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Water Quality Laboratory Technician I

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Water Quality Laboratory Technician I

Salary

$21.10 Hourly

Location

Las Cruces, NM

Job Type

Full-time Regular

Job Number

J044 06-25 MD

Department

Utilities

Opening Date

06/12/2025

Closing Date

6/30/2025 11:59 PM Mountain

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Nature of Work

Performs sampling and laboratory tests of drinking water, wastewater, soils, composts, and sludge for various parameters as mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), City ordinances and the Laboratory's Quality Assurance Manual (QAM).

Environmental Factors

Position functions approximately ninety (90) percent in a laboratory environment and ten (10) percent outdoors with exposure to all types of weather and traffic conditions; may work primarily outdoors if work tasks consist mostly of field sampling; exposure to fumes, chemical odors, gases, radiant energy, burns, incompatible chemicals, biohazards (including cultured microorganisms and raw wastewater) and hazards from mechanical and electrical equipment. Protective clothing and equipment may include self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), face shields, eye protectors, hard hat, steel toe shoes, chemical protection aprons, hearing protection, gloves, etc.

Physical Factors

Position requires lifting, carrying (with assistance) and pushing items weighing up to seventy (70) pounds; frequent reaching above shoulder height, bending, stooping, crouching and use of a personal computer. Sufficient clarity of speech, hearing, or other communication capabilities, vision or other powers of observation, manual dexterity, and personal mobility and physical reflexes sufficient to effectively and efficiently perform essential job functions.

Work Situation Factors

Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

FIRST CONSIDERATION MAY BE GIVEN TO CURRENT CITY OF LAS CRUCES EMPLOYEES WHO MEET ALL THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS.

Full-Time; Regular; Non-Exempt position.

T his initial posting will be used to fill a full-time, regular, non-exempt position but may be utilized to fill other vacancies to include full time, part time, and/or contract.

This position is a grade RN12.

Duties and Responsibilities

+ Collects samples from drinking water distribution systems and wells, surface waters and treatment facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, application sites, groundwater monitoring wells, and industrial dischargers to perform and record analysis.

+ Maintains instruments, equipment and workspaces; uses reagents, chemicals and standards to prepare working solutions and media per standard formulae; prepares samples, sample containers, and required preservatives.

+ Operates a City vehicle to go to various locations to collect samples; samples various media using approved methods and devices; verifies requested analyses, proper preservation, containers, holding time, and amount; prepares and verifies sample identification and chain of custody documentation; stores, archives, and secures samples as appropriate.

+ Calibrates instruments; uses correct procedures for sample preparation; analyzes parameters such as conductivity, pH, nitrate, total chlorine residual, sulfide and related tests.

+ Records test results and sample observations into laboratory logs; enters data into automated data base; calculates results for preliminary reports; prepares and completes various special and recurring reports and forms.

+ Maintains instrument logs and control data sheets; performs periodic checks that include verifying reagent water quality, heterotrophic plate counts, and total coli form verification.

+ Follows and adheres to all Quality Assurance and Quality Control Guidelines; analyzes blanks, duplicate and spiked samples, and blind performance evaluation samples to evaluate consistency of how methods are used and the proficiency of the Analyst; reports problems and need for corrective actions.

+ Responds to public inquiries regarding test procedures.

+ Ships, sends, and delivers samples to external laboratories; performs regular inventory of supplies and reagents.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate Degree in Water Technology or related field PLUS one (1) year experience in analytical laboratory testing or instrumental analysis in water/wastewater. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Licenses/Certification(s)

Valid driver’s license is required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies. A NM Water Sampling Technician II Certification and a NM Wastewater Laboratory Technician II Certification must be obtained within one (1) year of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: laboratory principles, practices, procedures, equipment and materials; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices and procedures; hazard communication, and material safety data sheets (MSDS); proper labeling, use, storage and disposal of chemicals; microbiology, chemistry, biology and water-related fields; treatment processes and sampling procedures for water, wastewater and sludge; federal, state, county and other applicable regulations regarding water quality, quality assurance and quality control; effective customer service, communication, and problem resolution techniques and methods; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to: perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) equipment; operate a two-way communication device to communicate with other staff; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.

Skills in: reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; collecting samples and maintaining their integrity to ensure the validity of testing; reviewing and verifying data, calculations, and documentation; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.

To view a summary of benefits offered by the City of Las Cruces,

Benefits - Home (https://citylc.sharepoint.com/sites/Benefits)

01

Are you a current City of Las Cruces employee? (If you fail to include this information under the work experience section of your application, you may be disqualified from the process).

+ Yes

+ No

02

This position requires an Associate Degree in Water Technology or related field. Do you meet this requirement? (If you fail to include this information under the education section of the application, you may be disqualified from the selection process.)

+ Yes

+ No

03

I understand and accept that if my response is "YES" to the question above, I agree to provide proof of the required degree and/or transcript (official or unofficial) if recommended for the position.

+ Yes

+ No

04

This position requires one (1) year experience in analytical laboratory testing or instrumental analysis in water/wastewater. Do you meet this requirement? (If you fail to include this information under the work experience section of the application, you may be disqualified from the selection process.)

+ Yes

+ No

05

A valid Driver's License is required for this position. Do you have a valid Driver's License?

+ Yes

+ No

06

If you answered "yes" to the previous question above, please indicate the type of license, license number, expiration date, any restrictions or endorsements, and the state that issued the license. If none, type N/A.

07

This position requires that a NM Water Sampling Technician II Certification and a NM Wastewater Laboratory Technician II Certification must be obtained within one (1) year of employment. Are you able to meet this requirement?

+ Yes

+ No

Required Question

Employer

City of Las Cruces

Address

Phone

575-528-3100575-528-3100

Website

http://www.lascruces.gov

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