)
EDUCATION: Possession of an A.A. Degree with a major in chemistry, laboratory technology, sanitary technology, or in a closely related field.
EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years of experience in laboratory testing and analysis of wastewater and water in a treatment plant.
CERTIFICATION/LICENSE:
Must obtain a valid Maryland Drinking Water Sampler License within six (6) months of acquiring the position.
A valid Class C non-commercial driver's license with no more than three (3) points may be required for some positions in this class.
SAFETY:
Must comply with Harford County Safety Manual, the Facility Safety Manual, the Facility Chemical Hygiene plan, and any other Lab-specific safety programs.
Participates in all Safety Training provided under the Water and Sewer Operations annual safety training program.
Notes
Specific chemical, biological or microbiological college courses may be substituted for the experience at the rate of one (1) year of college for one year of experience only. The applicable or job-specific education substitution will be at the sole discretion of the County.
Additional experience as described above may be substituted for the college degree at the rate of one (1) year of experience for each year of college. The applicable or job-specific experience substitution will be at the sole discretion of the County.
The degree option requires proof by the selected candidate.
A County issued pager or cell phone may be required for this position.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT - WATER & SEWER:
Nature of operation requires an employee to be available on a shift, on-call, and/or emergency basis. The employee could be contacted by pager or cell phone and the use of a pager or cell for contact is required.
Work is on a rotating shift basis including weekends, so as to control proper operation of the facilities.
The employee will be required to maintain his/her MDE certifications/license in good standing
Effective April 2007, all personnel in the Lab Technician specification, in order to maintain a satisfactory personnel rating, must retain their MDE Certifications and must annually successfully complete analyses for determining the value of quality assurance samples from the Environmental Resource Associates (ERA) or equivalent contractor in the following parameters:
WASTEWATER - pH, BOD, TSS, TRC, TP, and any one Nitrogen value (TKN, etc.)
WATER - pH, Turbidity, TSS, TRC, Fluoride, any one nutrient value
FRINGE BENEFITS
(Effective July 1, 2023)
ANNUAL LEAVE - Begin accruing first day of employment and cannot be taken until successful completion of probationary period, EXCESS of 40 DAYS [320 hours] will be deposited into an 106 Premium Reimbursement Account.
0 months - 3 years 1 day per month (12 days per year)
4 years - 9 years 1 ¼ days per month (15 days per year)
10 years - 15 years 1 ¾ days per month (21 days per year)
Over 15 years 2 days per month (24 days per year)
* Please note that leave is prorated according to your status determined by actual hours worked*
SICK LEAVE - Begin accruing first day of employment (UMLIMITED ACCUMULATION)
1 day is allowed after first month of employment
1 ¼ days per month accumulation
PERSONAL LEAVE - For new employees, personal leave is prorated according to schedule below, for the first year only. Any employee on board as of December 31st of each year automatically receives 8 days as of January 1st the following year. (NOTE: Personal Leave may not be taken until successful completion of probationary period; personal leave will be lost if not taken before December 31st of each year.)
1/1 to 1/31 6 days 4/1 to 4/30 3 days
2/1 to 2/28 5 days 5/1 to 5/31 2 days
3/1 to 3/31 4 days 6/1 to 6/30 1 day
7/1 to 12/31 0 days
FAMILY LEAVE - Up to 12 weeks per year
FUNERAL LEAVE - 3 days + 1 day for extended travel
MILITARY LEAVE - 3 weeks per year with no loss in pay for Reserve or National Guard Training, Active Duty and serving during emergencies.
CIVIL LEAVE - No loss in pay while serving Jury Duty.
RETIREMENT - State Pension System (7% employee contribution)
COUNTYFLEX - Provides the employee with a range of health care and other employee benefit options which gives employee the opportunity to design a benefit plan that best meets the employee's needs. Employee may use available credits to purchase the following:
HEALTH INSURANCE - CareFirst Triple Option and BlueChoice Opt-Out Plus Open Access and Kaiser Permanente (all plans include prescription drug coverage)
DENTAL INSURANCE - CareFirst Dental PPO Plus Plan and CareFirst Dental PPO Plan
VISION INSURANCE - Provided through BlueVision Plus
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS - Provided through American Fidelity. Employees may fund health and child care expenses on a pre-tax basis.
PRE-TAX - All deductions for health, dental, vision and flexible spending accounts are subject to deductions from paycheck before federal and state taxes are applied.
LIFE INSURANCE -
Provided through MetLife - $50,000 policy - NO COST TO EMPLOYEE
SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE (TERM/WHOLE/UNIVERSAL AND AD&D)
Provided through MetLife.
LONG TERM DISABILITY - Provided through MetLife.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION -
Lincoln Financial Group - Retirement Consultant David Weiland
Phone 410-236-2494 Email- Dave.Weiland@LFG.com
[Customer Service Representative 1-800-234-3500]
RETIREE HEALTH CARE INSURANCE BENEFITS-
Employees hired on or after 7/1/2010 will have an automatic Retirement Health Savings account made available as the primary retiree healthcare benefit. This 105(h) Universal Reimbursement Account will only be able to be accessed upon separation of service and/or retirement whichever applicable. These accounts are employer funded, tax free, & portable with 20 different Nationwide investment options.
These funds are solely for the use of offsetting your premium health care cost, prescriptions, co-pays and deductibles. Upon death funds are made available immediately to the surviving spouse or qualified dependents (as defined by the IRC 152 (a).
DEATH BENEFITS - PAID BY COUNTY
50% of accumulated sick leave
All accumulated annual leave
Personal leave (maximum of 2 days)
$50,000 life insurance
One (1) month's salary
PAID BY RETIREMENT
One year's pay (after 1 year's service) plus employee's contributions refunded with interest.
