Laboratory Sample Custodian

Summary: While general supervision, responsible for receipt, entry into to the sample receipt log, distribution, and storage of water and wastewater samples. Responsible for maintaining sample chain of custody according to strict Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Texas Commission on Environmental Quality_(TCEQ), and National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) regulations. Provides customer service, responds to and manages phone calls, performs some clerical duties. Maintains inventory of water and wastewater samples according to strict (EPA), (TCEQ), and (NELAP) regulations. Provides customer service in person and over the phone. This position is critical to the overall function of the laboratory.

 Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

•  Receives and distributes a large volume of water and wastewater samples from internal and external customers on a daily basis.
• Maintains computerized inventory of water and wastewater samples from receipt to disposal and disposes of samples as necessary.
• Provides customer service via the telephone and redirect calls when necessary.
• Assists with management of Laboratory Services documents, including filing, archiving, and disposal.
• Assists with receipt, documentation, and distribution of supplies and chemicals purchased by Laboratory Services.
• Prepares sample collection bottles and supplies for customer use.
• Assists with management of computerized chemical inventory.
• Understands and follows workplace safety requirements and safe chemical handling procedures.
• Obtains general understanding of laboratory procedures.
• Supports the divisional operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: High School Diploma or GED required. Experience with Microsoft Office programs, Excel and Word required. Completion of an Associate's Degree in Chemistry, Biology, or Microbiology not required, but desired. Experience working in a customer service/customer oriented environment.

 Knowledge of:

• TCEQ quality regulations, inspection protocols, best practices, and compliance standards.
• Microsoft Office and other computer programs and their use.
• Principles of record keeping and records management.
• Safe work practices, occupational hazards and safety precautions in a laboratory environment.

Ability to:

• Maintain the inventory of large quantities of water and wastewater samples according to the EPA, TCEQ and NELAP requirements.
• Provide courteous and efficient customer service in person and over the phone.
• Do physical labor for extended periods including standing for prolonged periods and frequent heavy lifting.
• Accurately enter data into computer.
• Promoting and enforcing safe work practices.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
• Effective verbal and written communication.

License and certification requirements: A Texas State Driver's License is required.

Physical demands and working environment: Work is performed at City W/WW plants and in the laboratory, with moderate physical requirements; may be exposed to safety hazards, and dangerous tools, equipment, pathogens, and chemicals; full manual dexterity is required for laboratory work; requires vision capacity to perform fine calibrations and differentiate between colored wires and fluids. Must be able to stand for long periods of time and lift approximately fifty (50) pounds. Cannot be color blind. Must be extremely detailed oriented. Some after hours work may be required.

For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.

https://www.applicantpro.com/j/1127315-111610