Bioassay Lab Technician

PTS Advancehas an immediate need for a Wastewater System lab technician toprovide critical support to the Environmental Department related to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) wastewater discharge permit compliance. We are looking for someone to split the lab duties with other staff members so that we always have staffing through any weekends/holidays/sick days.

Support is in the form of fish bioassay setup/monitoring; Bioassay Laboratory supply and maintenance; NPDES Permit chemical/biological sample collection; chemical analyses and field monitoring (industrial wastewater effluent and stormwater samples. Additionally monitoring and sample collection in support of special compliance projects and investigations is periodically required. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday (8-hour days) with occasional overtime and weekend/holiday work required.

The Wastewater System Laboratory Technician must be able to work independently and effectively communicate results and observations. This position reports to the Environmental Departments Water Specialist.

Major Accountabilities

• Maintain ELAP accredited Bioassay Laboratory facilities: order track and maintain laboratory chemicals and supplies and keep the laboratory clean and organized
• Perform weekly NPDES Permit required fish bioassay tests following EPA procedures including reference toxicant tests. Additionally maintain fish cultures for use in testing
• Perform all necessary NPDES permit required sampling of treated and untreated industrial wastewater effluent and stormwater following US EPA and permit-defined procedures. Prepare samples for shipment to or pick up by outside commercial laboratories
• Perform necessary chemical monitoring and on-site analysis in accordance with Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) requirements
• Perform sampling and monitoring required to assess and maintain regulatory compliance. This includes Microtox analysis DOUR analysis dissolved oxygen pH conductivity ammonia chlorine alkalinity and hardness analysis.
• Communicate monitoring results and analytical work in an accurate and timely manner
• Create and maintain spreadsheets to track chemical inventory corrective actions chain-of-custody forms lab data establish trends identify real/potential issues and aid communication
• Collect field samples in all weather conditions of industrial waste industrial wastewater tank products or process gases
• Conduct field audits in support of the environmental waste water and air programs
• Follow all facility health and safety protocols

Minimum Desired Competencies

• A degree in the natural sciences (i.e. aquatic toxicology) or related field is preferred
• Environmental laboratory and industrial facility experience is preferred. However a combination of relevant education and experience will be considered
• Ability to work independently in an industrial setting
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience in collecting environmental samples for chemical analysis
• Possession of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) or the ability to obtain one
• Completion of OSCA RSO Refinery Safety Training (to be given if hired)
• Computer competency (Microsoft Word Excel)