BEACH WATER MONITORING TECHNICIAN

The Beach Water Monitoring Technician position is a fixed-term role within the City of Milwaukee. Beach Water Monitoring Technicians may work from May through September and are eligible to apply for transfer/ promotional opportunities within the City of Milwaukee prior to completion of the position.

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional service to its residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

The Beach Water Monitoring Technician collects, examines, and analyzes water samples from Milwaukee beaches in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines.

Field Testing

• Collect water samples regularly and for special events along the lakeshore, including at beaches, in accordance with Department of Natural Resources (DNR) guidelines
• Wade into Lake Michigan water to submerge water collection equipment.
• Record Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and DNR survey data.
• Document lake and meteorological data, such as wind speed and direction, water temperature, and water clarity.
• Document beach hygiene data by observing animals present, plastics in beach sand, and the presence of algae.
• Verify current sign posting conditions and report incorrect or damaged signage to the Milwaukee Health Department (MHD).
• Follow standard operating procedures for sample collection, record keeping, and chain of custody.

Laboratory Testing

• Prepare water samples for microbiological testing, such as filtering samples or setting up more complex testing.
• Assist Milwaukee Health Department Laboratory (MHDL) Microbiologists with culture-based assays related to coliform and E. Coli testing.
• Process microbiological samples and analyze test results.
• Assist the MHDL with Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) testing and with Research and Development (R&D).

Data Entry and Reporting

• Enter laboratory results into MHDL’s Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Assist with data entry for public information with the Emergency Preparedness and Environmental Health (EPEH) Team and communicate results to Laboratory leadership.
• With assistance from the Assistant Laboratory Director and Senior Microbiologist, write an annual report of beach season activities, results, challenges, and potential system improvements.
• Complete the Annual Sanitary Beach Survey, identifying and correlating parameters such as land use in the watershed, meteorological, geographic/hydrographic, flora/fauna presence, and other data.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

The Beach Water Monitoring Technician must be willing and able to do the following:

• Work from 6 am-11 am Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (15 hours per week).
• Wear industry-related personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, facemask, or face shield, as employees may be exposed to infectious agents or toxins while performing the duties of this job. 
• Wade up to thigh-deep in Lake Michigan water.
• Lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds occasionally and 20 pounds frequently.
• Work outdoors in variable and extreme weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, rain, wind, and snow).
• Tolerate various environmental conditions (e.g., noise, vibration, dirt, pollen, water, and sand).
• Carry a mobile phone during work hours.
• Respond to an emergency and/or broad impact event.
• The required pre-employment tests include:
  • Physical/50 lb. lift test
  • Audiogram
  • Vision (Color Blind Test)
  • Medical evaluation for respirator
  • Respirator fit test
  • Pulmonary Function Test
  • Non-DOT drug test
  • TB Test
• Proof of immunity or completed vaccination is required for the following:
  • Covid-19 (annually)
  • Influenza (annually)
  • Hepatitis B
  • MMR
  • Varicella

1. Current enrollment as a sophomore or higher at an accredited college or university in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, environmental science, water science and technology, water resources, or a closely related field
   OR
   Associate degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, environmental science, water science and technology, water resources, or a closely-related degree from an accredited college or university;
   OR
   Two years of laboratory experience conducting field water testing, obtaining water samples, or performing duties closely related to the essential functions of the position.
2. Valid driver’s license and good drive record at time of appointment and throughout employment.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

• Experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

Technical

• Knowledge of proper lab techniques, including standard methods and basic grab sampling procedures to monitor process control.
• Knowledge of quality assurance and laboratory safety standards.
• Ability to learn sample processing and analysis for microbiological testing.
• Ability to learn and use the Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Ability to learn inventory control, sequence analysis software, and use internet-based database and software is desirable.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office programs, including Microsoft Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, internet search, and use of application database and software.
• Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and communicate the complex scientific, technical, administrative, and educational documents.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures, and processes for accurate and complete sample collection and transit.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent, and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Communication and Interpersonal

• Verbal communication skills to communicate effectively with coworkers, management, and the public.
• Written communication skills, including the ability to write scientific notes.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary staff and other internal and external partnering agencies.
• Ability to work cooperatively and fairly with people whose backgrounds may differ from one's own.

Critical Thinking and Professionalism

• Analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only a limited standardization exists.
• Ability to work well under pressure while responding to customer complaints.
• Ability to perform all work assignments safely.
• High ethical standards and stewardship of City of Milwaukee resources.

The current starting hourly rate (Pay Range 9PN) is $23.00, and the resident incentive starting hourly rate for City of Milwaukee residents is $23.92. 

Part-time appointees are not eligible for benefits.

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job-related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience, and/or responses to supplemental questions, a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the City's needs have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative selection process dates or times. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

• APPLICATIONS and further information can be accessed by visiting https://www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

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The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.