Technician I (Biological)

The Role

Provides microbiological evaluation of drinking water, ground water, wastewater, surface water and liquid sludge to ensure compliance with current drinking water legislation and the Region's water and environmental protection policies.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Analyzes water samples for microbial organisms (e.g., Total Coliforms, Background Bacteria, Heterotrophic Bacteria, E.coli, Microcystin, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Carbonaceous Biological Oxygen Demand (CBOD)), and other biological parameters, as required. 
• Performs bacteriological analyses on Waterloo Region drinking water samples to ensure compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. Immediately informs the Senior Microbiologist if adverse results are detected, in compliance with notification procedures. Directly relays information to stakeholders, as required in absence of Supervisor (e.g., during evening and weekend shifts). 
• Analyzes wastewater and liquid sludge samples from the wastewater treatment plants to ensure acceptability for disposal and conformance with the existing Ministry standards, Nutrient Management Act, and Certificates of Approval. 
• Follows testing procedures and guidelines to evaluate and analyze industrial wastewater and storm water discharges for compliance with the Regional Sewer Use By-Law.
• Analyzes performance evaluation samples provided by the Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation (CALA) containing analyte concentrations known to CALA but not the Section. 
• Performs bacteriological confirmatory tests to verify test results and determine quality and accuracy of test results. 
• Analyses evidentiary samples, according to policies and procedures (e.g., for use in legal action in cases of non-compliance with the Region's Sewer Use by-law).
• Performs analysis and reports results in other EE&LS laboratory Sections, as required.
• Troubleshoots, calibrates and performs routine maintenance on analytical instruments (e.g., microscopes, biological safety cabinets, water purification systems, balances, incubators, pH meters), as assigned. 
• Prepares, sterilizes, and disinfects equipment (e.g., pipettes, dilution blanks). Prepares supplies and equipment for field/external personnel, and advises regarding special handling procedures. 
• Treats and disposes of lab chemical/biological wastes generated during analysis. 
• Maintains pure and healthy bacterial control cultures. Ensures cultures are sub-cultured weekly and quarterly on appropriate media and stored under specific conditions. 
• Assists in invoicing for the Section by producing summaries of samples received/testing required.
• Prepares various media (selective and non-selective), reagents, and solutions to perform required  analyses and uses various types of membrane filtration and confirmatory procedures. Carries out quality control procedures on media, reagents, and solutions, and ensures procedural compliance. 
• Prepares detailed documentation of analytical data (quality control data, final results generation) to satisfy the lab’s quality system requirements.  
• Assists to research, develop, and validate new analytical procedures under guidance of the Senior Microbiologist/Technologist (Biological).
  Performs regular maintenance and minor servicing of laboratory equipment and instruments used by self and others (approximate value of $100,000) to maintain in good working condition. Maintains an inventory of equipment, chemicals, and supplies and advises the supervisor/Technologist when replacement is required. Provides input to supervisor for purchase of new equipment.
• Performs related duties, as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of biological science and microbiology, including equipment, methods, and procedures used in environmental analysis, acquired through a 3-year community college diploma or 3-year University degree in Biology, Microbiology, or related discipline, plus 2 years of directly related experience.
• Knowledge of Regional policies and procedures, Regional Sewer Use by-law, quality system requirements of CALA, ISO 17025, and Provincial/Federal legislation (e.g., Ontario Drinking Water Protection Regulation 170/03 and 252/05, Ontario Drinking Water Standards).
• Communication skills to review, understand, and discuss detailed analytical procedures with other staff, and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to read and apply information contained in analytical procedures, health and safety manuals, quality documents, and instrument manuals.
• Ability to create and maintain organized, accurate, and detailed written and computerized reports; edit detailed analytical methods, standard operating procedures, and quality system corrective action reports.
• Ability to train Section staff and explain technical terminology to non-technical audiences. Ability to report adverse water quality results to clients, the Ministry, and Public Health.
• Organizational skills to plan and prioritize work to meet sample holding time limits and perform tasks simultaneously. Analytical and problem solving skills to interpret and evaluate analytical data, and research/develop new analytical methods.
• Computer skills using MS Office and a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Ability to use specialized analytical software and computerized instruments to perform analyses.
• Ability to work a rotating shift that includes evenings and weekends as part of a regular, set schedule.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.