Laboratory Technician Plant Operator

The City of Lebanon is recruiting a talented and motivated individual to join our team as a Laboratory Technician Plant Operator, Grade 7 AFSCME Union position. This position performs responsible technical and operational work involving the performance of complex chemical, bacteriological and physical tests, and operations in the wastewater treatment and collection facilities to ensure compliance with federal, state and local permits, regulations and laws for the Public Works Department by ensuring that plan performance and water quality meets federal and state regulations. Performs all other related work as required.

 All Public Works positions are required to participate in winter snow operations, inclement weather & seasonal events, and other emergency related activities. Overtime is required outside of the normal scheduled hours of this position. Overtime includes 2nd and/or 3rd shifts, responding to emergency situations including participation on weekends when required.

Essential Functions:

(The essential functions, or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.) 

• Performs routine wastewater analyses such as chlorine residual, biochemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, suspended solids, and other related wastewater or biosolids tests to measure the effectiveness of wastewater treatment processes and for compliance with applicate state and federal laws.

• Supervises and/or performs routine and periodic physical, chemical, and microbiological tests for potable water to assure water quality standards are met.

• Evaluates and verifies plant performance and water quality in meeting federal and state regulations by meeting all sampling requirements required by federal and state agencies, reviewing operating data and evaluating it against plant operating standards.

• Ensures the quality and acceptability of laboratory results in accordance with the laboratory quality assurance program.

• Recommends and/or takes appropriate action to prevent discharge of sub-quality wastewater. Coordinates with operational personnel to assure acceptable effluent and potable water quality. Monitors water and wastewater entering the treatment plants to detect discharge of unlawful and dangerous substances into the City’s potable water source and wastewater collection system.

• Performs the daily operations and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant and facilities to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and requirements. 

• Cleans, services, and makes minor repairs to all treatment equipment, including pumps, mixers, and related equipment.

• Performs general preventative maintenance tasks necessary for the care of the treatment plant facilities including janitorial duties.

• Coordinates work activities with other utility operations and other public works divisions and city departments. Establishes priorities for work assignments within laboratory units and allocates work to laboratory personnel and/or plant operators. 

• Assists with the administration of the Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) and the Source Water Protection Programs. Monitors industrial and commercial wastewater dischargers to ensure the needs of the wastewater treatment and collection facilities are met, to enforce applicable state and local laws and for the protection of City employees.

• Plans and organizes work according to related regulatory needs and operational requirements of the treatment facilities and necessary for regulatory reporting. 

• Prepares and implements laboratory testing procedures and training programs for employees. Adheres to and enforces laboratory safety and work rules. 

• Generates operating reports and maintains necessary and appropriate records as required by department and city policies and procedures. 

• Assists with the development of the annual operating budget for the facility.

• Makes recommendations to the Wastewater Treatment Superintendent for long-term capital improvements. 

• Assists in the performance of winter operations, construction, repair or maintenance of the utilities collection and distribution system as required.

• Responds to snow emergencies to shovel and remove snow and ice from walkways steps and pavements; assists equipment operators in plowing, sanding and/or salting operations. May be assigned to drive 1-ton and/or sidewalk plow. Working outside of normal scheduled hours weekdays and on weekends in inclement weather is required. 

• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates. 

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience:

• Associate’s degree.

• Three to five years’ experience at a water or wastewater treatment plant facility.

• Experience in operating a snowplow, loader, or sidewalk plow.

 Other combinations of education and experience that qualify an individual to perform the requisite job duties and responsibilities may be considered. 

Knowledge, Ability and Skill: 

• Thorough knowledge of water and wastewater plant operations and maintenance including SCADA operation.

• Thorough knowledge of state and federal drinking water and wastewater rules, regulations, and reporting requirements.

• Thorough knowledge of automated computer spreadsheet and word processing software.

• Ability to use computers and small digital devices such as cellphones, laptops, tablets, or other related electronic devices necessary to perform Public Work functions and activities. 

• Considerable knowledge of chemistry, biology, electricity, electronics hydraulics, instrumentation, and mechanics. 

• Knowledge of general engineering principles and practices

• Knowledge of supervisory practices, budget development and management.

• Working knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions involved in the work performed.

• Ability to collect, assemble and interpret laboratory information.

• Ability to interact positively with the public, co-workers, and city officials.

• Ability to proficiently operate computer with appropriate software.

• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

• Ability to operate power hand tools.

• Ability to work effectively under time constraints to meet deadlines.

• Skill in operating equipment mentioned in description.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license required with a good driving record.

• Ability to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within 1 year of employment.

• Ability to obtain a NH DES Grade IV Wastewater Operation Certification within 1 year of employment.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 Lift or move: up to 60 pounds or more: occasionally

Stand: up to 2/3 of the time per day

Walk: up to 1/3 of the time per day

Sit: up to 2/3 of the time per day

Talk or Hear: up to 2/3 of the time per day

Use hands to finger, handle or feel: more than 2/3 of the time per day

Climb or balance: up to 1/3 of the time per day

Stoop, kneel, bend, crouch or crawl: up to 1/3 of the time per day

Reach with hands and arms above head and shoulder and below knees: up to 2/3 of the time per day

Taste or smell: more than 2/3 of the time per day

Vision: vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus at or correctable to normal ranges.

The position walks and stands for long periods of time. The employee lifts, pushes, pulls or carries objects; uses abdominal and lower back muscles to provide support over time without fatigue. The position requires good manual dexterity (hand, hand with arm, two hands) and multilimbed coordination. The position requires the ability to quickly move arms and legs. The employee must have excellent stamina. 

Job Environment:

 • Works up to 1/3 of the time under variable weather conditions and in high, precarious places; more than 2/3 of the time with toxic or caustic chemicals, fumes, or airborne particles, and near moving mechanical parts. Work environment has a moderate level of noise.

 • Operates an automobile, trucks in excess of 26,000 pounds, light trucks, hand/power/pneumatic and power tools, laboratory equipment, heavy and light equipment, computer, office machines and telephones.

 • Interacts frequently with vendors, contractors, engineers, septage haulers, inspectors, and the general public. Communication is generally in person and by telephone and involves an information exchange dialogue.

 • Errors could result in delay or loss of service, and personal injury to self and/or others, damage to equipment, and possible financial and/or legal repercussions. 

To apply, please go to LebanonNH.gov/Jobs to access the City’s online “Career Portal” application system.   

Competitive salary is enhanced by a comprehensive, flexible spending benefits package that includes:

• Health Insurance with an employer-funded HSA
• Dental Insurance
• Paid Vacation Leave, Sick Leave, Personal Leave & Paid Parental Leave
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• New Hampshire Retirement System Enrollment