Environmental Sampling Assistant

Description

The Water Utilities Department is hiring one temporary, non-exempt Water Quality Assistant who performs semi-technical work in the water laboratory. This position is typically scheduled Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This is a seasonal position, offering employment from early April through mid-November. The position is eligible for medical health insurance benefits.

The Water Quality Assistant position at the Broomfield Environmental Lab offers a great opportunity for people interested in environmental monitoring to “get their feet wet.” You will assist lab staff in sampling reservoirs, ponds, and streams, gaining experience in a variety of sampling techniques, field instruments and sample processing back in the lab. Opportunities for learning lab techniques such as titrations and microbial analyses are included.

All of our positions offer a unique mix of field and laboratory work, and our team relies on close collaboration to make sure customer needs are met. Staff may also participate in public outreach events.

• Assists with the collection, breakdown, filtration and preservation of samples from reservoirs, ponds, streams, ditches, water treatment plant, and distribution system.
• Assists with the operation of boats to collect pond and reservoir samples.
• Cleans and maintains sampling equipment and city vehicles. Cleans laboratory glassware and sample bottles using specified procedures, including acid-washing. Puts away cleaned equipment and labware in designated storage areas.
• Performs routine Quality Assurance / Quality Control functions such as calibrating and checking field equipment, and verifying and documenting sample pH.
• Provides support to the analytical and operations staff by preparing laboratory reagents and conducting routine laboratory tests according to established procedures.
• Uses Laboratory Data Management System to log incoming samples and analytical results; assists in computer data entry file maintenance, and related clerical tasks.
• Operates city vehicles to collect samples, deliver samples to other laboratories, and other city business. Maintains cleanliness of facility and vehicles.
• Takes proper safety precautions, anticipates unsafe circumstances, and acts accordingly to prevent accidents. Uses all required safety equipment.

Education

• High School Diploma / GED – required
• Completion of at least two college-level courses in biology, chemistry, environmental sciences, or a related field – preferred.

Experience

• Some previous experience with wet chemistry or field sampling experience – preferred.

Years of related experience may be substituted for required education, however education cannot be substituted for the necessary work experience. Candidates must meet the minimum required years of work experience.

Necessary Special Requirements

Must be 18 years of age or older. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and safe driving record for continued employment. New hires must, as a condition of employment, pass the following pre‑offer and post‑offer/hire processes: in‑person or virtual interviews, skills assessment, reference checks, background checks including local police check, sex‑offender registry, DMV check, and pre-placement physical.

• Work is generally scheduled Monday through Thursday.
• In‑person customer/client/team meetings required.
• Regular, predictable attendance required.
• Work is performed at city/county work locations.
• Physical demands described as heavy (exerting up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally, up to 50 lbs. of force frequently, and up to 20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects).
• Required to position self to coordinate loading and unloading boat into pickup truck.
• Carries a bottle and coolers to sample ponds.
• Operates a small boat using oars.
• May swim in open water.
• May occasionally be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, fumes, or airborne particles.
• Tasks may require use of a computer for several hours.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus, color vision, and peripheral vision.
• The noise level in the environment is moderate.
• Travel by automobile required.
• May be exposed to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy weather conditions during sampling tasks.
• Must negotiate hillsides, rocks, or other obstacles while carrying sampling equipment.

Broomfield is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For additional information, please contact