Environmental Health Technician

Prior to hiring, the successful candidate will be subject to work/education/certification reference(s) verification and a criminal background and driver's license check.

NOTE: the Environmental Health Technician falls within the County's Environmental Health Specialist Classification

1. Analyzes water samples from wells, streams, lakes, and other water sources to detect the presence and level of certain chemicals and harmful microorganisms.
2. Identifies microorganisms by microscopic examination or culture characteristics.
3. Performs a variety of chemical tests on water.
4. Weighs, measures, mixes, and prepares media, solutions or reagents used in the laboratory for bacteriological and/or chemical testing.
5. Establishes, develops, and implements procedures for preventive maintenance and operation of laboratory equipment such as microscopes, incubators, and the autoclave, analytical balance, and still.
6. Documents and maintains standard operating procedures, quality assurance, and quality control requirements for all tests performed in the lab.
7. Makes recommendations concerning the laboratory supplies, equipment, and budget.
8. Researches and collects a variety of environmental health information; tabulates and analyzes data; prepares reports, surveys, and summaries for special projects unrelated to laboratory operations.
9. Assists in indexing, filing, recording, or entering laboratory, environmental health, groundwater, or hazardous materials data; provides technical support to other environmental health programs.
10. Maintains an inventory of environmental health equipment and ensures equipment is properly accounted for and is in proper calibrated working order.
11. Cleans, washes, and prepares glassware, plasticware, utensils and equipment for bacteriological or chemical testing.
12. May prepare cultures and isolate significant bacteria or other microorganisms, controlling factors such as moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
13. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with department staff, other County departments, and state laboratory personnel.
14. Performs other duties as required.

1. Considerable knowledge of the processes, procedures, methods, standards and terminology for the bacteriological and chemical testing of water and wastewater.
2. Working knowledge of the types and operation of laboratory equipment used in the bacteriological and chemical testing of water and sewage.
3. Working knowledge of the safety precautions and quality control procedures used in the performance of laboratory tests.
4. Working knowledge of mathematics as it relates to chemical concentrations, dilutions, and the use of testing equations.
5. Working knowledge of computerized department software, internet access, and database, spreadsheet, and word processing programs.
6. Working knowledge of standard office equipment, including telephones, fax machines, keyboards, copiers, printers, scanners, shredders, and department/division specific equipment.
7. Ability to conduct bacteriological and chemical testing of water with close attention to detail.
8. Ability to collect data and interpret, analyze, review, record and prepare verbal or written reports on laboratory test results or environmental health assignments.
9. Ability to properly maintain the laboratory, lab equipment, and other environmental health equipment.
10. Ability to use computerized database management systems to record and coordinate laboratory test results.
11. Ability to utilize word processing, database, and spreadsheet programs.
12. Ability to work independently and assume responsibility for special projects as assigned.
13. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department staff, other County departments, and state laboratory personnel.
14. Ability to effectively interact with sensitivity with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic and professional backgrounds, and persons of all ages and lifestyles.
15. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
16. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.

• An Associate's Degree from a recognized college or university in bacteriology, biology, microbiology, chemistry, environmental health and waste water technology, or related sciences.

Waukesha County prides itself on operating in a business-like manner and is recognized as a leader delivering high quality services with competence and skill. With our vision of "Leading the Way", we value teamwork and collaboration, ethics and diversity, communication, efficiency and cost savings, innovation, and the wellbeing of our staff and the citizens we serve. Employees are provided professional development opportunities and encouragement to learn and practice continuous improvement and LEAN principles as we regularly ask ourselves "Is there a better way?"

Waukesha County is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment and adheres to all Federal, State and County Equal Employment Opportunity laws, policies, plans, rules, regulations and ordinances. The County recognizes and accepts its important leadership role in providing for equal employment/service opportunities for minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. It is the express policy of Waukesha County to promote equal employment opportunity among all who are employed by Waukesha County and who seek employment with Waukesha County.