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Laboratory Technician I/II

City of Paso Robles
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Application Deadline: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 10:00 am
Tentative Interviews: Thursday, June 5, 2025

Are you interested in joining a team committed to the protection of the environment and the public health of the residents and business owners of the City of Paso Robles? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for a Laboratory Technician I/II to join our Wastewater Division. The Laboratory Technician I/II performs standard chemical and biochemical analysis of water, wastewater, raw and digested sludges, and similar materials. They also collect samples for laboratory testing, operate and maintain a variety of laboratory equipment, and maintain laboratory data on a computerized system. The ideal candidate will be detail oriented and dependable, as well as have excellent communication skills.

Wage Ranges:
Laboratory Technician I: $30.04 - $38.13 per hour | $62,492.04 - $79,303.38 annually 
Laboratory Technician II: $33.27 - $42.20 per hour | $69,203.42 - $87,780.94 per hour

The Community

El Paso de Robles, or "The Pass of the Oaks," is located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, in San Luis Obispo County. Paso Robles is surrounded by scenic rolling hills and California’s premier wine regions and is only 27 miles from beautiful beaches. This thriving community of over 30,000 actively engaged residents possesses the benefits of a suburban-rural community while retaining a small-town feel. With over 200 wineries nearby and a bustling downtown with a variety of excellent restaurants and specialty retail, Paso Robles is fast becoming one of the most desirable places to live, work, and play.

 

Paso Robles has a long history of agriculture and hospitality resulting in a strong work ethic and an enjoyable quality of life. Once hailed as the “Almond Capital of the World”, Paso Robles is now known for top quality food, wine, beer, distilled spirits, and an annual calendar filled with events that celebrate everything from wine to pioneers to classic cars. Paso Robles has been honored by the national media, including Country Living’s “10 Best Small Towns in America”; Travel and Leisure Magazine’s “Best Small Towns to Retire to in America”; the Today Show’s “Top Summer Destination for 2021”; a New York Times “Must Visit Region”; Sunset Magazine’s “Best Travel Spots for 2021”; and Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s “Wine Region of the Year”.

 

The City understands the importance of business development and works hard to attract commerce in a diverse array of industries. The economic outlook for Paso Robles continues to be strong. The housing market is robust and offers a wide array of housing choices including new neighborhoods, houses with acreage, infill, and charming Victorian homes, with a median home price of about $634,500. Paso Robles also has excellent schools, both public and private. Approximately half an hour away is the nationally ranked Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, and within the city of Paso Robles is Cuesta College, North County Campus.

 

The Organization

The City was incorporated in 1889 as a general law City that operates under the Council-Manager form of government with a general population of 30,907 as of January 1, 2024. The governing body consists of a five-member City Council and, beginning in 2020, the City is now divided into four voting districts, each district represented by one City Councilmember residing in that district; the Mayor’s position remains at-large. The voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, is the Chief Executive Officer, and is empowered to appoint all non-elected employees, except for the City Attorney.

 

The City has a total annual budget of $170 million for fiscal year 2024/2025, and a total of 304.4 FTEs across the departments of: Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities.

 

Typical Duties

 

  • Perform routine qualitative and quantitative chemical and biochemical analysis of water, wastewater, sludge, or other materials by standardized and predetermined methods to provide operators with the information necessary to properly control the wastewater treatment process, and to measure compliance with the discharge requirements of the City's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit
  • Collect and log a variety of water and wastewater samples at the wastewater treatment plant and at various locations throughout the City
  • Operate a variety of equipment and instrumentation used for the analysis of laboratory samples
  • Clean, wash, sterilize, calibrate, and maintain equipment used in tests and analyses
  • Perform routine calculations and draft standard operating procedures for laboratory analyses
  • Record a variety of test data and maintain records pertaining to analysis through the use of a computerized data management system 
  • Write and prepare laboratory reports and perform quality control tests on laboratory procedures and equipment for state accreditation purposes
  • Conduct inventory of chemicals, reagents, solutions, as well as other supplies and equipment essential to laboratory operation, and order supplies and minor testing equipment as necessary
  • Communicate with operators and management staff regarding how the system is functioning based on laboratory tests performed
  • Maintain accurate laboratory records in an organized manner
  • Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures as well as federal and state laws, rules, and regulations
  • Participate in special projects as assigned and performs related duties as required


Laboratory Technicians will be required to work shifts that include at least one weekend day, and work holidays as needed.  
 

