County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under direction, to conduct routine chemical, physical, and bacteriological tests in a drinking water quality laboratory; to collect water samples for analysis; and to perform related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Incumbents in this classification function as assistants to professional-level chemists in routine chemical testing, analysis and evaluation of water samples, at the Zone 7 water quality laboratory, Del Valle Water Treatment Facility. This classification is distinguished from Water Quality Chemist, Zone 7, which is a professional level of chemist, performing a wider variety of tests and non-routine tests, and which has responsibility for other elements of lab operations, such as equipment evaluation, new equipment set up, equipment calibration, QA/QC, procedure development, and other professional duties.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Conducts routine bacteriological, chemical and physical analyses of water samples using standard methods and operating procedures.
2. Operates sophisticated analytical instrumentation and laboratory apparatus.
3. Prepares reagents and solutions used for routine chemical analyses.
4. Enters data for chemical analysis reports or other technical reports.
5. Performs laboratory cleanup, washes glassware, and conducts laboratory maintenance as required.
6. Performs field analyses and sample collection.
7. Enters analytical results and updates quality assurance/quality control data using a personal computer.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I
Education:

Possession of an Associate of Art’s degree, or completion of the equivalent of two years (60 semester or 90 quarter units) of college with completed courses in chemistry or other laboratory sciences.

And
Experience:

The equivalent of two years of full-time work in a chemical laboratory.

Or II
Education:

Possession of a Bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field requiring laboratory work.

License:

Possession of a valid California driver's license.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Knowledge of:

• Basic chemical laboratory analytical methods.
• Working knowledge of quality assurance/quality control parameters, detection limits, and standard classification.
• Working knowledge of safe laboratory practices.

Ability to:

• Perform accurate analyses of ground, surface and drinking water samples.
• Maintain laboratory equipment.
• Compile data for technical reports.
• Clean laboratory glassware and equipment with care.
• Speak and write effectively.
• Enter data into a computer.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

RS:dj
5/18/94
Old document: 1257h
New document: Jobspecs/4949
ys/5/01
CSC Date: 5/18/94

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.