3G34
WATER SAMPLING TECHNICIAN

This is laboratory support work sampling water from rivers, reservoirs, pipelines, drinking water, wastewater and sludge for biological, chemical and physical analyses, receiving, logging in and distributing samples to laboratories for analyses or employees in the field assignment perform basic field analyses using portable, computerized analytical instruments. Employees are required to drive to and from sampling sites. Work includes preparing sample bottles for field work, including specialized cleaning, adding required chemical preservatives, labeling and organizing into coolers and other transport mechanisms. Ensuring that samples are valid and representative, based upon departmental sampling program and federal, state, and local guidelines is a significant aspect of the work. Employees are required to drive to and from sampling sites. Work is performed under the supervision of a scientific or technical supervisor.

• Employees must perform basic field analyses of water samples in accordance with departmental guidelines.
• Employees must operate a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and prepare sample bottles for analyses in accordance with departmental guidelines.
• Positions must be located in the Water Department.

• Samples water from rivers, streams, local watersheds, reservoirs, new and rehabilitated pipelines, distribution system, water and wastewater plant locations, sludge, compost piles, and consumers' homes for chemical, biological and physical analyses, using a variety of sampling devices; applies federal, state and local guidelines for proper sampling techniques.
• Performs basic field analyses to ensure representative samples through use of electronic or mechanical instruments, such as temperature recorders and pH probes; makes evaluative field judgments to determine whether samples represent the quality of the material being sampled.
• Makes field judgments regarding potential trouble sites in the sampling system; enacts first-lines measures for maintenance of sample sites; delivers samples to various Water Department laboratory locations.
• Receives and distributes samples, verifying sample bottle label information against sample custody form information; works with clients and laboratories to resolve problems with sample identification and required analyses; Login received samples into LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System); cleans and prepares glassware for ultra low level analyses; organizes bottles and ice chests, supported by a detailed written procedure, and distributes to various clients.
• Accurately completes the necessary sample custody forms, sample documentation, sanitary release forms and sanitary survey forms; contacts the public in the course of arranging sampling schedule; communicates the purpose of sampling work to residents; drives to and from sampling sites; picks up and delivers laboratory supplies and chemicals to various Water Department destinations; loads and unloads materials from vehicles; completes forms detailing destinations visited and mileage traveled; performs first-line maintenance on sampling vehicles, such as checking oil and batteries and changing tires.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
• basic biology and chemistry
• relevant traffic laws of the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• the geography of the City of Philadelphia and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
ABILITY TO:
• learn and adhere to laboratory safety rules and practices
• learn and apply the established principles and methods used in water sample collection, handling and transport
• work independently, without close supervision
• perform basic field analyses, through the use of various portable, computerized analytical instruments
• perform light manual tasks, if required by work assignment
• safely and efficiently operate and maintain a Department-owned vehicle in the performance of water sampling responsibilities
• learn and apply federal, state and local regulations
• carry out written and oral instructions
• make field judgments, especially as they concern water main sampling
• keep records and complete various forms for sample documentation
• maintain effective working relationships with associates and deal courteously with the public
• operate a personal computer and software (LIMS)
• learn and apply established methods for handling precision laboratory glassware and chemicals

EDUCATION
• Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.
AND
EXPERIENCE
• Two years of clerical or field experience, which has involved giving information to and eliciting information from the public

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Water Sampling Technician, if required by work assignment.