Laboratory Aide

**About Us**

Henrico County, a progressive employer of choice, provides job seekers with the promise of fair and competitive compensation; a close-knit atmosphere with low employee turnover; and a benefits package that helps secure financial stability.

Established in 1611, Henrico County has deep historical roots. Henrico County borders the City of Richmond to the west, north and east and constitutes approximately a third of the Richmond metropolitan areas. Henrico County is among the top-rated counties in the nation and was one of the first localities to adopt the County Manager Form of Government. Citizens of Henrico County are represented by an elected Board of Supervisors representing five magisterial districts.

Henrico County General Government currently has more than 30 agencies. Department Heads are appointed by the County Manager, with the exception of the elected constitutional officers. Henrico County is an equal opportunity employer and, when you join us, you will be surrounded by fellow associates who come from all walks of life, all types of cultural backgrounds and all ages.

**General Statement of Duties**

Closing Date: This position closes on Monday, May 13, 2024.

Assigned to a County laboratory with primary responsibilities for accurately performing a variety of routine and less complex testing on water or wastewater samples as assigned; accurately collects, prepares, preserves, analyzes and logs samples; maintains strict chain-of-custody protocols; adheres to strict prescribed guidelines and processes; does related work as required.

**Essential Duties**

The Laboratory Aide helps to support the day-to-day function of the Henrico County Central Environmental Laboratory, a VELAP certified laboratory located at the Henrico Water Reclamation Facility.

The essential duties of this position include:

- Field collection and analysis of routine and non-routine drinking water samples throughout the County’s distribution system.
- Accurate calibration and use of equipment used for field testing and analysis, including pH meters, handheld colorimeters, turbidimeter, etc.
- Interaction with DPU customers when responding to water quality concerns.
- Manage ordering, stocking and inventory of laboratory supplies.
- Receive, prepare, preserve, and handle a wide variety of water and wastewater samples.
- Develop and maintain a sound working knowledge of laboratory equipment and testing protocols including proper sample collection and preservation skills, accurate testing and analysis skills and sound quality controls skills.
- Develop and maintain a sound understanding of sampling and holding time requirements to ensure sample compliance and appropriately prioritizes workload.
- Use of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) software to log-in samples and enter results of analysis.
- Disposal of wastewater and drinking water samples followed by sample container cleaning.
- Follow all safety protocols and use all required personal protective equipment.

The Laboratory Aide shall have the following abilities:

- Sound attention to detail and organization skills.
- Time management skills to successfully complete assigned tasks accurately and in a timely manner within established deadlines, specifications and regulations.
- Personal accountability and integrity.
- Sound judgement, critical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to appropriately recognize issues and collaborate effectively with Lab staff and other stakeholders to appropriately resolve questions and issues with mínimal guidance.
- A sound working knowledge of relevant safety rules/regulations and accident-prevention practices.
- Manual dexterity, visual and hearing acuity sufficient to enable sample collections and accurate testing, analysis, and reporting and to work safely in laboratory conditions handling hazardous materials.
- Ability to work in all weather conditions.
- Ability to drive a cargo van.
- Sound interpersonal skills, including good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with diverse audiences of internal and external personnel and maintain effective working relationships.
- Ability to collaborate effectively to establish and maintain good working relationships with relevant internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Sound math skills necessary to perform accurate calculations.
- May require the ability to work a flexible schedule.

**Minimum Qualifications**

High school graduation plus relevant coursework in the sciences such as chemistry and previous relevant work experience preferred; OR, any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

**Additional Information**

**Job is located to the Henrico County Water Reclamation Facility located at 9101 WRVA Road in Varina.**

A criminal history record check and fingerprinting is conducted on