DWM Laboratory Technician - Drinking Lab (Office of Watershed Protection) at City of Atlanta

Posting expires: October 23, 2025

Salary range: $40,945.05 - $51,181.31

General Description and Classification Standards:

The Senior Drinking Water Laboratory Technician oversees operations to ensure compliance with regulations and operational goals. They perform water sampling, conduct analytical tests, and prepare reports. They also may be asked to respond in water emergencies to collect and analyze water samples. Additionally, this position conducts various tests to ensure water treatment effectiveness and compliance with drinking water regulations. Applies knowledge related to standard laboratory methods, practices, procedures, policies, regulations, utilizing laboratory materials and equipment. This is an experienced, skilled or technical level capable of carrying out most assignments typical of the position or specialty with limited guidance or review. This level would be considered a promotional level and attainable by any incumbent in a work group who demonstrates the necessary knowledge, ability, and performance. Could be the only position in this specialty in a work group or could be part of a general or specialized work team.

Supervision Received:

Works under minimal supervision. May assist in training, orienting, or observing lower-level associates, apprentices, or semi-skilled employees in the group.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.

• Performs biological, chemical, or physical analysis and determinations of water samples at the direction of professional staff including but not limited to pH, chlorine, hardness, alkalinity, temperature, Total Organic Carbon, metals, turbidity, Total Suspended Solids, bacterial presence/absence, etc.
• Performs field work including water sample collection, field testing, fire hydrant operation, and may consult with water customers regarding water quality issues. Expected to perform significant driving within the metro Atlanta area.
• Rotate between laboratory and field assignments.
• Wears necessary Personal Protective Equipment and follows all safety rules.
• Perform tasks responsibly and with integrity while working under minimal supervision.
• Operates, adjusts, and maintains scientific instruments including but not limited to pH meters, spectrophotometers, analytical balances, autoclaves, incubators, etc.
• Prepares chemical reagents and biological media according to formulae; assumes responsibility for accuracy in preparation and standardization of solutions and media.
• Logs samples and related information into chain of custody, LIMS software, and assumes responsibility for samples and specimens that may be involved in court action.
• Keeps informed of new laboratory techniques. Maintains Georgia Water laboratory analyst license by obtaining Continuing Education points.
• Maintains inventories of supplies and stocks on hand for laboratory use.
• Performs detailed record-keeping and documentation of work activities and sample information.
• Rotate between five areas: microbiology laboratory, chemistry laboratory, and three distribution routes divided by North, Central, and South.
• Calibrate bench equipment, record temperatures, and perform maintenance checks on laboratory equipment.
• May assist with flushing hydrants on weekends as needed.
• Take City vehicles for scheduled cleaning and maintenance as assigned.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing with coworkers and other departments.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. COA may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully, it is not an exhaustive list.

• Knowledge of laboratory tests and analyses.
• Skill in operating a computer and computer software.
• Ability to handle samples and laboratory equipment.
• Ability to perform injections, collect tissue, and conduct autopsies and minor surgical techniques on laboratory animals.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience - Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology, Chemistry, Physical or Biological sciences, or a related field. One (1) year of laboratory work experience in a related area.

Licensures and Certifications – Valid State Issued Driver’s License. Georgia Wastewater Laboratory Analyst License or Drinking Water License, desirable. (License must be obtained within 12 months of hire if not held at time of employment, or employment may be terminated.)

Preferred Requirements – Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology, Chemistry, Physical or Biological sciences, or a related field, and three (3) years of laboratory work experience in a related area.

Work Environment:

Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions are associated with the job.

Lifting Requirements: 

Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

It is the policy of the City of Atlanta (“COA”) that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the COA to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. The COA is prepared to modify or adjust the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position he or she desires, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Director for your department.

The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, ender identity, marital status, veteran’s status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.