Environmental Technician

Description

What do you value in your next job?

At the Orange County Sanitation District our Core Values form the framework of our organization and reinforce our professional work ethic. If the following values ring true with you, we'd love to invite you to explore our career opportunities further.

Integrity, Inclusion, Honesty, and Respect
We aspire to the highest degree of integrity, inclusion, honesty, and respect in our interaction with each other, our suppliers, our customers, and our community. We strive to demonstrate these values in our actions, commitments, and service.

Leadership, Teamwork, and Problem Solving
We lead by example, acknowledging the value of our resources and using them wisely to achieve our mission. We strive to reach OC San goals through cooperative efforts and collaboration with each other and our constituencies. We work to solve problems in a creative, cost-effective, and safe manner, and we acknowledge team and individual efforts.

Customer Service, Transparency, and Accountability
We are committed to acting in a timely, accurate, accessible, and transparent manner through excellent customer service. We are committed to act in the best interest of our internal and external stakeholders.

Resiliency, Innovation, and Learning
We continuously develop ourselves, enhancing our talents, skills, and abilities. We recognize that only through personal growth and development will we progress as an agency and as individuals.

Safety
We are committed to providing a safe work environment. We will demonstrate leadership, promote individual accountability, and participate actively in the advancement of our health and safety practices.

OC San is currently looking to fill the role of an Environmental Technician in the General Chemistry, Microbiology, and Sampling Section within the Environmental Laboratory and Ocean Monitoring Division.

Under general supervision, the Environmental Technician performs a wide variety of routine duties in support of OC San's discharge permit. Specifically, the Environmental Technician will:

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Conduct wastewater stream, digester gas, potable water, ocean water and urban runoff sampling activities; perform field testing as needed.
• Organize and label sample bottles on a regular basis.
• Operate and maintain refrigerated auto-samplers.
• Record laboratory equipment temperatures and maintenance performed.
• Log and/or receive samples into a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Aliquot samples into appropriate containers and disseminate to designated laboratory work areas.
• Clean, maintain, repair, and calibrate sampling equipment following established procedures and maintenance schedules or when needed.
• Clean and maintain assigned vehicles including washing and fueling.
• Report needed truck and cart mechanical repairs to the fleet services.
• Inspect sampling facilities.
• Respond, troubleshoot, and correct routine and unexpected problems.
• Participate in both internal and external audits.
• Maintain stock for sampling activities including cups, cuvettes, bottles, buckets, tape, gloves, safety glasses and sampler tubing.
• Receive samples and interact with contract lab couriers.
• Create and maintain chain-of-custodies.
• Wash and clean glassware on a routine basis or when instructed.
• Perform general housekeeping tasks throughout the workday.
• Perform laboratory analyses.
• Perform related duties when assigned to Microbiology or General Chemistry.

Qualifications & Requirements

The successful candidate will possess:

1. High school diploma or G.E.D., supplemented by specialized training or coursework in chemistry, biology, or a related field.
2. One (1) year of related work experience, including experience in performing basic sampling and laboratory testing.
3. Valid California Class C Driver's License.

The ideal candidate should have an understanding of the following:

• Techniques and methods of sampling, sterile technique, sample preservation and sample transport.
• Computer equipment and applications related to the work, including database and spreadsheet applications.
• Basic techniques for gathering and reporting information; principles and procedures of record keeping; and techniques for providing a high-level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and OC San staff.
• Basic operating characteristics of auto-samplers.
• Basic mathematical principles, English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• The ability to follow established safety principles, practices and procedures of all facilities, equipment, and materials in assigned work area.
• Ability to understand related Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.

Recruitment & Selection Process

Vacancies: 1
(an eligible list may be established for future vacancies)

Apply online at: www.ocsan.gov/jobs

APPLICATION FILING DEADLINE: Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 5:00 PM
(or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received)

Hiring Salary Range: $37.34 - $41.15/Hour
(starting salary will be within this range based upon qualifications)

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a laboratory and standard office setting and use laboratory and standard office equipment, including a computer; standing in work areas and walking between work areas is required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.
• Mobility to work in the field and to take samples and conduct inspections at various OC San sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary access points.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle to travel to various OC San sites, projects and/or meetings.
• Perform medium to heavy physical work; standing in work areas and walking between work areas, within treatment plants, and in the field and to conduct inspections and take samples is required.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 51 pounds, or heavier weights on an occasional basis with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; color vision to identify chemical and biological solvents and substances.
• Vision to inspect and operate equipment.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate laboratory and standard office equipment.
• Finger dexterity to operate and repair tools and equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• May be required to work extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays when necessary.
• Probationary Period: All OC San employees, except classifications considered "at-will", are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, policies, and/or resolutions. Employees who have not yet successfully completed their initial probationary period serve "at-will" and may be released from employment without cause or recourse to any appeal or grievance procedures.
• Pre-Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of OC San's preemployment process, which includes a background investigation, a physical examination, and a drug screen.
• Work Location Assignment: Employees will be assigned to a work location based on business needs which may be located at any/all of OC San locations; this work location may be changed at any time.

