Laboratory Technician I, II - Microbiology (SG-408-25E) WWRF

Job Description:

Laboratory Technician I, II - Microbiology (SG-408-25E) WWRF

Description

JOB POSTING

THE SANITATION DISTRICTS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
invites applications for the position of:
POSTING #SG-408-25E

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN I, II
Microbiology

LOCATION:
TECHNICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, LABORATORIES SECTION, MICROBIOLOGY GROUP, A.K. WARREN WATER RESOURCE FACILITY, CARSON

NOTE: The work schedule for this position is 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, including weekends and holidays. The employee will be required to return to work beyond regularly scheduled hours in response to emergencies, or report to San Jose Creek Laboratory as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
To collect environmental samples and perform a variety of routine chemical, biological, or microbiological tests and analyses.

JOB SUMMARY:
Under the general supervision of a Supervising Scientist, the incumbent performs standardized and non-standardized microbiological analyses to test for indicator and pathogenic microorganisms from a variety of environmental and wastewater treatment sources; prepares media, standard solutions and reagents; inspects, adjusts, cleans, maintains, troubleshoots and operates laboratory equipment, supplies and work area; maintains lab reagent/supply inventories and maintenance logs, performs bench-level and fieldwork; responds to spill and stormwater events; assists upper-level classes with special research projects, sample analysis, and report preparation; utilizes Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for data entry and performs peer data review; keeps laboratory records and prepares routine laboratory reports; and performs other duties as required.

This job may be filled at either level. The LABORATORY TECHNICIAN I is the entry-level training class in the series. Incumbents perform a variety of laboratory tests following standardized procedures or detailed instructions. The LABORATORY TECHNICIAN II is the experienced working-level class in the series. Incumbents may perform a broader range of both standardized and non-standardized tests and analyses. This class differs from the Laboratory Technician I class by the greater technical knowledge and the greater independence of action.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A valid California Class C driver's license for positions performing on-the-job driving

-AND- For LABORATORY TECHNICIAN I, any education or experience which provides the knowledge and skills listed.

For LABORATORY TECHNICIAN II, twelve semester units of college chemistry -AND- Two years of laboratory experience conducting chemical, biological or microbiological analyses and tests in sewage or water treatment operations. A bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology or closely related science may substitute for one year of experience.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
Working experience with microbiological media preparation; microbiological testing for coliform bacteria and other indicators of fecal contamination; testing for human pathogens, i.e., bacteria, parasites, and enteric viruses; mammalian cell culture assays; molecular analyses; working experience with computers, LIMS, statistics, QA/QC protocols, the California Environmental Accreditation Program (ELAP) and The NELAC Institute's (TNI) 2016 Standard.

EXAMPLES OF ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The competitive selection process may cover a knowledge of : The principles of bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, virology, molecular biology, microscopy, lab safety, QA/QC practices, microbiology lab accreditation requirements, techniques, equipment, chemicals, reagents, materials and terminology used in the laboratory; scientific method, statistics, and experimental design. The ability to : Perform a variety of routine and non-routine microbiological analyses; communicate effectively orally and in writing; drive to various Districts' facilities and sampling sites; keep records and prepare reports; maintain and troubleshoot microbiology laboratory instrumentation and equipment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please apply online at www.lacsd.org within the application period. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed LACSD Employment Application or online application. Check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as notifications may be sent via e-mail. Please make sure that your registered email address is accurate and current. To ensure proper delivery add info@governmentjobs.com to your contact list.

SELECTION PROCESS:

• Applications and Supplemental Questionnaires will be reviewed and evaluated for relevant experience and/or coursework.
• Candidates considered to have the best qualifications will be invited to the written examination.
• The selection process will consist of a written test weighted at 50%, and an interview weighted at 50%. A final selection interview will be completed by section supervisors and managers.
• Candidates must receive a qualifying score on each selection component to move forward in the selection process.
• Prior to appointment, a thorough reference check will be conducted.

