Laboratory Assistant Intern (Micro)

Location: Springfield, MO

Connect to a career at City Utilities! CU has been connecting our community to the services they need for every day life since 1945. From electricity to power our lives, clean water to be healthy, natural gas to stay warm, internet to keep businesses connected, to transit services to get them where they need to go.

This position requires an employee to work between 20-25 hours per week during the school semesters, and 40 hours per week during summer, not to exceed 1,500 hours in a calendar year. Each semester, undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours and graduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours.

INTERN GUIDELINES: Students who have completed at least one year of college and are enrolled as a full-time student may apply. Must be enrolled full-time in a degree seeking program. A student’s intern position will end within three months after graduation.

Pay Details: $16 - $20/hour *Depending upon student classification.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm. 20 - 25 hours per week.

Job Description:

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Under the direction of the Supervisor – Water Quality (Micro), aids in Microbiology Analyses and Water Resources functions of the laboratory. Performs all necessary Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) for data reliability and method certification. Will be required to perform other duties and functions that may be assigned for the laboratory to perform its basic mission.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Provides support for microbial instrumentation such as CAAS, microscopy (w/fluorescence), total nitrogen, total phosphorous and autoclave sterilization.

2. Assists in research and analytical method development (wet chemistry, immunoassay, instrumental, etc.).

3. Assists in the authoring, review and revision of Standard Operating Procedures.

4. Provides backup support for Organic and Inorganic chemists.

5. Assists with data entry in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and internal reporting software. Receives samples, generates worksheets, and notifies lab personnel of sample results.

6. Provides support for the Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR).

7. Provides support for algal enumeration and identification as well as cyanotoxin analysis.

8. Provides support for lake monitoring, including but not limited to remote probe maintenance, sampling, field analyses etc. Identifies and enumerates algal populations, as well as cyanotoxin analysis, and communicates findings with treatment operators.

9. Assists lab personnel when working with local and state agencies to protect drinking water sources. Participates in opportunities to educate the public about water quality, including facility tours and speaking events.

10. Assists with field analysis for free residual chlorine, total residual chlorine, temperature, turbidity, conductivity and pH as required in the distribution system, treatment plants, and raw water sources. Assist with providing Water Quality Parameter testing backup to the Chemist.

11. Provides support to the Quality Assurance Officer for the triennial Chemistry Certification and triennial RTCR Certification.

12. Provides operational assistance for Water Treatment Operations such as jar testing for optimizing coagulant dose determinations, chlorine demand, permanganate demand, polyaluminum chloride acceptance, etc.

13. Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Minimum of one year college with a major in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or related field is required. Strong understanding of environmental sciences and basic water quality is preferred. Must have completed coursework in General Biology I and II. Courses or work experience related to inland waters, such as limnology, stream ecology, phycology is preferred.

Licensing/Certification:

Must have a valid driver’s license (minimum Class F). If born after January 1, 1984, a valid Missouri boater’s license will need to be obtained within the first month of employment. Upon training, must be able to perform initial demonstration of capabilities (IDOCs) and attain certification for performing microbiological analysis.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Basic knowledge of: Microbiology and basic chemistry.

Raw water sources and lakes management.

Safety Procedures and Good Laboratory Practices.

Ability to: Learn regulations and rules pertaining to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Work with professionals in an office and field setting.

Present information clearly, concisely, and convey technical information in non-technical terms with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Work independently and stay task oriented.

Effectively utilize a range of digital tools and platforms, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, enterprise software, artificial intelligence-enhanced applications, and self-service systems. Must possess a willingness and capacity to learn and adapt to emerging technologies, including mobile devices, cloud-based systems, and data-driven platforms relevant to utility operations.

Excellent customer service skills including the ability to interact with people in a positive and courteous manner.

Excellent organizational and analytical skills. Must be detail-oriented and able to review data for inaccuracies.

Maintain adherence to all company policies.

Physical Requirements:

May occasionally perform bending, stooping, squatting, and crouching in order to collect routine water samples. May be required to lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally. Must be able to perform field surveillance, swim, operate a boat and trailer, and lift gear and instruments in a safe manner.

Working Conditions:

Normal laboratory, office or field environment. Working in the watershed, lakes and distribution system can be expected. Must be able to work during hours most suited to