About the Department

The purpose of this classification is to perform lead technical laboratory tasks in the chemical and bacteriological testing of wastewater, pretreatment, water quality and electric production discharge to monitor pollution control measures.

Position Duties

Performs technical laboratory tasks in a leadership role; provides information, assistance and guidance to lower level technical staff; assists in resolving problems and situations.

Collects samples of plants outfall and in-plant samples.

Performs routine and technical chemical and microbiological analysis on drinking water, wastewater and various samples; conducts various analytical pollution control tests.

Performs related administrative tasks; prepares technical reports and environmental impact reports; updates computer data files; maintains inventory items; requisitions equipment and supplies.

Conducts field investigations involving permit enforcement activities.

Performs sampling and testing on pretreatment processes; prepares required paperwork.

Updates and implements the maintenance plan and ensures laboratory equipment and instrumentation are maintained as required.

Implements and ensures compliance with the quality assurance plan; performs quality control checks on testing procedures.

Assists in the development and implementation of various projects.

Responds to hazardous material spills; coordinate activities relating to hazardous materials response.

Assists in the implementation of commercial user survey packages.

Assists in community outreach efforts; conducts environmental education, workshops and conferences.

Prepares various reports and documentation to include toxicity reports and charts, lab data summarizations, logs and maintenance sheets, pricing summaries on chemicals and materials, chain of custody sheets and related information, and assists in updating standard operating procedures.

Utilizes basic office equipment and various technical equipment which may include a microtox analyzer, AQ2 discreet analyzer, DO meters, pH meter, conductivity meter, total residual chlorine meter, spectrophotometer, solid phase extraction apparatus, ISCO portable samplers and related technical equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry or related field; supplemented by two (2) years of experience in chemical, bacteriological or medical laboratory work; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess a valid driver’s license. Will be required to obtain a valid State of Louisiana driver’s license at time of appointment and maintain throughout employment for this classification.  

Necessary Special Requirements

Positions in Environmental Services require a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry or related field. Two (2) years of experience in chemical, bacteriological or medical laboratory work required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must obtain Drinking Water Analysis certification and maintain throughout employment. Must obtain Class IV Wastewater Treatment and Collection certifications within five (5) years of hire.

Other Qualifications

Applicants must supply complete and accurate information concerning their previous training and experience including a detailed description of their work experience, the names and addresses of all previous employers and the dates of employment. The information is subject to verification. Examination may consist of a written test, a rating of training and experience, a performance test or any combination thereof deemed necessary to adequately screen and rank applicants. Examination notices will be sent out via email with a testing date, time, and location if applicable. ** If you prefer to receive text messages regarding your application update, please include a current cell phone number on your application. **