Hybrid Laboratory and Field Technician bei Heidelberg University

Description

Heidelberg University is hiring a Laboratory and Field Technician for the National Center for Water Quality Research (NCWQR). Reporting to the Director of the National Center for Water Quality Research, the Laboratory and Field Technician conducts activities to ensure successful operation of the National Center for Water Quality Research (NCWQR).

The Laboratory and Field technician will work primarily on the Heidelberg Tributary Loading Program (HTLP) 

and assist with sample collection and analysis in the laboratory associated with multiple projects. More

specifically, this position will include tasks needed to ensure smooth operation of the HTLP and chemistry

laboratory, such as assistance with sample collection, field station maintenance, sample preparation, specific

analyses following all Standard Operating Procedures, and data management. This technician will assist with

maintaining and troubleshooting analytical equipment, preparation of standards and reagents, and oversee

student interns. Ideally, this technician will have experience analyzing water samples for nutrient chemistry

and maintaining laboratory instrumentation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Laboratory Analysis

• Maintain sample integrity from sample collection, sample receiving, login, chain of custody, and sample
• preparation for all samples processed in the lab
• Conduct specific analyses following all Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)/Quality Assurance Plan
• (QAP) requirements for completed analysis
• Ensure that all laboratory instrumentation and equipment is functioning properly
• Maintain laboratory database systems in collaboration with other staff members
• Prepare for upcoming sampling on a weekly basis
• Help with special projects when the opportunity arises
• Incorporate updates to laboratory procedures or equipment as needed
• Oversee and train new technicians in the chemistry laboratory

2. Fieldwork

• Assist with weekly HTLP sample collection
• Help maintain and repair HTLP field stations
• Assist with field sampling associated with other NCWQR projects

3. Education and Outreach

• May assist with training student workers (Interns)
• May assist students with independent research projects as needed

Requirements

Required Education and Professional Experience:

• Completion of a Bachelor of Science in the Natural Sciences, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Knowledge and excitement of stream, river, wetland, and lake ecosystems
• Ability to work in adverse field conditions and to lift equipment and samples weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to work a flexible schedule.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Experience using chemical analysis to quantify nutrient concentrations in water.
• Experience in sampling aquatic ecosystems.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Demonstrates mental sharpness, capability, and agility

• Adept at multitasking
• Proficient at time management
• Can take direction adequately
• High attention to detail
• Efficient and quick acting
• Can work independently
• Able to focus on task at hand until completion
• Good organizational skills

2. Seeks feedback and counsel to improve knowledge, skill, abilities, and behaviors

• Asks questions about the data, process, or analyses
• Seeks to improve the lab tasks to fit current needs
• Meets expected standards of quality work in the field and laboratory

3. Gains insight from successes and mistakes

• Shows initiative to troubleshoot any issues or seek assistance
• Communicates any questions or issues that arise without hesitation

4. Performs effectively as a hard-working member of a team

• Willingness to fill in on additional tasks as needed
• Show initiative to put in extra work during busy periods
• Adheres to deadlines
• Excellent communication skills, especially with team members

 Core Values and Personal Attributes:

• Core values – models leadership values of integrity, honesty, humility, transparency, respectfulness, diversity, caring, loyalty and accountability in all work.
• Intellectual dynamism – demonstrates mental sharpness, capability and agility.
• Self-knowledge – gains insight from successes and mistakes.
• Personal learning – seeks feedback and counsel to improve managerial behavior.
• Peer relationships – encourages collaboration and cooperation across the organization.
• Teamwork – performs most effectively as a hard-working member of a team.
• Constituency focus – completes work to meet constituencies’ expectations and requirements.
• Community focus – brings a spirit of enthusiasm and energy to the campus and town.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED: Knowledge of operation and use of various office equipment including, but not limited to: personal computer, including spreadsheet and word processing software, integrated database software, fax machine, copier, telephone, scanner, and printers. Employee in this position must have a valid Ohio driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in an outdoor environment, the NCWQR laboratory, or in an office setting. The employee is frequently required to use arms, hands and fingers to operate and manipulate equipment generally found in an office setting. The employee may be frequently required to be mobile, communicate, and hear. The employee may occasionally be subject to a variety of outdoor environmental conditions including heat, cold, and precipitation.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to ten (10) pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than fifty (50) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Mental demands include varied degrees of occasional stress while performing job duties.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in an office setting, and educational facilities including sports and entertainment venues, all of which may be indoor or outdoor. The noise level in the work environment will range from moderately quiet to occasionally loud.