Lab Field Technician I

Compensation Range

$26.56 - $34.53

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Job Description Summary

The Weld County Public Health and Environment Laboratory (Greeley, CO) is searching for a full-time Laboratory Field Technician I. The position will primarily collect municipal water samples and run microbiological analysis on them. Duties may include, but are not limited to, water sample collection, couriering, and processing; Quality Control/Quality Assurance activities at the laboratory; and assisting at the county's Household Hazardous Waste facility. The ideal candidate will have great customer service skills, the ability to work independently, and experience with a water quality laboratory and/or water collection. This position may require interacting with other county departments, external governmental agencies, private businesses, and public clients. Normal work hours are Tuesday - Saturday 8am - 5pm. However, work may be required outside of these days and/or hours.

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Job Description

Public water and private well water sample collection - 70%

• Demonstrate proficiency in public water and private well water field sample collection and processing. Routine laboratory preparation, cleaning, maintenance, and simple bench chemistry. Display initiative, effort, and adaptability. The following activities may be conducted within the water collection program:
• Collects, processes, and analyze water samples, input data results for final review for clients.
• Completes and passes proficiency testing for microbiology programs.
• Utilize technical equipment in the course of routine collections.
• Offer input to department leadership with ideas or suggestions on how to improve a program.
• Acquire and retain knowledge of policies, procedures, and various local, State, and Federal regulations related to laboratory programs.
• Assists with the laboratory quality assurance plan and follow good laboratory practices.
• Complete assigned work and duties in a timely manner.

Administrative - 20%

• Enter data into several different computer programs; learn and apply new computer skills on a regular basis.
• Works with Microsoft Windows, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, Adobe, database user interface and query software (client databases), and web browser software works with Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Ability to clearly communicate information and ideas verbally and in writing, and interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Maintain sensitive and confidential records information. Follow the Weld County Code of Conduct and adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines, including HIPAA, and the appropriate non-disclosure and/or release of information.
• Obtain continuing education related to program responsibilities. Keep up-to-date technically and apply new knowledge to the job. Complete position-specific training for public health emergency response activities.
• Achieve and maintain all relevant credentials required (i.e. Ethics training, safety trainings, HIPAA training, etc.).
• Offer input to department leadership with ideas or suggestions on how to improve a program.
• Acquire and retain knowledge of policies, procedures, and various local, State, and Federal regulations related to laboratory programs.
• Thorough knowledge of spelling, punctuation and grammar, and modern office practices, procedures, equipment, technical terminology, and filing techniques.

Customer Service - 10%

• Use exceptional customer service skills to respond to community needs, enhance public relations, coordinate activities, and represent the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment to promote and maintain a positive public health image and foster pride and professionalism in the workplace and community.
• Explains microbiology methods to owners and managers of establishments.
• Responds to customer questions and complaints; refers highly technical questions and callers requiring further information to appropriate staff members.
• Ability to work well in a team environment; work with a diverse group of people; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, professionals, other departments, agencies, and the public.
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Required Qualifications

Required Education

• High School Diploma/GED from an accredited institution and 2 years in a water laboratory environment or
• Associate's Degree from an accredited institution in environmental, chemistry, or closely related fields.

Preferred Education

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution in environmental, chemistry, or closely related fields.

Preferred Experience

• 2 years in Federal and State regulatory water sample collections.

Skills and Abilities

• Candidate must pass a background check.
• Bilingual in Spanish (read, write, and speak) is preferred.
• Candidate must pass criminal background check prior to employment start date.
• Driving is essential in this position. Candidate must pass a MVR check prior to employment start date.

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Quality Technician-ASQ Acquire Colorado Water Operators Certification within 1 Year Required
• DL NUMBER - Driver License, Valid and in State Must have and maintain a valid Colorado driver's license and use of personal, insured vehicle. Dependable transportation and auto insurance, maintained at all times, as required by state law.
• Pre-employment substance screening is required for this position.
• This position is subject to a pre-employment drug screening. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing the screening in accordance with Weld County policy.

This position is non-exempt from the minimum wage and overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore eligible for overtime pay.

As an applicant for this position, you should be aware of Senate Bill 19-085, the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The act requires employers to announce the pay range for job openings.

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Use the link below to get a closer look at the generous benefits offered:

https://www.weld.gov/Government/County-Information/Join-Our-Team/Employee-Benefits

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Weld County is an equal employment opportunity employer. We ensure that all employment practices are conducted without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. Weld County pledges to uphold a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, promoting fairness and dignity for all employees. We actively take affirmative action to comply with nondiscrimination policies and invite qualified individuals in need of reasonable accommodations to contact our Human Resources Department at humanresources@weld.gov or (970) 400-4234.