The City of Ames is accepting applications for a Part-Time Water/Wastewater Laboratory Aide. Under immediate supervision, this position cleans the laboratory, glassware, and equipment; assists in collecting and preparing samples and equipment for a variety of chemical tests to determine quality of City water, wastewater, and sludge before and after treatment; performs related work as required.

Candidates interested in this position can expect to work 15-19 hours per week and have a work schedule typically Wednesday through Friday mornings, including every Saturday for a minimum of three (3) hours.

This position is a permanent, part-time, less than 20 hours per week position that is not benefit eligible.

In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must submit their online application by the deadline listed on this posting. Your application includes complete responses to any supplemental questions and complete work history. Please keep in mind that submission of a resume in lieu of work history on your application or answering the supplemental questions is not sufficient.

Assists Laboratory Analysts and Technicians in set up and clean up after a variety of chemical and microbiological analyses; cleans glassware, countertops, samplers, and laboratory equipment. Frequently drives to pick up samples and maintains lab vehicle. Calculates and records laboratory data, enters data into computer.

Other Job Functions: Performs extra sampling and laboratory duties in connection with special water/wastewater plant or research projects. May perform simple laboratory procedures such as sampling, weighing, recording, sample preservation, calibrations, pH, dissolved oxygen, reagent preparation, etc; assists with pre-treatment sampling, stream sampling, and special projects when time allows.

Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data-driven decisions; committing to diversity, equity and inclusion; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respecting one another; promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment.

Education and Experience: High school diploma, HiSet, GED, or equivalent.

Licenses and Certificates: Valid Driver's License.

Preferred: 
Experience working in a laboratory setting.
Some college level chemistry lab education and/or relevant lab experience.
Some proficiency with computers and Microsoft programs, such as Word and Excel.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Necessary to Perform Essential Functions: 
Knowledge of basic math and simple algebra; general knowledge of computers, word processing, and spreadsheet software.

Ability to work safely with laboratory equipment and chemicals; ability to understand and to follow set procedures, instructions, and safety rules; ability to learn and to accurately perform a variety of laboratory analyses; ability to understand and follow quality assurance protocols; ability to maintain accurate and legible records; ability to establish and to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public; ability to safely handle laboratory equipment, and delicate glassware and instruments; ability to read analytical results and record data.

General Physical Characteristics: Work involves standing or walking approximately 75% of the time and sitting 25% of the time; lifting up to 70 pounds occasionally, and/or up to 45 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.

Vision Requirements: The minimum standard for use with those whose work deals largely with preparing and analyzing data and figures, accounting, transcription, computer terminal, visual inspection involving small defects or parts, assembly of parts at distances close to the eyes, distinguishing colors, and measuring liquids, weights or distances.

Required Physical Activities: Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, talking, hearing, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, pinching, grasping, feeling, repetitive motions.

Environmental Conditions: The work is performed inside and outside and includes being exposed to cold, heat, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, chemical hazards, atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system or skin, and confined spaces.

Equipment Essential to the Job: Dishwasher, pipette washer, dissolved oxygen meter, analytical balance, pan balance, desiccator, fume hood, refrigerator, freezer, drying oven, muffle furnace, thermometers, vacuum filtration equipment, pipettes, micro-pipetter, glassware, hazardous chemicals and materials, flammable storage, safety equipment, calculator, fax machine, personal computer, spreadsheet software, word processing software, database software, computer printer, telephone, sampling equipment, mobile radio, car or light truck, MSDS documentation, laboratory SOP and Quality Control manuals, Standard Methods, EPA Methods, personnel policies manual, employee benefits manual, dictionary.


Selection Process:
The selection process consists of an evaluation of applications, phone interview, on-site interviews which will include a manager one on one and a tour, completion of professional references and a criminal background check with a motor vehicle record check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.

The hiring department may forego phone interviews depending on the number of candidates.

Preference may be given to candidates possessing above the minimum qualifications.