 

Employment Standards & Special Requirements

Knowledge of: 

  • Operations, services, and activities of a laboratory
  • Modern laboratory techniques and procedures as related to the analysis of water and wastewater samples
  • Statistics as applied to chemical and biological testing procedures
  • Care, maintenance, and operational requirements of laboratory equipment and apparatuses
  • Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations pertaining to public water and wastewater system
  • Physical plant characteristics
  • Impacts of seasonal changes in treatment system operations
  • Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program procedures and required records
  • Principles of organic and inorganic chemistry
  • Microbiological techniques and procedures applicable to public water and wastewater systems
  • Sampling procedures and field equipment
  • Occupational hazards and standard safety practices
  • Basic mathematics and algebra
  • English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation

Ability to: 

  • Conduct routine chemical, biological, and bacteriological examinations and analyses
  • Conduct routine mathematical calculations
  • Recognize treatment process efficiency or problems by observation of physical properties and/or chemical examination
  • Organize assigned work, initiate processes, coordinate projects, set priorities, meet critical deadlines and follow up on assignments with a minimum of direction
  • Operate appropriate safety equipment
  • Recognize health and safety hazards connected with plant operations and maintenance
  • Prepare and maintain clear, concise technical reports
  • Operate standard office equipment including computers and supporting software applications
  • Safely and effectively operate the tools and equipment used in the operations, analysis and testing procedures
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work


Education and Experience
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be equivalent to graduation from high school and: 

Laboratory Technician I: One year of technical support or experience conducting chemical or biological testing or analyses, including collecting, handling, and preparing samples, operating laboratory equipment, recording data, and maintaining lab cleanliness. 
 
Laboratory Technician II: Three years of responsible technical experience conducting chemical or biological testing or analyses, including collecting, handling, and preparing samples, operating laboratory equipment, recording data, and maintaining lab cleanliness. 

Possession of an Associates of Science degree or higher, college level coursework, or other specialized training in biology, microbiology, chemistry or other courses that require working in a laboratory setting, wastewater treatment, or related laboratory experience; as well as experience working in a public agency setting are all desirable.

Certifications 
Must possess a valid California class C driver license and have a satisfactory driving record.

Laboratory Technician I: Requires the possession of or ability to obtain a Grade I Laboratory Analyst Certification from the California Water Environmental Association (CWEA) within one year of appointment. 

Laboratory Technician II: Requires the possession of or ability to obtain a Grade II Laboratory Analyst Certification from the California Water Environmental Association (CWEA) within one year of appointment. 

Distinguishing Characteristics
Technician I is the entry-level in this class series. Incumbents work under supervision and learn the basic assignments of a functional area or assist with the conduct of the more challenging and technically difficult assignments. As knowledge and experience are gained, the work becomes broader in scope, assignments are more varied and are performed under more general supervision. The work requires the application of policies, procedures, and regulations. Incumbents may advance to the higher-level class after obtaining the knowledge, skills, and experience, and demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.

Technician II is the journey level in this class series capable of performing a wide variety of work to ensure that the City facilities and infrastructure are maintained in a safe and effective working condition. Responsibilities require the frequent use of tact, discretion, and independent judgment as well as specific technical knowledge of departmental and City activities. The work also requires the interpretation and application of policies, procedures and regulations.

Advancement Criteria
A Technician I who meets the criteria to advance to Technician II must have served a minimum of 6 months satisfactory performance at their current wage step prior to reclassification.