Disaster Service Workers
All Orange County Sanitation District employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the Orange County Sanitation District requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Other Information
For the full range of duties, responsibilities, and essential job functions please review the Classification Specification for this position found on our website.

Applicants must clearly demonstrate, through their application materials, that they meet the minimum requirements as outlined in the job announcement and class specification to receive further consideration. However, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process.

False statements may be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or discharge from employment. All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.

To ensure your application is accurate and complete, please review the Job Application Guide.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of OC San's pre-employment process, which includes a background investigation and a physical examination. For some positions, this may include a drug screen. False statements may be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or discharge from employment. All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.

Reference Checks will be conducted by OC San to verify employment related information for all potential employees once a contingent job offer is made during the background investigation process. This is done to ensure that individuals who join OC San are well qualified and have a strong potential to be successful in their employment. The extent of the inquiry will depend on the position being applied for, but will at least include:

• Verification/Reference from current and past employers
• Confirmation of necessary licenses, certificates, and degrees.
  

Please have all necessary documentation ready. Additional inquiries may be necessary depending on the position for which you are applying. Human Resources will also schedule a post-offer physical examination once a job offer has been made.

OC San only accepts applications submitted via our online application system. Applications submitted via mail, fax or email will not be accepted.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

Vacation leave; eleven paid holidays and one floating holiday; sick leave; group life insurance; group disability insurance; group health insurance(employee contribution is required), dependent coverage available, including medical, dental, and vision; a retirement* plan (Orange County Employees Retirement System) and the option of participating in a deferred compensation plan as well as other optional benefits. A credit union is available.Benefits are subject to the Board of Directors' periodic determination (usually annually) and the meet and confer process, and are therefore subject to change. The District makes a generous contribution toward the cost of these benefits.
*New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 will be subject to the retirement benefit formula and provisionsset forth by the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Actof 2013 (PEPRA).

For more information on benefits, visit our website at https://www.ocsan.gov/about-us/jobs/employee-benefits

01
PLEASE READ. The information provided on the Supplemental Questions will be used in conjunction with your job application to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements. Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in your application being rejected. Do not submit a resume in place of completing these Supplemental Questions. Education obtained outside the United States must be comparable to education earned at an accredited school in the United States. We reserve the right to request further information about your academic program, evidence of comparability, or an original transcript. Any information you submit may be verified. When applying for this position, I understand that I must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of my application and the Supplemental Questions. This includes a detailed description of each position that I feel qualifies me for the job I am seeking. I have read the above statement and understand that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected. I also understand that I may not submit a resume in lieu of filling out the job application or answering the Supplemental Questions. However, I may attach a resume to the application to provide additional information.

• Yes, I understand.

02
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you possess specialized training or coursework in chemistry, biology, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

04
If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please describe your specialized training or coursework in chemistry, biology, or a related field, as it relates to this position. If you answered "no' to the previous question, write N/A.

05
Do you have a Bachelor's degree or higher from a college or university which is accredited by the US Department of Education, with major course work in science or another technical area with and emphasis in chemistry, biology, microbiology, marine biology, environmental science, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

06
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the field of study as it appears on your diploma. If no, please describe your current level of education.

07
Do you possess one (1) year of related work experience, including experience in performing basic sampling and laboratory testing?

• Yes
• No

08
Which of the following best describes your number of years of related experience?

• No Experience
• 1 - 2 Years
• 2 - 3 Years
• 3 - 5 Years
• More than 5 Years

09
Do you have experience performing sampling of wastewater streams, digester gas, potable water, ocean water, and/or urban runoff? Please check all that apply.

• Wastewater Streams
• Digester Gas
• Potable Water
• Ocean Water
• Urban Runoff
• No Experience with any of the above.

10
Briefly describe your sampling experience, including the use of sampling equipment. If no experience, list "N/A".

11
Please briefly describe your experience working in an accredited laboratory. Describe your roles and responsibilities. If no experience, list "N/A".

12
Do you have experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)?

• Yes
• No

13
Please briefly describe your experience using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). If you have no experience, please list "N/A".

14
This position will have a 9/80 schedule set based on team coverage and business needs. On certain days it may require a starting time earlier than usual, which may require the need to flex your schedule, to accommodate special sampling activities. As with other OC San employees, schedules can change based on business needs with advanced notice.

• Yes, I understand this requirement.

15
Do you possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid California Class C Driver's License by time of appointment?

• Yes
• No

16
All Orange County Sanitation District employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the Orange County Sanitation District requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency. Click on the radio button below to acknowledge you understand these requirements.

• Yes, I understand.

Required Question
Closing Date/Time: 5/21/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

Orange, California United States View Map