Wastewater Laboratory Technician - Central Laboratory

Wastewater Laboratory Technician - Central Laboratory

Salary

$23.67 - $35.50 Hourly

Location

Bradenton, FL

Job Type

Full-Time (Hourly)

Job Number

26-00338

Department

Utilities

Opening Date

08/05/2026

Closing Date

8/19/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

General Information

Work Location: 4751 66th Street West, Bradenton, Florida 34210

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm. Weekends and holidays are required.

Expected Starting Hourly Range: $23.67 - $29.59

Performs physical, chemical, and microbiological testing to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations in support of water and wastewater plants and landfill locations. Areas of assignment are water laboratory and wastewater laboratory.

Working Conditions

Indoor laboratory and outdoor field environment. Work may require time outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. High noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Lifting equipment up to 50 lbs. alone; up to 100 lbs. with assistance. Regularly required to work with and around chemical agents, odors, fumes, and other hazardous materials. Work requires the ability to identify colors and odors and bend and stoop to collect samples. Periodically required to work other than normal business hours. Regularly required to drive county vehicles as part of the duties of this job. Depending on area of assignment, may be required to operate a small boat and swim a minimum of 100 yards.

Job Description

Essential Functions

These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Properly collects, evaluates, analyzes, and interprets scientific and technical data and accurately prepares applicable reports.

Conducts routine and special collection and analyses of samples of various types (surface water, ground water, drinking water, wastewater, reclaimed water, etc.) from various locations (Lake Manatee Watershed, Lake Manatee Reservoir, East County wellfield, monitoring wells, distribution system, storage facilities, treatment plants, etc.).

Performs chemical and mathematical calculations. Prepares microbiological media and chemical reagents. Maintains detailed records and reports of work performed and results obtained.

Performs bacteriological monitoring of the potable water system in accordance with the Total Coliform Rule (USEPA).

Follows TNI Standard quality assurance requirements for sampling and analyses as set forth by regulatory agencies (FDOH, FDEP and USEPA) and department operating requirements.

Depending on area of assignment, may performs site visits to investigate and resolves customer inquiries and complaints concerning water quality. Communicates results of investigation to customer in a timely manner.

Calibrates, operates, and maintains field sampling and analytical equipment including sampling pumps, depth samplers, automatic sampling stations, dissolved oxygen meters, conductivity meters, pH meters, multi-parameter in-situ water quality meters, field turbidimeters, and residual chlorine meters.

Maintains and calibrates laboratory equipment, including nutrient auto analyzer, total organic carbon analyzer, ion chromatograph, pH meter, turbidimeter, conductivity meter, spectrophotometer, and micropipettes, following standard operating procedures in accordance with the Laboratory Q.A. schedule.

Follows all established safety standards and procedures.

Maintains knowledge and understanding of current best practices, trends, laws, and issues affecting area of expertise. Upon approval, attends educational events that will increase professional knowledge and be otherwise beneficial to the County.

Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employees qualifications, essential job functions, and applicable federal and Florida law.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelors degree in natural science, chemistry, biology, environmental science, or a closely related field.

One (1) or more years of experience working in a laboratory setting, preferably an environmental laboratory.

Valid driver license required with valid Florida driver license required within 30 days of hire.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

More

Experience working with Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) highly desired.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Able to organize own work and prioritize tasks, adjust to competing and changing priorities, and meet deadlines. Accurate, detail-oriented, and organized. Able to resolve routine situations and problems.

Basic knowledge and understanding of current laboratory techniques, practices, and procedures.

Basic knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job duties.

Basic knowledge and understanding of computer applications and software programs required to perform job duties.

Good written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills in order to deal professionally and effectively with co-workers, management, and other stakeholders. Able to explain facts, policies, and practices.

Work is closely supervised.

Veterans Preference

In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.

EEO/ADA Statement

Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at 941-748-4501 x 3865.

Drug-Free Workplace

Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities

All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

Full Time Positions

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

• ComPsych - offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
• LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
• Five (5) free visits annually for employees and covered family members.

