Posting Type: Open Competitive
Work Type: Full-Time
Nature of Work: This is entry-level technical laboratory work in the analysis of wastewater and sludge samples for proper wastewater treatment plant operation. Employees work independently; however, technical supervision may be given by a senior Laboratory Technician.
Education and Experience: The knowledge, skills, and abilities may be acquired through, but are not limited to, the following combination of education and/or experience. High school diploma or its equivalent AND At least 12 hours of college level courses in chemistry or biology, including experience performing laboratory tests and their analyses OR An equivalent combination of experience and education/training
Pay Range: $20.33 with step increases to $27.64 Hourly
Benefits: Forty-hour work week. Paid leave per year: twelve days vacation; eighteen days sick; and fourteen holidays. Employee’s group health insurance, including major medical, vision, and dental, for individual or family. Defined benefit pension plan, plus Social Security, and more. See hr.cityofomaha.org for detailed information.
Who Can Apply: Any person who meets the qualifications and other requirements described in this posting.

How to Apply: Completed City of Omaha employment applications must be submitted using the online application from the City website. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to check and ensure that any and all required application materials and supplemental forms are received by the City of Omaha Human Resources Department by the stated deadline. You may confirm receipt of any materials and forms by contacting the Human Resources Department. If the materials are not received in the Human Resources Department by the stated deadline, they will not be considered. There will be no exceptions to this rule. If you do not meet the requirements at the time of this posting, once you do meet the requirements you may apply when it is posted again.
Examination Information: The multiple-choice/written examination will be on September 26, 2024, at the Omaha/Douglas Civic Center, 1819 Farnam St. An invitation via email to the exam will be given to candidates once their application has been received, reviewed by a recruiter, and accepted to the test for the position. The test is designed to assess knowledge of this position's job, skills, and abilities. The passing score on the examination is 60%. This will be weighted 100% in the final score.
Veteran Points: To claim five (5) points for veteran’s preference, you must submit proof of service (such as a DD-214) that includes the date of induction, date of honorable separation, and Social Security number. (You must have completed more than 180 consecutive days of active duty.) To receive an additional five (5) points credit for disability, you must submit proof of eligibility from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs dated within the last 12 months. This information must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by September 26, 2024.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of laboratory equipment, terminology and a wide variety of standard laboratory procedures
• Knowledge of chemistry and/or biology principles and fundamentals
• Knowledge of safety regulations and practices applicable to laboratory duties
• Knowledge of quality control procedures
• Skill in performing wet chemical tests and various routine laboratory tests involving samples
• Ability to calibrate delicate instruments and take accurate readings on fine gauges
• Ability to interpret results of laboratory tests
• Ability to recognize color, odor, texture, and weight of samples
• Ability to understand oral or written instructions
• Ability to stand, reach, and walk 76-100% of the time; bend and stoop 51-75% of the time; push and pull 26-50% of the time; and climb and squat 0-25% of the time
• Ability to move objects weighing up to 50 pounds 0-33% of the time, weighing up to 20 pounds 34-66% of the time; and weighing up to 10 pounds 67-100% of the time

Essential Functions: Any one position may not perform all of the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all of the duties that may be performed in positions allocated to this class.

• Quantitatively analyzes wastewater and sludge samples (at various stages of treatment) using established testing procedures fort total and suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, grease and oil content, p H, volatile acids and alkalinity
• Performs replicate analyses and/or analyzes in-house and commercial standard samples to verify analysts testing methodology yields accurate and reproducible results
• Calculates results of analyses and applies statistical principles prior to compiling results onto daily report logs which document compliance with federal, state and local regulations governing discharges to receiving streams
• Prepares and cleans glassware; cleans, calibrates and adjusts equipment
• Maintains laboratory equipment and sufficient stock level of chemicals and other laboratory supplies
• Handles and stores scientific chemicals in oven, hoods, desiccators, and fireproof cabinets
• Weighs, prepares, mixes and standardizes chemicals or solutions for the analysis of industrial wastewater and treatment plant process control samples
• Performs other duties as assigned or as the situation dictates within the scope of this classification

Conditions of Employment: Candidates must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or proof of permanent residence or authorization to work. The City of Omaha reserves the right to conduct criminal history, driving record, reference and credit checks and a background investigation on applicants for employment. Successfully passing a criminal background review, reference check, and if applicable, a credit check, is required as a condition of employment. If applicable, the City will require that you successfully pass a review of the driver's license, driving abstract, a pre-employment drug test, a hearing test and a back screening examination as a condition of employment. Failure to provide the information requested in the application process in a truthful, accurate and complete manner may result in disqualification, revocation of conditional employment or termination.
Reasonable Accommodation: The City of Omaha does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you need a disability-related accommodation during the job application or selection process, advise the Human Resources Department at least 48 hours prior to the need by emailing employment@cityofomaha.org.


For a complete description of this job classification, visit hr.cityofomaha.org


Contact Points:
City of Omaha Human Resources Department
1819 Farnam St, Suite 506
Omaha, NE 68183
Phone: (402) 444-5300
Fax: (402) 444-5314
Website: hr.cityofomaha.org
Email: employment@cityofomaha.org