SUPERVISING LABORATORY TECHNICIAN WATER ANALYSIS

Code: 05458 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction, supervises the activities of subordinate laboratory technicians conducting tests and analyses to determine the amount or concentration of substances found in potable or wastewater samples or other sources; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Conducts and supervises the conduct of laboratory tests and analysis, on water samples from various sources.
• Supervises the preparation of solutions and indicators.
• Performs and supervises routine instrument and equipment repair and maintenance.
• Provides assignments and instructions to subordinates and supervises their work performance.
• Supervises laboratory technicians conducting chemical tests on water samples using gravimetric, titrimetric, and spectrophotometric analytical methods.
• Supervises adherence to safety practices, guidelines, and procedures in the laboratory.
• Supervises the maintenance of laboratory records and files.
• Evaluates and analyses test results which may include BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand), nutrient series including nitrate and ammonia, phosphorous, trace metals such as zinc, copper and manganese, organic chemicals including pesticides and herbicides, volatile organics, and TOC (Total Organic Carbon).
• Supervises the work operations and or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees.
• Supervises and aids in the preparation of detailed reports and processing of related data, and in maintenance of necessary laboratory records and files.
• Operates and supervises the operation of laboratory equipment.
• Supervises the routing and distribution of samples and preparation of sample containers.
• Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

Four (4) years of experience conducting standardized basic chemical and/or bacteriological testing and analysis on water samples.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the methods used to conduct standardized basic tests and analyses on water samples.
• Knowledge of the methods used to interpret chemical and microbiological test results.
• Knowledge of the microbiological principles and practices involved in testing for microorganisms.
• Knowledge of the techniques used to arrange and operate laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used to prepare specimens for examination.
• Knowledge of the safety precautions used to conduct chemical and microbiological analysis.
• Knowledge of the methods used to read and record test results.
• Knowledge of the various chemical compounds and microorganisms found in water.
• Ability to supervise laboratory operations and subordinate technical staff.
• Ability to provide assignments and instructions to staff and evaluate their work performance.
• Ability to record and report test results.
• Ability to test and identify various organic and inorganic compounds found in water samples.
• Ability to isolate and prepare cultures of microorganisms in prescribed media and to identify them.
• Ability to interpret and apply information from laboratory reference manuals.
• Ability to identify a testing problem, select the appropriate test method and interpret the results.
• Ability to supervise the preparation of solutions and indicators.
• Ability to perform routine instrument and equipment repair and maintenance.
• Ability to operate and supervise the operation of laboratory equipment.
• Ability to maintain laboratory records and files.
• Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Successful completion of sixty (60) semester hour credits at an accredited college or university which includes sixteen (16) semester hour credits in chemistry, and a course in organic chemistry, may be substituted for two (2) years of experience.