Wellbeing Benefits:

• Wellness/Health Coaches (5 Free per year)
• On-site Fitness Centers for you and your dependents with 24/7 access
• Personal Training (5 Free per year)
• Pharmacy Technician
• Group Fitness Classes
• Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Management
• Diabetes Care Program
• Registered Dietician (5 Free per year)
• Massages with licensed therapist (small copay)

Miscellaneous Benefits:

• Workers' Compensation
• Training/Seminars
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
• Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).

Paid Time Off:

• 12 Paid Holidays including New Years Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Three (3) Personal Holidays
• Personal Sick Leave
• Family Sick Leave
• Sick Leave Bank (Donated Hours)
• Professional Medical Appointment Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Military Leave
• Military Training Leave
• FMLA

Vacation Award: Applies to employees regularly scheduled to work 8 hours per day/40 hours per week.

Years of Service Vacation Days

0-5 16.25 days

6-10 19.50 days

11+ 22.75 days

• Eligible employees may earn an additional 2 days of vacation through participation in the Manatee Thrives program

Insurance:

• Award-winning Health Plan with deductibles as low as $0.
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Prescription Insurance
• Life Insurance (6 times salary at low cost)
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance

Retirement:

• Florida Retirement System (FRS) with Pension Plan and Investment Plan options.
• 457b Tax Deferred and ROTH account options through Voya.
• FRS Webinars
• Free financial guidance with licensed, non-commissioned financial planner

Career Wellness:

• Professional Leadership Programs
• Instructor-Led and eLearning Training
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Career Counseling
• Toastmasters
• Networking Membership (Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance)
• Employee Recognition Programs with monetary and time-off awards

Education Benefits:

• Tuition Reimbursement eligible after six (6) months of Public Service, including GED reimbursement.
• Continuing Education support through Training/Seminars and Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladder.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexible Spending Account:

• Options for Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts providing pre-tax savings.

Permanent Part Time - Benefits

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

• ComPsych - offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
• LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.

Miscellaneous Benefits:

• Workers' Compensation
• Training/Seminars
• Fitness Center Access for employee only
• FRS options
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
• Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).

Paid Time Off:

• 12 Paid Holidays including New Years Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Three (3) Personal Holidays
• Paid Time Off and Leaves of Absence are based on an 8 hrs./day 80/hrs.

per pay-period basis, any work schedule less that this will be earned on

a pro-rated basis

01

VERY IMPORTANT - When answering supplemental questions about experience, education or certification, please be sure the information is reflected in the Education, Work Experience and Certificates and Licenses sections of your application.

Must include Monthly Salary, Name of Employer, Location, Phone Number and Duties for each employer in Work Experience.

Note: "See Resume" is not acceptable.

Identify all gaps not related to medical reasons.

• I acknowledge the above statement

02

If you are claiming Veterans Preference, please check category of eligibility

• A disabled veteran who is eligible for receiving compensation under public law administered by Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense
• The spouse of a veteran who cannot qualify for employment because of total and permanent service-connected disability, or spouse of a veteran missing in action, captured or forcefully detained by a foreign power
• A wartime veteran who has served at least 1 day during a wartime period (active duty for training may not be eligible)
• An un-remarried widow or widower of a Veteran who died of a service-connected disability
• The mother, father, legal guardian, or un-remarried widow or widower of a service member who died as a result of military service under combat-related conditions as verified by the U.S. Department of Defense
• A current member of any reserve component for the United States Armed Forces or the Florida National Guard
• A veteran with a "Honorable" discharge (Active duty for training may not be allowed for eligibility)
• Not claiming Veterans Preference

03

Which level of education have you achieved?

• No high school equivalency
• High school graduate/equivalent
• Associates degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree

04

How many years of experience do you have working in a laboratory setting, preferably an environmental laboratory?

• None
• Less than one (1) Year
• 1-2 Years
• 3-4 Years
• 5+ Years

05

Do you possess a valid Florida drivers license or have the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire?

• Yes
• No

06

Please describe your specific experience in instrumental analysis. If no experience, please type "None".

07

Are you able to effectively perform duties under varying climatic conditions and work safely with chemical agents, fumes, odors, or other hazardous materials?

• Yes
• No

08

What previous roles have you held that you believe qualify you for this position?

Required Question

Employer Manatee County Government

Address 5213 4th Ave Cir E

Bradenton, Florida, 34208

Phone (941) 748-4501 ext. 3865

(941) 742-5627

Website https://www.mymanatee.org