Public Services Apprentice

Job Description

The laboratory analyst apprentice performs entry level work through a training program to learn the laboratory testing methods for the analysis of water, wastewater, stormwater and industrial wastewater samples at a State certified laboratory. Performs routine professional work involving the chemical, physical, biological and bacteriological analysis of water, wastewater, industrial wastes and sludge from water or wastewater treatment processes. May be assigned to laboratory or pretreatment section.

Essential Tasks

• Under the supervision of a laboratory analyst, the apprentice performs work associated with the laboratory analysis of water, wastewater and industrial samples;
• Collects random water and wastewater samples from collection, treatment and distribution systems in High Point locations;
• Conducts regular and special chemical analysis of samples of water, wastewater and by-products of the treatment process to determine efficiency of treatment and chemical constituents;
• Performs physical, chemical and biological analyses including pH, titrimetric, colorimetric, electrochemical, bacteriological, etc.;
• Performs field analyses as needed using field meters;
• Sets-up automatic samplers, collect wastewater compliance samples from Industrial Users;
• Investigates spills, performs Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) inspections;
• Compiles data, manually and automated, prepares and maintains records and reports;
• Responds to water problem complaints by citizens, checks problems, collects water sample, completes analyses and notifies citizens of results;
• Performs other job-related duties as required;
• Ensures that all work is performed in accordance with OSHA and City Safety Standards and Policies.
  
  

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Formal Education
• Coursework towards a 4-year degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biology, environmental science or related science field.
• Valid North Carolina Driver's License
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a municipal or environmental laboratory or pretreatment program preferred.
  
  

Physical Requirements

Hearing/Speaking - Expressing and/or receiving information by means of spoken word are both necessary to communicate with other lab personnel in conveying information and citizens who call with questions and complaints about their water.

Visual Abilities - the ability to perceive via eyesight is required for this position:

• Acuity, far - clarity of vision at 20 feet or more. Important in collection of samples from developed and undeveloped locations in order to view entire work site. Both eyes 20/25 - R 20/30 - L 20/30 corrected.
• Acuity, near - clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Must be able to read, follow and perform EPA and NC analytical protocols. Both eyes 20/22 corrected.
• Depth perception - Three-dimensional vision and the ability to judge distance and space relationships to see objects where and as they are. Important when performing two tasks with different hands and looking from one project to the other which may be at different distances. Depth Perception - 4.
• Field of Vision - the area that can be seen up and down or to the right or left while eyes are focused on one point. Important for safety reasons, to have a wide span of vision when eyes are fixed on the task at hand, but other chemicals are nearby.
• Accommodation - Adjustment of lens of eye to bring an object into sharp focus. This item is especially important when doing near-point work at varying distances from the eye. Important to be able to adjust lens of eye quickly when working on a project such as collection samples (near-point work) and having to look away to check area for approaching people, vehicles, animals, etc.
• Color Vision- Ability to identify and distinguish colors. Necessary to determine water discoloration and titration end points.
  
  

Physical Strength - degree of physical demands typically associated with this position include:

• Light Work
• Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally; and/or
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force frequently; and
• A negligible amount of force constantly to handle or move materials related to the position
• Type of Physical Demands
• Reaching - Extending the hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction but normally to the front or side).
• Handling - Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hand(s).
• Fingering - Picking, pinching or otherwise working with fingers primarily rather than the entire hand or arm.
  
  

Mental Activity/Requirements

Reasoning

• Ability to apply principals of local thinking to work assignments, practical situations and requests made by supervisor; to comprehend and respond to a variety of chemical analysis and applications in an expedient manner; to comprehend the potential danger of chemicals, their by-products and all safety regulations governing them. Good judgement is essential.
  
  

Mathematics Ability

• Using arithmetic: Ability to use mathematics associated with chemical analysis, unit conversions and reporting of data
  
  

Language Ability

• The ability to read manuals, instructions, directions, report information analysis results, safety regulations and other documents related to the job. The ability to write figures and make various reports. The ability to be conversant in voice and diction so as to participate in discussions with other employees, supervisor and the general public.
  
  

Environmental Conditions

Physical Surroundings

• The laboratory analyst apprentice is subject to working inside or outdoors.
  
  

Hazards

• The laboratory analyst apprentice is exposed to various chemicals, both known and unknown, associated with water and wastewater treatment and analyses. Work is subject to final standards of OSHA on bloodborne pathogens.
  
  

Machinery/Tools/Work Aids/Other Equipment

• Motor vehicle, computer, calculator, printer/fax/copy machine, measuring devices, manuals, ordinances, Personnel Resolution, regulations, reports, records, correspondence, periodicals, manhole pick, manhole cover lifter, sludge judge, fore sampler and operate equipment including pH meters, conductivity meters, DO meters, chlorine meters, hot blocks, balances, water baths, ovens, furnaces, burets, pipettes, incubators, autoclaves, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, automatic samplers, calculators reference materials, telephone, regular office supplies, or other laboratory equipment and forms related to the job.
  
  

Our Commitments

The City of High Point is committed to be an Equal Opportunity Employer which celebrates diversity and seeks to attract and retain the best qualified partners in service to the Citizens of the City of High Point. The City of High Point is an at-will employer and employees may be terminated or may terminate their employment at any time with or without reason for any reason not prohibited by law.

The City of High Point is committed to classifying and compensating its employees fairly and equitably for the work they do weighed with both the internal capabilities and the external market. While the job description is not intended to and does not create a contract of employment, we are excited to use this "living document" as a guide for managing performance and positions to ensure job descriptions are reflective of the current work required by the incumbent or expected by any candidate to whom an offer of employment is extended.

The City of High Point is committed to providing a safe, comfortable working environment to all employees. To that end, we are proud to comply with all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, as well as make reasonable accommodations to candidates and employees as we are able in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Candidates selected for employment must undergo (a.) a physical to determine whether they will be able to safely complete the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation (b.) a drug screening, in accordance with the City's drug and alcohol policy and (c.) a background screening to determine whether there is any current, pending or previous charge, conviction or other infraction deemed incompatible with service in the capacity for which the candidate is being hired. Successful results from all three of these conditions will result in an offer of employment.