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Water Utilities Laboratory Intern

City of Oshkosh
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Interns will work half the summer in the Water Filtration Plant and half in the Wastewater Plant.

WATER FILTRATION SUMMARY
 
This position provides support for the operation of the plant by assisting the Environmental Health Specialists with conducting routine laboratory tests and analysis, and performing basic plant operations. This position works under the general supervision of the Environmental Health Specialists, Plant Supervisor, and Plant Manager.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Conducts routine chemical and microbiological laboratory testing including Fl?, Cl?, pH, HPC, bacti, and other tests as required.
  • Performs minor laboratory equipment repair and routine maintenance.
  • Cleans and prepares laboratory equipment and supplies.
  • Maintains log sheets and performs manual data entry on plant computer system.
  • Assists in the accumulation of lab samples from distribution and plant processes.
  • Performs basic plant operations.

 

WASTEWATER SUMMARY
 
This position provides support for the operation of the laboratory by assisting the Chemist with conducting routine laboratory tests and analysis. This position works under the general supervision of the Chemist, Plant Supervisor, and Plant Manager.
 
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
 

  • Conducts routine chemical and microbiological laboratory testing including BOD5, total suspended solids, residual chlorine, total phosphorous, pH, ammonia, fecal coliform and other tests as required.
  • Performs minor laboratory equipment repair and routine maintenance.
  • Cleans and prepares laboratory equipment and supplies.
  • Maintains log sheets and performs manual data entry on plant computer system.
  • Assists in the accumulation of lab samples from sewage collection system, septage vehicles, and plant processes.

 

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • One or more years of college level biology, microbiology or chemistry.


Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Basic knowledge of the principals and practices of chemical and microbiological laboratory testing.
  • Basic skill in the use of personal computer programs, including word processing and spreadsheet programs.
  • Ability to collect and record data.
  • Ability to read, write and understand and follow oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to conduct work in a safe manner in accordance with established safety rules and procedures.
  • Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
  • Ability to develop, foster, and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Ability to build, foster, and maintain a positive public image.


In evaluating candidates for this position, the City may consider a combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Standard office machines and equipment such as: personal computers, printers, telephone, fax machine, 10-key calculator, copy machine, MS Office Suite software and Laboratory Information Management Systems, as well as standard laboratory equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described in this position description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear.

The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle or operate delicate precision instruments, and to reach with hands and arms. The employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Work may require the employee to traverse the entire Water Filtration Plant which may require the wearing of a hard hat, safety vest, safety glasses and any other required safety gear.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, the ability to adjust focus and color determination.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee may work outside and occasionally be exposed to wet and humid conditions, fumes, airborne particles, traffic and toxic or caustic chemicals. They may be subject to inclement weather and/or weather extremes during the discharge of responsibilities. The employee occasionally works near moving objects. The noise level in the laboratory is moderately quiet. However, certain areas of the plant have relatively high noise levels and may require hearing protection.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interviews, background checks, and job-related tests may be required. The duties listed in this position description 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 work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.