Laboratory Technician

JOB TITLE: LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission (SWSC) is seeking a highly motivated and
innovative candidate to work as a Laboratory Technician at our West Parish Filters facility in
Westfield, MA. This role is responsible for performing a variety of standardized physical,
biological and chemical tests on water systems to ensure compliance with accepted Springfield
Water and Sewer Commission standards and specifications.

About SWSC: SWSC was established in 1996 as an independently operated and managed
regional water and wastewater utility. SWSC employs approximately 250 people in roles
ranging from engineering, laboratory, construction, union labor, customer service, and
professional services, all of which serve 250,000 retail and wholesale customers in the lower
Pioneer Valley through a regional water and wastewater infrastructure system.

Mission Statement: SWSC’s mission is to provide an adequate, uninterrupted, high-quality
supply of water to our customers, to collect and treat wastewater, and return clean water to
the environment. www.waterandsewer.org

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collects, transports and analyzes water samples in accordance with Standard Operating

Procedures (SOP).

• Performs a variety of chemical, bacteriological, and physical tests used to determine and

control the quality of water produced by the Commission’s water system. Must adhere to
all required Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures for samples, blanks
and unknowns with precision and accuracy.

• Must be able to demonstrate proficiency by successfully completing analysis on unknown

samples for routine and annual performance evaluations.

• Duties may also include interaction with customers and distribution operators of the water

system when collecting and analyzing samples for customer service.

• Prepares standard solutions, reagents and bacteriological media with accuracy and

according to established SOPs.

• Operates and maintains laboratory and field equipment. Ability to utilize the Commission’s

Computer Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for the documentation of field and
bench sampling and analysis. Records results of laboratory analyses according to strict
laboratory documentation and record-keeping requirements. This includes results of
quality assurance/quality control samples and analyses.

• Uses laboratory equipment and materials responsibly and performs basic inspection and

preventive maintenance prior to use.

• Performs work in a safe manner and observes all safety procedures
• Shall report directly to the Chemist and/or Bacteriologist.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English sufficiently to perform the

duties of this position.

• Considerable knowledge of the principles, procedures, practices, methods and techniques

of sample collection and laboratory analyses including safety. Must be able to understand
the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and MA DEP state regulations as they relate to
samples and analysis.

• Knowledge of the use and care of laboratory glassware and equipment.

• Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff,

supervisors, contractors, and the general public.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Must have a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Biology or closely related fields.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

• Must possess (or obtain within two years) and maintain a certificate of water treatment

plant operator-in-training grade 1T or 2T and 1D or 2D as issued by the Massachusetts
Board of Certification of Operators of Water Treatment

• Must possess and maintain a current Driver’s License.

The pay rate for this position is $27.16 per hour. Qualified candidates should send their resume
and cover letter to Stephanie.douglass@waterandsewer.org.

EOE/AA

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