NOTE:
The individual(s) recommended for hire must undergo a job-related pre-employment physical, which includes an alcohol test.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Shelley Glasman at ext. 1340.

As an equal opportunity employer, the Districts strongly encourage people with disabilities and people from historically marginalized communities to apply.

To learn more about how the Sanitation Districts converts waste into resources, please visit the following video:
Converting Waste into Resources

RETIREMENT

• CALPERS: The Districts belong to the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), and all monthly status new hires will be enrolled in CalPERS. Most new hires will be enrolled in the defined benefit formula of 2% @ 62 in accordance with the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and are required to contribute to the plan (7.75% for the 24/25 fiscal year). Those who qualify based on current or previous public service may be enrolled in the defined benefit formula in place on December 31, 2012, which was 2% @ 55 and are considered “classic” members. For “classic” members, the Districts pay the “employee share.” Please contact the Human Resources Department for more information regarding contribution rates. Although Districts employees are exempt from Social Security, employees are required by federal law to contribute a percentage of their salary for Medicare coverage.

• DEFERRED COMP MATCH: For some bargaining units, the Districts provides a matching contribution to an eligible deferred compensation plan pursuant to Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. The match with each paycheck will be the lesser of: 3% of the employee's base monthly salary as listed in the Salary Schedule; and the amount the employee is contributing with that paycheck. The annual total combined employee and employer contribution are subject to IRS limits.

COMPENSATION

Employees receive annual salary increases until reaching step 5 of the salary range and are provided with opportunities to promote. Cost of living adjustments are implemented annually in accordance with labor agreements.

HEALTH INSURANCE

• MEDICAL: Districts paid. Employees may choose from several HMO and Indemnity plans. As of January 1, 2025, the Districts contribute $2,305.28 per month for medical insurance. Depending on the choice of health plan, the Districts contribution covers all or a large portion of the premium for family coverage.

• DENTAL: Districts paid. The Districts pay the full premium for employee and dependent coverage for a prepaid dental program which provides for most routine dental care through a panel of contracting dentists with no deductibles. Employees are eligible to enroll in an indemnity plan if requested within thirty days after completion of three years of employment (sooner for some bargaining units), or during subsequent open enrollment periods.

• VISION: Employee paid.

• LIFE: The Districts pay for a term life policy. Employees can buy additional types and amounts of life insurance coverage at group rates.

LEAVE TIME

• VACATION: Employees receive 88 hours of paid vacation after one full year of service, increasing up to 128 hours per year after five years, 168 hours per year after 15 years and up to 208 hours after 25 years. Prior to one year of full service, employees are given partial vacation time on January 1, based on the time worked in the preceding year.

• SICK LEAVE : Eight hours of full-pay sick leave per month.

• PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 24 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons. Some bargaining units allow up to 40 hours per calendar year from current sick leave for personal reasons.

• PAID PARENTAL LEAVE: Employees may use up to 80 hours of paid parental leave for each birth, foster placement and/or adoption (regardless of the number of children involved) as determined by the parental leave policy.

HOLIDAYS
13 paid holidays and one-half paid holiday depending on the employee's work schedule.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
Employees may be eligible for tuition reimbursement for approved accredited course work.

STUDENT LOAN PAYMENT REIMBURSEMENT
For some bargaining units, the Districts will provide student loan payment reimbursements for principal or interest paid by the employee on a qualified education loan incurred by the employee for the education of the employee. The annual maximum reimbursement is $5,250 and the lifetime reimbursement limit is $21,000.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & OTHER BENEFITS

• A rewarding career contributing to society and the environment.
• Flexible work schedules (e.g. 9/80 schedule) depending on the worksite.
• Clear policies and procedures.
• Health and safety programs.
• Carpool opportunities with monetary incentives depending on the worksite.

More detailed benefits information can be found here: Districts Benefits

NOTE: The provisions of this posting do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this posting may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Updated December 26, 2024

Closing Date/Time: 12/18/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$6,641.00 - $8,950.00 Monthly